Coertse grabs Dullstroom honours

Weather, infringements and off-road excursions meant plenty of surprises in the two final rallies of the South African National series – two day, two rallies and changes in the lead right up to the finish but it was a huge event for the Mazda 2 pairing of Chris Coertse and Greg Godrich who emerged overall winners on both days.

Friday:

What should have been a straight fight in the dust on the fast special stages around the trout-rich town of Dullstroom in Mpumalanga, turned into a fight for surival for many of crews contesting the final two rounds of the 2023 South African National Rally Championship.

Clear skies and bright sunshine greeted competitors at the start of the TRACN4 Rally and all eyes were on the expected tussle between the NRC 1 Rally Technic Mazda 2 of Chris Coertse and Greg Godrich and the NRC 2 Just Tools Volkswagen Golf crewed by Benjamin Habig and Barry White – this fight for second overall in the series with the actual champion having been crowned at the previous event.

“It would be nice to claim that second place, but our goal the whole season has been to win the class,” said White.

It all went wrong for them shortly after the start of first special stage when the Polo lost drive and could not be recovered until all the cars had passed, forcing their retirement for the day and leaving the way open for the Maza duo to forge ahead.

However, the big mover of the morning was the Salom Toyota Auris of Theuns Joubert and Schalk van Heerden who stormed through the opening stage to win by 10 seconds from Coertse/Godrich with newly-crowned SA Champions JJ Potgieter and Tommy du Toit in the NTT Toyota Delmas Hyundai R4 visibly taking things easier than their normal all-out charge.

Potgieter/Du Toit

“I was taking it easier,” said Potgieter, “but we were also battling with a misfire that kept us off the pace.”

Stage 2 was a blinder for Mandla Mdakane and Kes Naidoo in their Toyota Gazoo Racing Starlet and they howled through taking 10 seconds from Joubert/Van Heerden and 14 seconds from the Mazda – just reward, perhaps for a troubled season that saw the Starlet retire from several events.

However, the pair made an error during the clock-in procedure at the start of the stage and were then penalised by four minutes, dropping them to the back of the field and this was compounded at the end of the day when and engine problem meant they could not get the car back to the parc ferme.

By the end of Stage 3 Joubert and Van Heerden had extended their lead to 17 seconds over the Mazda with Potgieter/Du Toit now slotted into third place ahead of Gerald Klopper and Etienne Lourens (GK Racing Toyota Auris) fourth overall and the leading NRC 2 contender ahead of Gustav Potgieter/Armand du Toit (Atlas Oil Ford Fiesta R2).

Stage 4 saw much o the same but with Mdakane trying to eat up as much of his deficit as possible and racking up third quickest time  over the 12, 6 kilometres of Safcol Highway 2 – this pulling them up to seventh overall.

Then, the weather intervened and a sudden, short rain and lightning storm descended with the cars in Stage 5 where everything changed as the gravel road turned into an ice-rink, setting off a chain of events started by Gerald Klopper who lost a wheel and veered off into a tree, leaving the car in a vulnerable position.

With Lourens waving oncoming competitors to slow down, Gustav Potgieter stopped on the stage (after having been stuck in the mud for more than minute earlier) without realising George Smallberger/Shaun Visser (Shield Q20 Volkswagen Polo) had closed right up.

“I saw him stopped on the stage and tried to go around but with the mud and the slide we ended up beached on the edge of the road and lost plenty of time trying to get free.” Said Smallberger.

Joubert/Van Heerden

But, it was up front where the real drama happened as Theuns Joubert suffered a front left tyre puncture and with 10 kilometres of stage left, decided to continue. The delaminating tyre then dmaged the front end of the car but they made it to the flying finish, losing 58 seconds in the process.

This giffted Coertse a 35 second lead overall, cemented by the fact the Clerk-of-the-Course then cancelled the final stage of the day for safety reasons.

So, Coertse/Godrich took top step of the podium from Joubert/Van Heerden and Potgieter/Du Toit with Mdakane/Naidoo fourth on the road but excluded because of the engine issue on the way to the overnight parc ferme.

Thus, Gustav Potgieter finish fourth ahead of Lynton Swatton and Tommy Coetzee (RBS Plumbing Toyota RunX).

