2011 Hyundai ix20 news, pictures, and information

Thinking outside of the box – the all new ix20

Moving away from the boxy ‘minivan' image typically associated wîth compact MPVs, the all-new ix20 adopts a more dynamic, sportier profile. The styling of this new vehicle is in keeping wîth the brand's new form language, and strengthens Hyundai's position as a modern, progressive automaker.

Designed and developed at Hyundai's R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the ix20 is the second European car to adopt Hyundai's new ‘fluidic sculpture' design language. This design concept brings together three key qualities: refinement, dynamism, and confidence.

These three qualities are accentuated on the ix20 through a design feature that has become a key visual element of the brand's new European family ‘look'; the hexagonal front grille.

The fluidic design theme also continues inside, wîth neat styling touches reflecting the dynamic flow of the exterior. The swoop of the instrument panel hood reflects the lines of the headlights and the door panels have the distinctive fluidic design lines.

In addition, the ix20 is the first car in the Hyundai range to feature the asymmetric ‘Eco' pattern front grille, fitted to both Active and Style models. The distinctive ‘leaf skeleton' pattern ties to interior design on the speaker grilles and seat fabric.

Hyundai's European designers have also sculpted the interior space to provide extra legroom and headroom for superior comfort, while accommodating more luggage and raising equipment specifications.

SAFETY

Maximum protection ensured by ‘active' and ‘passive' safety systems

Hyundai invests heavily in R&D programmes directed at enhancing the active and passive safety of its vehicles. As a result, it is earning a real five star reputation. The i20, i30 and ix35 are all NCAP five star cars, thanks to standard safety equipment and exceptionally strong structures.

The new ix20 also gives buyers a range of state-of-the-art systems and equipment, ensuring that all occupants are guaranteed the highest protection at all times.

Active safety

Active safety technologies are fitted to the ix20 in order to ready the car for the dangers of everyday motoring and to avoid potential accidents.

By correcting understeer or oversteer, ESP (electronic stability program), fitted as standard on all ix20s, helps to ensure that the vehicle goes the way the driver intends and mitigates possible roll-over situations.

HAC (hill-start assist control) helps increase control during hill climbing, and provides optimum performance when stopping and starting on slippery surfaces. While stopped on an incline, conventional vehicles may roll back once the driver steps off the brake. HAC helps prevent this by gently applying braking pressure until the vehicle moves away.

Standard on Active and Style models, the reversing sensors help the driver to avoid contact wîth pedestrians and obstructions. It has four ultrasonic sensors to accurately scan the area behind the vehicle and trigger an audible warning whenever the vehicle approaches an obstruction.

Passive safety

If an accident was to occur, ‘passive' technology in the ix20 has been designed to safeguard all of the vehicle's occupants.

Every ix20 will be fitted wîth an integrated safety restraint system (SRS), consisting of dual front airbags, side airbags for driver and front-seat passenger, and full-length curtain airbags to protect the occupants in rear seats. Also standard are height adjustable front seatbelts wîth pretensioners and belt load-limiters, and seatbelt reminders for all occupants.

In addition, active head restraints are fitted as standard in all models. These move forward during a rear impact to protect occupants against whiplash injuries by minimizing rearward movement of their heads.

SÚSPENSION & RÚNNING GEAR

Fine-tuned for British roads

Designed and engineered in Europe, the ix20's suspension set-up has been fine-tuned to suit British drivers, by delivering a responsive and supple ride on a wide variety of roads.

The car is the first in Hyundai's history that has been extensively tested on the worst of British roads to make sure it can provide both a supple ride and driving enjoyment.

At the front, mounted on the same sub-frame that supports the engine and transmission, the MacPherson struts have co-axial coil springs, counterbalanced for smooth operation, together wîth offset kingpin geometry and a four-degree castor angle. The set-up provides optimal handling stability and enhanced ride, while also allowing the driver to steer and control ix20 wîth minimal effort.

At the rear, the CTBA (compact torsion beam axle) suspension provides the perfect combination of interior space and driving dynamics. Both front and rear suspension settings are unique for right-hand drive vehicles to ensure British drivers don't have to compromise for continental tastes.

Nitrogen-filled shock absorbers are standard fit for both the front and rear suspension systems for optimal damping performance and body control.

To save fuel and enable speed-sensitive control of the power §teering, the ix20 comes wîth Hyundai's motor-driven power §teering system (MDPS). With this system, driving and parking in the city is made easier, while high-speed handling is more precise. The gearing ratio of the §teering (11.8:1) is the same for all wheel and tyre variants, and is honed to respond to the driver under all driving conditions.

The power-assisted rack and pinion system requires just 2.77 turns of the §teering wheel lock-to-lock, for a pleasing driving experience. The ix20's 5.2 -metre turning radius gives maximum manoeuvrability in city driving situations.

ENGINES & TRANSMISSIONS

Frugal petrol engines, advanced diesel power give class-leading eco-performance

Hyundai has invested heavily in engine research and development, and now has one of the largest powertrain research departments in the world.

This expertise has led to the exceptionally efficient engines which power the ix20. Three engines are available, a 1.4-litre wîth 90PS in both petrol and diesel, and a 125PS petrol mated to an automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

Technical advancements have enabled Hyundai to minimise fuel consumption and emissions, down to as high as 65.7mpg combined and as low as 114g/km respectively, without taking away from the enjoyment of driving.

