Hyundai i20 targets European buyers at 2015 Geneva Motor Show
Hyundai’s new-generation i20 made its Geneva debut, highlighting upgraded design, more upmarket materials and a broader engine range aimed at the European supermini market.
Hyundai brought its new-generation i20 to the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, aiming squarely at European supermini buyers with a sharper design, improved cabin materials and an expanded engine line-up. The car had already made its first appearance at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, but Geneva marked its first major outing of the year as Hyundai sought to build momentum in a market dominated by established rivals.
The i20’s latest generation adopts Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 styling, giving the car a more assertive stance and a cleaner, more European look. The upright front end features a prominent hexagonal grille and new headlights with integrated LEDs. The gloss black C-pillar adds a floating roof effect, a design cue that has divided opinion but is increasingly common among rivals.
Inside, Hyundai has focused on perceived quality, replacing much of the previous car’s hard plastics with softer, more upmarket materials. The dashboard is angled five degrees towards the driver for a more cockpit-like feel. Options such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof and a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation push the i20 further upmarket compared to its predecessor.
Engine range and technical details
Hyundai is offering the i20 with a broad selection of engines designed to suit a range of buyers. Petrol options start with a 1.25-litre four-cylinder producing either 75 or 84 PS, and a 1.4-litre four-cylinder with 100 PS and 134 Nm of torque. For 2015, a new 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol joins the line-up, delivering 120 PS and 172 Nm, aimed at customers seeking more performance without sacrificing efficiency.
- 1.25-litre petrol: 75 or 84 PS
- 1.4-litre petrol: 100 PS, 134 Nm
- 1.0-litre turbo petrol: 120 PS, 172 Nm
- 1.1-litre diesel: 75 PS, 180 Nm
- 1.4-litre diesel: 90 PS, 240 Nm
Diesel buyers have a choice between a 1.1-litre unit with 75 PS and 180 Nm, and a 1.4-litre diesel producing 90 PS and 240 Nm. All engines are paired with manual gearboxes, though Hyundai has previously offered automatics on selected petrol variants. Full technical specifications and emissions figures were on display at Geneva, underlining the i20’s compliance with Euro 6 standards.
Position in the market
The i20 sits at the heart of Hyundai’s European range, targeting buyers who might otherwise consider the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo or Renault Clio. By focusing on design, perceived quality and a wide engine choice, Hyundai is aiming to strengthen its position in the competitive supermini segment. The Geneva debut follows the i20’s initial reveal in Paris and precedes the arrival of the more rugged i20 Active, which would appear later in 2015.