Saturday:

Overnight the weather cleared and Saturday dawned bright and clear with Joubert/Van Heerden following the TRAC N$ catchline for the event of ‘going all out’ and they opened proceedings – much of which involved the previous day’s stages in reverse – with an eight second advantage over Potgieter/Du Toit and taking 29 seconds from Coertse/Godrich.

Back in the running, Habig and White ran a conservative fifth quickest on the stage a second behind Gustav Potgieter and five ahead of the Johan Strauss/Elzaan van der Schyff Agri Online Subaru WRX that was forced to withdraw before the start of the Friday even with engine problems.

“It is still not properly sorted,” said Strauss “and there is a throttle problem. If I drive slowly there is some response but if I try to go quickly it does not respond.”

With the Hyundai now cleared of its misfire, JJ Potgieter decided it was time to get moving and raced through the second stage two seconds to the good over Joubert with Coertse maintaining an edge over Habig who headed the NRC 2 class.

The AR Panelbeaters Ford Escort Cosworth of Anton Raaths and Marie Ducasse had a good run to notch up fifth place on the road.

The rally then looked as if it was settling into a pattern with Joubert/Van Heerden taking the top honours on Stage 3 followed by Potgieter/Du Toit with Coertse and Habig in close attendance – Potgieter then upped the pace to take Stage 4 to set up the scene for the final stages by reducing Joubert’s lead to just 0,1 seconds after the former lost time in the stage due to a faulty oil temperature sensor caused the engine to go into limp mode.

Coertse was just 1min07 sec off the lead at this point.

Mdakane/Naidoo

However, this time it was not the weather to influence things – Car 0, which has the task of going through the stage ahead of the field to check the marshals are in place, arrowing is correct and no spectators are in dangerous places, had a mechanical issue. This is then followed by Car 00 half an hour before the first competitor enters the stage.

Stage 5, which was also being run as Stage 6, had to be cancelled to allow Car 00 to do the work of both lead vehicles.

This stage, a repeat of Stge 2 from Friday, featured a downhill run to a shallow water splash with a disconcerting bump on the exit and Habig – not having done the stage the previous day – came flying in, uymped, got hugely sideways, corrected and went up on two wheels.

He landed back on the road but minus a wheel and carried on to finish the stage. However, he transgressed regulations by driving on a public road on three wheels then replacing the wheel in the control area of Stage 6, resulting in his exclusion.

Stage 6, Lakenvlei, worked for Coertse who took 1,8 seconds off Joubert with Potgieter third quickest through the 27,4 kilometre section just ahead of Habig who would have been third overall at that point had it not been for the exclusion he was yet to hear about.

Habig/White

The final stage of the event and the season, Legends, saw Coertse again take the stage win, this time taking 11, 9 seconds off Joubert to end up as overall winner for the day and second overall in the National standings behind Gustav Potgieter who ended on the third step of the podium for the day and first car in the NRC 2 category.

JJ Potgieter finished fourth overall, ahead of Magriet Potgieter and Rikus Fourie (Ford Fiesta R2) and Bruce Swatton/Adrian du Plessis (RBS Plumbing Toyota Auris S2000).

https://bit.ly/3sFTXIf

Colin-on-Cars - Simola Hillclimb gains new backing

Since inception, the size, status and relevance of the annual Simola Hilclimb has grown exponentially along with the speed, ferocity and technical innovation of the vehicles that clamour for inclusion – with all available slots taken up well before the event itself.

This motoring and motor sport lifestyle event has been given a further boost for this year’s 13th edition, as a record number of vehicle manufacturers are set to join the action. The 2023 Simola Hillclimb, which takes place from 4 to 7 May, will see six manufacturers supporting the event with official entries, with four of the brands also signing up as event partners.

“For the past three years we have been working exceptionally hard to expand the manufacturer support and participation in the Simola Hillclimb to broaden its appeal for spectators and competitors, and give the vehicle brands an unrivalled platform to highlight their latest products,  performance and heritage,” says Ian Shrosbree, managing director of the Knysna Speed Festival which runs the Simola Hillclimb.

“Moving away from having a manufacturer as a title sponsor from the 2021 event onwards allowed us to engage with other brands, and we have been encouraged by a steady growth in involvement each year,” Shrosbree says. “We are delighted to have six manufacturers lined up for this year, which elevates the profile and status of the Simola Hillclimb to even greater heights.”