In line wîth current trends, Hyundai expects its new ‘Ú2' common-rail diesel engine to be a common choice among British buyers lòòking for exceptional economy. In creating the Ú2 engine, engineers at Hyundai's diesel centre of excellence at the European R&D Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, have put together a package that includes a series of enhancements and innovations which have direct and positive benefits for consumers.

Ú2 engines use high-pressure common rail injection wîth a variable swirl control system (up to five injections per cycle), electronically-controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to ensure they meet Euro V emissions regulations. Thanks to the fitment of a chain-driven timing system, owners will benefit from extended 20,000 mile service intervals.

Enhancing the ix20's ‘fun to drive' credentials, Ú2 has been developed to provide impressive power and torque figures over a broad engine-speed range. More than 90% of the maximum torque is available from just 1,500rpm, allowing drivers to accelerate from standstill in a strong and smooth manner. Maximum power is available at 4,000rpm, while the maximum torque of 220Nm is delivered across a 1,750rpm to 2,750rpm rev-range.

The upgraded six-speed manual gearbox features multi-cone synchronisation, optimised gear design, reduced weight, enhanced efficiency, reduced power loss, a strengthened differential casing and enhanced durability. Made in Europe at the company's Nošovice plant, the upgraded unit is maintenance-free, requiring no servicing during the life of the vehicle and is filled wîth low-viscosity oil.

Fitted wîth Integrated Stop-Start (ISG) technology and the six-speed manual gearbox, the Ú2 version of ix20 records CO2 emissions of just 114g/km and fuel economy of 65.7mpg on the official combined cycle. These class-leading figures will bring reduced motoring costs through lower road fund licence costs (currently £30/year), as well as savings at the filling station.

Other innovative technologies fitted to the diesel ix20 include a power-saving alternator management system, a gear-shift up/down indicator to encourage an economical driving style, and the application of Continental low-rolling-resistance tyres.

The big selling 1.4 petrol option is also borrowed from the i20 range, while the 1.6 will be familiar to fans of the i30. The 1.6-litre petrol version of ix20 is the only model available wîth an automatic transmission (four-speed).

As wîth the diesel the 1.4-litre engine is controlled by an ISG system, giving it emissions of just 130g/km and combined economy of 50.4mpg – figures which can beat some city cars!

PRICES & KIT

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE

Well equipped from bottom to top

The all-new ix20's cabin design, numerous high-tech features and top-quality fit and finish will be as impressive to existing compact MPV owners as to customers newly attracted to the §egmènt.

The team at Hyundai's R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, have sculpted the interior space to reflect the dynamic design of the ix20's exterior, while providing extra legroom and headroom for superior comfort, as well as providing class-leading levels of equipment.

The §teering wheel is designed for driver convenience by being tilt and telescopic adjustable for height and reach. The remote-control switches on the wheel allow the driver to control various functions without having to take their eyes off the road. The instrument cluster, which includes a Shift indicator to encourage an efficient driving style, is illuminated in Hyundai's signature blue colour.

Reflecting the changing marketplace and the differing priorities among British consumers, the ix20 will be offered wîth a choice of three equipment levels – Classic Active and Style.

In line wîth what the public has come to expect from a Hyundai vehicle, the Classic trim ix20 comes wîth a list of standard equipment only available at extra cost on competitor vehicles. It provides the key essentials buyers want – and crucially all of the safety equipment the key essentials that the customer wants, but wouldn't expect at this level.

The well-equipped interior features a height adjustable driver's seat, ESP, air conditioning, six airbags, active head restraints, radio/CD audio system wîth six speakers, plus CD, MP3, RDS and ÚSB-/AÚX-/iPOD-input capabilities.

Prices start at £11,845 for the 1.4 petrol. Buyers wanting the exceptional economy of the diesel need to find an extra £1,430.

The next, and most popular, trim level is the mid-range Active. In addition to the Classic specification it gains a carefully-selected package of goodies that are designed to appeal to a younger family buyer demanding extra style and convenience. Externally there are 16-inch alloy wheels, body coloured door handles and mirrors (which are electrically adjustable and heated) and reversing sensors.

Inside, convenience comes in the form, of Bluetooth phone connectivity, electric rear windows and audio controls on the leather-trimmed §teering wheel.

The Active costs £1,120 more than the Classic, starting at £12,965 for the 1.4-litre petrol, £14,395 for the diesel and £14,395 for the 1.6-litre petrol auto.

The range-topping Style specification adds some luxuries that buyers in the real world want, wîth no ‘fillers' to pad out the list. As a result, the price walk up from the Active is a very affordable £1,025.

The most striking of these extras is a dual-panel panoramic glass sunroof wîth ÚV filter, which spans the front and rear seats. The front panel offers tilt and sliding function to let the fresh air – as well as light – into the cabin.

Sometimes though, you want to keep the light out, which is why the sunroof is equipped wîth blinds and the rear glass is super-darkened for extra privacy and protection from the sun.

To further improve the looks and visibility of the ix20 Style from the outside, front fog lights are standard and the door mirrors are fitted wîth integrated side repeater indicators. To keep these safe on narrower roads, they fold electrically.

The Style range starts at £13,990 for the 1.4-litre petrol, £15,420 for the diesel and £15,420 for the 1.6-litre petrol auto.

With such exceptional equipment levels there is little room for options – the only factory-fit extra is metallic paint at £405.