Hyundai i20 Active launched at Rs 6.38 lakh

We’ve reviewed it, and now we have the prices for the newest compact crossover in the now burgeoning segment, the Hyundai i20 Active. Starting at Rs 6.38 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and going up to Rs 8.89 lakh for the top-spec diesel, it seems like Hyundai has got the pricing spot on compared to its rivals.

The crossover is based on the Hyundai i20 but, typical of this segment, it gets beefy, SUV-ish overtones thanks to the jacked up stance (190mm now), different bumpers, faux bash plates, 16-inch alloys and black cladding all-round. Other than the orange stitching and insets (option of blue also available) and the aluminium pedals, the cabin is identical to that found on its hatchback sibling. Based on our review, the raised suspension (from 170mm to 190mm) hasn’t affected the handling, rather it has improved margnially thank to a stiffer set-up.

Hyundai doesn’t tend to skimp on the goodies front and each i20 Active variant gets the same levels of equipment as the corresponding i20 variant. The top-spec SX comes with 1GB internal memory for the audio system, Bluetooth connectivity along with USB and AUX, rear view mirror integrated parking camera, and parking sensors. The petrol, however, will not be available in the SX variant and misses out on the rear view mirror integrated parking camera with parking sensors. It also comes equipped with a “smart pedal” that overrides accelerator inputs during panic braking, so no left foot braking for enthusiasts.

Mechanically, again, the i20 Active shares the powertrain options, from the engines to the transmission. The same 1.2-litre Kappa VTVT petrol engine developing 82bhp and 115Nm mated to a five-speed manual transmission is available, while the diesel is the same 1.4-litre U2 CRDi making 89bhp and 220Nm. The diesel engine comes mated to a six-speed transmission with tweaked ratios which, Hyundai claims, makes the crossover 6 per cent faster and 11 per cent more fuel efficient. Both engines are able, and excel at what they are meant to do delivering fuel efficiency figures of 17kmpl and 21kmpl, respectively.

Each crossover variant seems to be priced almost a lakh above the corresponsing i20 variant, which seems on par for this segment. Fiat’s Avventura costs about Rs 1.2 lakh more than the Punto, Toyota’s Etios Cross is at a Rs 1.2 lakh premium, and the difference between VW’s Polo and Cross Polo is about the same as well. At this price point, Hyundai may have struck gold in this segment as well, though we shall have to wait for a comparo with its rivals until we know for sure.

Specification

i20 Active 1.2i20 Active 1.4 CRDiEngineIn-line, 4-cyl, 1197cc, petrolIn-line, 4-cyl, 1396 common-rail direct injection dieselTransmission5-spped manual6-speed manualPower82bhp @ 6000rpm89bhp @ 4000rpmTorque115Nm @ 4000rpm220Nm @ 1500rpm0–100kmph — Top speed — Fuel efficiency18.6kmpl (claimed)22.5kmpl (claimed)

Price

VariantEx-showroom DelhiHyundai i20 Active 1.2 Rs 6.38 lakhHyundai i20 Active 1.2 SRs 7.09 lakhi20 Active 1.4 CRDi Rs 7.63 lakhi20 Active 1.4 CRDi SRs 8.34 lakhi20 Active 1.4 CRDi SXRs 8.89 lakh