Suzuki

Suzuki Auto South Africa is a Tier 1 partner for 2023, marking its third consecutive year of sponsoring the event.

“The Simola Hillclimb provides a platform to showcase Suzuki’s fun, exciting and passionate personality that stretches beyond our repertoire of providing affordable, fun and sporty compact cars and motorcycles,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager at Suzuki Auto SA.

“Globally, the Suzuki brand has a very strong heritage and enviable reputation of building crazy, and often record-breaking, high-powered hillclimb monsters such as Monster Tajima’s Suzuki Escudo Pikes Peak and the Suzuki SX4 Pikes Peak Special,” Carpenter says. “The Simola Hillclimb gives us an opportunity to dabble in the South African motor sport scene, and has become a highlight on our annual event calendar.”

Along with its Tier 1 sponsorship, for the second year in a row Suzuki will feature two standard Swift Sport entries competing in the standard production class. The company will also display the latest addition to its SUV line-up, and fans can look forward to demonstration runs with its newest motorcycle offerings.

BMW

Following its participation as an entrant last year, BMW South Africa has stepped up its involvement to become a Tier 1 partner for the 2023 Simola Hillclimb.

“We had a very enthusiastic response from the BMW team last year, and we are delighted to welcome the company on board as a Tier 1 partner for 2023,” Shrosbree says.

While the vehicle and driver line-up is still being finalised, fans can be assured there will be lots to look forward to.

“BMW’s presence at this year’s Simola Hillclimb will be a celebration of our heritage in South Africa on Classic Car Friday, as well as a look towards our future and our expanding electromobility portfolio in the King of the Hill Shootout,” says Thilosh Moodally, General Manager: Group Communications and External Affairs, BMW Group South Africa.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen has progressively stepped up its participation in the Simola Hillclimb over the past couple of years, and has signed up as a Tier 2 partner for 2023.

“This event is the most fun one can have in Knysna! It is a showcase of both driver capability and the incredible engineering in our Volkswagen products,” says Mike Rowe, Volkswagen Driving Experience Manager. “We use it as an opportunity to entertain important guests as well as to demonstrate new Volkswagen products and motorsport drivers to the elite motoring fanatics.”

The Volkswagen line-up will include the powerful Polo SupaCup race car that featured in the 2022 event, along with two Golf R entries in the production vehicle class.

“There will be a fourth very exciting car, but we can’t reveal the details yet,” Rowe says.

Honda

Joining the fray for the first time as a Tier 2 partner is Honda Motor Southern Africa.

“This is the first time that Honda will be participating in the Simola Hillclimb, and we are delighted to be a Tier 2 partner for this prestigious event,” says Letitia Herold, Marketing and PR Manager, Honda Motor Southern Africa.

“For King of the Hill, we are entering a highly anticipated new performance car that will be launched just before the Simola Hillclimb. It will be driven by one of South Africa’s best-known racing drivers, so we expect that there will be lots of interest from the enthusiastic spectators. Fans can look forward to demo runs up Simola Hill as well, and we will be involved in the Fan Fest activities too, so there will be lots to look forward to.”

Hyundai

Hyundai South Africa returns as the media shuttle partner for the second consecutive year, supplying the Staria buses to transport the press contingent to designated photographic locations along the Simola Hill course.

More noteworthy for hot hatch fans, though, is the official entry of the Hyundai i30N, which will be driven by Joshua Lowe, Hyundai’s Regional Sales and N-sport Manager.

“Hyundai N products such as the i30N and Kona N closely align themselves to motorsport and were developed to be track stars for the road,” Lowe says.

“We have entered our i30N which we raced in the Johannesburg-based Vilaca Racing time attack series in 2022, where it finished second in the FWD modified class in stock form,” Lowe says. “For this year the vehicle has a few basic modifications for the track, but is essentially what you can expect from the factory vehicle. We look forward to showing the South African public what the i30N is capable of.”

Ford

Fresh from its South African launch, the new V6-powered Ford Ranger Raptor will provide an unusual twist on the performance vehicle theme with the backing of Ford South Africa, and will compete in the unlimited class for sports utility/activity vehicles and bakkies.

“We are excited about participating in the 2023 Simola Hillclimb for the first time with a media partner,” says Minesh Bhagaloo, General Manager, Communications at Ford South Africa. “The Simola Hillclimb is a fantastic event, and fans will get to see the exhilarating Next-Generation Ranger Raptor in action. It is powered by a 292 kW 3,0-litre V6 EcoBoost engine which makes it our most powerful Ranger yet. We are confident that the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor will be a great attraction at this year’s event, and on our media partner’s social platforms.”

https://bit.ly/3Ymf1xl

Colin-on-Cars - Say what!

The English language is as versatile as it is sometimes abused and the Americans are offered mocked for their adaptions such as 'erb' for herb, lootenant for lieutenant and the like.

Nearly three quarters of Brits (73%) say they have a good grasp of the English language, yet a new survey has revealed nearly half (47%) study the correct pronunciation online via a search engine to check that they’ve got it right.

The survey of 2,000 adults highlighted 45% also still turn to a dictionary or thesaurus to double check the pronunciation of a word or phrase.

The study, which has been commissioned by leading car manufacturer, Hyundai, coincides with its change from the anglicised pronunciation of ‘Hy-un-dai’ to the global pronunciation: ‘Hyun-day’. A change that marks a new era for Hyundai in the UK, with a tongue in cheek multi-channel advert and collaboration with Anglophile Korean Billy as he adapts to UK living and pronunciation. The research reveals the top 25 most mispronounced words, with parliament, tenterhooks, quinoa and cache making the list.

Ashley Andrew, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor UK, says: “Having updated our brand’s image and pronunciation locally, we wanted to explore pronunciation as a topic more broadly and get people talking about those words that we can potentially struggle with in everyday life, such as quinoa and espresso.

“We have teamed up with Seong-Jae, aka Korean Billy, who is well known for his light-hearted YouTube videos into different dialects within the UK, to explore some British words from Korean standpoint.”

The picture differs across the UK, with those in the North East have admitted to having difficulty with pronouncing ‘probably’ (28%), while the North West trip up over ‘zoology’ (19%) and the West Midlands have struggled with ‘quinoa’ (21%).

There’s also a split when it comes to men and women. The survey discovered more than half of men (51%) think by simplifying words, it will make them easier to pronounce. In comparison, more than half of women (51%) will turn to search engines to seek assurance in saying something correctly.

It also appears there is an unspoken rule when it comes to correcting the way friends pronounce words and phrases, even if we know they might be getting it wrong. Just under a third (29%) have revealed they wouldn’t correct someone else even if they know they had said a word incorrectly.

TOP 25 WORDS BRITS HAVE MISPRONOUNCED

- Quinoa (Ki-no-ah)

- Probably (Probly)

- Espresso (Ex-spres-so)

- Affidavit (Affidavid)

- GIF (JIF)

- Meme (Meh – Meh)

- Tenterhooks (Tenderhooks)

- Cache (Cash-ay)

- Coup de grace (Coo-de-GRAH)

- Zoology (Zu-ol-oh-gee)

- Parliament (Parlament)

- Foyer (Foy-ay)

- Mischievous (Mis-chee-vee-ous)

- Antarctic (Ant-ar-tic)

- Arctic (Ar-tic)

- Library (Lie-berry)

- Mange tout (Manj-eh-towt)

- February (Feb-er-erry)

- Jewellery (Joo-luh-ree)

- Sherbet (Sher-bert)

- Prescription (Perscription)

- Almond (Aal-mund)

- Moot (Mute)

- Coupe (C-oo-p)

- Triathlon (Tri-ath-a-lon)

https://bit.ly/3R2cTJe

Colin-on-Cars - Car of the Year contenders announced

The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists’ has announced the list of semi-finalists for the 2022 Car of the Year competition - the oldest car competition in the country, with its inaugural event taking place in 1986.

Over the years, the COTY competition has evolved based on changes in the automotive industry.

Honda Fit

“The impact of COVID-19 on the automotive industry has also seen changes in car launches and the allocation of fleet vehicles over the last year, necessitating modifications to the 2022 COTY competition,” says Graham Eagle, Chairman of the 2022 COTY committee.

This year has also seen the increased importance of online scoring by Guild members. As in 2021, this year will also not see a physical event where winners will be announced; the winners will be announced on the Guild’s digital platforms.

Categories

The 39 semi-finalists represent 10 categories launched between March 31 and December 31, 2021. Four contenders tied with identical scores in the final 35th semi-finalist position and were all included.

Subaru Outback

A total of 65 new vehicles launched in South Africa during this period were considered for this year’s COTY competition.

Energy

For the first time in the competition’s history, the decision was made that vehicles launched with both regular and new energy derivatives would be entered into both their relevant vehicle category and the New Energy Category. Vehicle ranges that only launched a new energy derivative were also included in the ever-growing New Energy Category.

The recently announced 25 juror and trainee juror teams will vote for the 2022 COTY competition finalists in 10 categories.

The categories are: Budget, Compact, Compact Family, Midsize, Premium, Luxury, Performance, New Energy, Adventure SUV and 4X4 Double Cab.

Hyundai Palisade

 Toyota dominates with seven semi-finalists competing in five categories, but there is also strong representation by Audi and Hyundai. Surprisingly, the Performance Category has nine contenders, the most in many years. This year there are no contenders in the Budget category.

Audi A3

Shortly the jurors will narrow the field of semi-finalists to worthy finalists. They are given eight weeks to assess vehicles, after which the final scoring will commence, determining the 2022 SA Car of the Year.

“The overall 2020 SA Car of the Year winner remains the most coveted of all automotive competition titles in South Africa and enjoys international recognition,” concludes Eagle.

https://bit.ly/3fKY7EF

Colin-on-Cars - Electric gets Best Cars vote

A UK panel of car designers, engineers, auto industry titans, motorsport legends, specialist journalists, broadcasters and media professionals have voted for their Best Cars of the Year 2021/2022.

The Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 tied for first place and were declared joint winners in this, the first-ever judging verdict from a new, revolutionary evaluation process.

Prove

The judges commented the shared win for the EV6 and IONIQ 5 further prove that Eui-Sun Chung, Chairman of the giant Hyundai-Kia organisation, is successfully shaking up the old-world order. 

In addition to the world champ Kia and Hyundai models, new cars from Audi, Toyota, Ford, Fiat and Porsche were highly rated by the wholly independent Best Cars of the Year (Best COTY) judging panel, which also includes leading vehicle retailers, automotive consultants, major event and motor club organisers, plus a handful of carefully selected real-world car buyers.

Unique

Manufacturers from South Korea, Germany, Japan, USA, Italy and France (in that order) did most to impress the hugely experienced and genuinely unique team of national and international Best COTY judges who operated under an unrestrictive, totally democratic, 'one person, one vote' system.

Remarkably, the 10 models voted for by those judges into this year’s Best COTY Top 10 are from 10 separate brands, based in six countries spread across the world's Top 3 car-producing continents – Asia, Europe and North America.

Star

As the reigning joint world champions, the Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 are scheduled to be two of the many star attractions expected on the Best Cars of the Year stand at the British Motor Show this coming August, when the selection, evaluation, test driving and voting process for the Best Cars of the Year 2022/23 project will begin.

BEST CARS OF THE YEAR 2021/2022 – OFFICIAL RESULTS

1st KIA EV6  /  HYUNDAI IONIQ 5

3rd AUDI E-TRON GT

4th TOYOTA GR YARIS

5th FORD MUSTANG MACH-E

6th FIAT 500

7th PORSCHE TAYCAN

8th CITROEN AMI

9th MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV

10th VW POLO*

* updated 2021/2022 version

https://bit.ly/32GFRcJ

Colin-on-Cars - Hyundai to showcase future vision

Hyundai Motor Company is presenting a vision of what the future might look like at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that starts in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 5.

Hyundai will present its future vision for robotics and the metaverse under the main theme of ‘Expanding Human Reach’.

At CES 2022, Hyundai Motor will communicate how the company’s robotics business will drive the paradigm shift towards future mobility, going beyond the traditional means of transportation and fulfilling mankind’s aspiration for unlimited freedom of movement.

Reach

Under the main theme of ‘Expanding Human Reach’, Hyundai Motor will share its vision of how robotics will complete the metaverse by connecting the virtual world with reality as a medium, and eventually overcome the physical limitations of movement regarding time and space.   

Hyundai Motor will also showcase its new PnD (Plug & Drive) robotic module platform under the new concept of Mobility of Things (MoT), which aims for the provision of mobility in everything — from traditionally inanimate objects to even community spaces.

CES 2022 visitors will be able to experience the company’s exhibition booth that will show how mobility in the real world can be advanced with robots and offer a glimpse of the future robotics society, which will enable transportation between the virtual and real world. 

The company will also exhibit its robot product line up, including the recently revealed Mobile Eccentric Droid (MobED) as well as Boston Dynamics’ Spot and Atlas.

https://bit.ly/32qGQ0I

Colin-on-Cars - Value deal on entry-level Hyundai Venue

Coming in at R58 000 less than the next model in the range, Hyundai’s entry-level Venue gives nothing away in terms of fit and finish.

The Venue 1.2 Motion (manual) has a launch price of R259 900 and, according to Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa:  “We have sold 9 500 Venues since its launch in South Africa ­– that is an excellent average of more than 400 per month, and proof of the popularity of this model, especially if you consider the negative effect of the Covid 19 pandemic on the car market last year.

“We have identified an opportunity to add the Venue 1.2 Motion with its naturally aspirated engine and manual gearbox for young entry-level buyers, at a price that will make it a real value-for-money purchase.”

The power plant in the new Venue variant is a 1,2-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine, which is linked to a 5-speed manual transmission to drive the car through the front wheels.

The Venue 1.2 Motion (manual) is available with 15-inch steel wheels with styled covers as standard equipment.

Inside, the steering wheel has remote audio controls for the Bluetooth-enabled infotainment centre with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity with smartphones. The 8-inch infotainment centre display screen offers functions for intuitive operation of the most used smartphone functions, including app-based navigation, streaming audio and voice-controlled search capabilities.

Convenience features such as a rear-view camera and Rear Park Assist sensors, electrical adjustment for the side mirrors, a manual air-conditioner and front and rear power windows are standard.

The Venue 1.2 Motion (manual) features 2 crash bags – one each for the driver and front passenger, seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters, ISOFIX child seat attachments for the rear seats, and an anti-lock braking system.

The Venue 1.2 Motion’s 4-cylinder engine, with a displacement of 1 197 cc, delivers 61 kW at its peak performance around 6 000 r/min., and maximum torque of 114 Nm at 4 200 r/min.

McPherson type struts with a stabilizer bar and coil springs are used for the front suspension, while a coupled torsion beam axle with coil springs ensure comfort and secure road handling at the rear.

Included in the Venue 1.2 Motion’s suggested retail price are Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s 7-year / 200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a 3-year / 45 000 km service plan and roadside assistance for 7 years or 150 000 km.

https://bit.ly/3kQljEA

Colin-on-Cars - Staria pushes some boundaries

Certainly the new Hyundai Staria MPV is the most futuristic looking design gracing local roads but, a close look back at the H1 (which it replaces) will reveal hints of the design direction the Korean automaker was heading in, and now nails.

Whatever you might think of the look, the refreshing part is realising there are still designers prepared to be imaginative – and, with this, the Hyundai notion of building a vehicle ‘inside out’ makes a lot of sense.

This design philosophy starts with shaping and plotting the interior and then adding the ‘covering’ – the result the Staria that is available immediately in a 9-seat configuration but will eventually encompass the entire range from two to 11 seats and in panel van and multi-cab formats.

The Staria is initially launched in South Africa with three variants – the Luxury, Elite and Executive, with various seating configurations, features and trim levels.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Staria, which is a big step forward and represents Hyundai’s vision of future mobility – it gives real meaning to ‘next level’. Experiencing the superior ride quality, outstanding fit and finish and the comfort levels in the Staria proves how much Hyundai has developed as a global vehicle manufacturer and one of the top-rated automotive brands,” says Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

The exterior styling, according Hyundai, is defined by a single stroke running from front to rear — inspired by the curve of light that illuminates the Earth’s horizon at sunrise when viewed from space.

The Staria’s front has horizontal daytime running lights (DRLs) and a positioning lamp, together running across the width of the vehicle, complemented by a wide radiator grille with a unique pattern.

The Staria Luxury model features an exclusive tinted brass chrome treatment, applied to the Hyundai emblem, grille, headlamp bezels, front and rear bumpers, wheels, side mirrors and door handles to emphasize the vehicle’s premium and modern look.

The design theme carries over to the rear, featuring a wide window framed by elongated vertical tail lamps, with the Staria Luxury models receiving Hyundai’s Parametric Pixel lamp design and garnish on top. The rear bumper is lowered so passengers can easily load and unload cargo.

The Staria is driven through its front wheels by a 2,2-litre VGT turbo-diesel engine, mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 130 kW maximum power, and its torque output peaks at 430 Nm.

Hyundai Motor optimised the engine and transmission to achieve low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels and a better shift sensation for high torque performance and improved acceleration. It also optimised the direct valve control body for increased hydraulic efficiency, the oil pump for fuel efficiency, and the gearbox’s multi-plate torque converter for control and fuel efficiency.

Mechanical upgrades also resulted in improved ride comfort thanks to the application of a multi-link suspension at the rear axle for the Luxury, Elite and Executive derivatives. The Staria Panel Van will use a rigid rear axle with leaf springs.

Looks and an engine with some decent grunt are one thing – does it match up on the road?

The launch run in KwaZulu-Natal was done in wet and soggy conditions and not ideal for pushing any limits but, the tourer in both Executive and Luxury trim levels was immediately impressive because of how quiet it was on the road and the massively improved ride comfort compared to outgoing H1.

Engine and gearbox are responsive and stopping performance – of which there was quite a lot considering how badly South African generally drive in the rain – impressive.

According to Hyundai, the Staria interior applies a simple and modest layout to highlight the driver’s convenience and passengers’ comfort, while staying faithful to its original value as an MPV.

“The cruise ship-inspired interior delivers an open and unique atmosphere through its innovative design architecture. The vehicle’s lower beltlines and panoramic windows create a spacious, stimulating environment for all passengers.”

Let’s just say the driving position and seating comfort in both trim levels was easily adapted to suit my (lack of) size and reach – enough that it would have been to embark on a long-haul run knowing arrival at the other end would be without any discomfort or lower back or the like.

Up fron is an 8-inch front display screen, touch-based centre fascia and a button-type electronic shift lever for the Luxury and Elite versions. The digital cluster is located on top of the dashboard, providing an unobstructed view for the driver.

Storage space is available on top of the overhead console in the Elite and Executive versions, bottom of the cluster, and top and bottom of the centre fascia. Both driver and passengers also have access to a centre console equipped with cup holders, USB ports and additional storage space for the Luxury derivative. The Elite and Executive versions have a middle seat in front, of which the seat back can tilt flat forward to provide cup holders and storage space for odds and ends.

The Staria Luxury offers a variety of additional interior features that will transform the passenger’s mobility experience. The 7-seat Premium model is equipped with Premium Relaxation Seats in the second row that recline electronically and have sliding capabilities for easy reach or to maximize cargo space.

The 9-seat Luxury model’s individual seats in the second row can swivel 180 degrees to face passengers in the third row. This makes the Staria Luxury ideal for corporate vehicles or mobile offices as passengers can turn their seats around and conduct meetings face to face. Families will also find these swivelling seats convenient as rear-facing passengers will have easy access to those seated in the third row. The premium feeling in the Luxury version is further enhanced by the Bose sound system.

Additionally, the Staria’s generous legroom is among the best in its segment and can be converted into expansive additional cargo space when all seats are pushed together — made possible by the long sliding seat function. Moreover, the full-flat mode applied to rear passenger seats of the Staria standard model makes this vehicle the perfect choice for activities that require a lot of room and interior flexibility, such as camping and sports where luggage space is needed for equipment.

The Staria has a 3 273 mm wheelbase with an overall length of 5 253 mm and width of 1 997 mm. Its overall height of 1 990 mm is useful for passengers to conveniently enter and exit the vehicle and is high enough for an average school-aged child to stand upright and move with ease.

“The Staria is not just reinterpreting spatiality, but also reimagining time spent in transit for the future. Designing for mobility isn’t about vehicle design. It’s about designing to accommodate a variety of lifestyles,” says SangYup Lee, senior vice president and head of Global Hyundai Design. “The Staria’s interior space and functionalities aim to transform how people experience in-car travel, optimizing journeys by making the most of time in transit.”

It offers six crash bags and all seats come with three-point seat belts and headrests. Safety is further bolstered by smart features such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) in the top derivatives.

Additions in the Elite and Luxury versions include Safe Exit Assist (SEA) which prevents the door from opening in a situation where a passenger attempts to open the power sliding door while a rear-side vehicle is passing by, and Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), which uses a radar sensor to detect and alert the driver if a rear passenger is left in the car after exiting the vehicle.

A most useful item in Luxury derivative shows an image in the 10,2-inch Supervision instrument cluster in front of the driver, replacing either the rev counter (for right turn) or speedometer (left turn) momentarily with a real-time rear-view image.

Hyundai’s smart infotainment system with an 8-inch touch-screen display is fitted to all derivatives and is equipped with a wide-angle camera rear park assist camera, aided by park warning sensors in both front and rear bumpers. In the Luxury version the screen also displays a bird’s eye view of the car and its surroundings when reversing the Staria.

Pricing

The Hyundai Staria range at its launch in South Africa, with its suggested retail prices, consists of:

Staria R2.2 Executive 9-seater R 789 900

Staria R2.2 Executive 11-seater R 799 900

Staria R2.2 Elite 9-seater R 959 900

Staria R2.2 Luxury 9-seater R 1099 900

A 7-year/200 000 km manufacturer warranty and roadside assistance for 7-years or 150 000 km are included in the price for all derivatives. The Luxury version also comes standard with 7-year/105 000 km service plan included in the retail price, while the Elite and Executive have a 6-year/90 000 km service plan.

https://bit.ly/3CYbMlF

Colin-on-Cars - Five stars for Mustang Mach-E

The latest safety releases from Euro NCAP show an interesting mix of top end results, especially for Ford where the Mustang Mach-E gets tops marks while the 5,0-litre V8 version battled to get three stars in 2017.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Tucson and the Toyota Yaris Cross all achieve a top rating of five stars, while the new Hyundai Bayon is awarded four stars.Mustang Mach-E

Ford’s new all-electric crossover SUV, the Mustang Mach-E, bears little resemblance to the 5,0-litre muscle car with which it shares its name and firmly secures a top five-star rating against the latest test requirements.

The car comes equipped with a centre crash bag, deployable bonnet for vulnerable road user protection and a host of advanced driver assistance features, offering high levels of driver support and crash prevention all around.

Hyundai Bayon

Hyundai impresses with three new models in this publication, the all-electric Ioniq 5 and Tucson, gaining 5-star ratings and Hyundai Bayon achieving 4 stars. Although the Tucson only just clears the hurdle in Safety Assist to get into five-star territory, both Ioniq 5 and Tucson display good all-round safety.

The crossover SUV Bayon, fighting its way into an already overcrowded and highly competitive segment, lacks the centre crash bag that is standard in Ioniq 5 and Tucson. Nevertheless, the Bayon comes with robust crash protection and crash-avoidance features which help to secure it a creditable four-star rating.

The Toyota Yaris Cross follows hot on the heels of the Mirai and Yaris with another five-star rating. The car, available at petrol and HEV petrol, was tested partly in Australia and Europe, two important markets for the Yaris Cross. The result is published in collaboration with sister organisation ANCAP.

Ford Transit Custom

In addition to its traditional safety crash and safety tests, Euro NCAP retested two light commercial vans: the Ford Transit and the Ford Transit Custom, after Ford made seat belt reminders as standard for all occupants across the European market.

NCAP’s Michiel van Ratingen, says: “Vehicle use in road traffic is the most significant contributor to work-related traumatic injury, so small improvements, especially those that promote seatbelt wearing, can go a long way. Congratulations to Ford for updating their two commercial vans and making the effort of putting seat belt reminders as standard for drivers and co-drivers.”

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 Road Review - Hyundai Kona 2.0 Nu Executive

As the flames on the fire settle into a hypnotic rhythm on their way to being ready to accept the over-catered platters of raw meat, the conversation around the fire ranges from rugby through soccer to cars. 

In the sleepy seaside village where I live, this chatter is less about petrolhead favorites such as top speed, acceleration, power and torque and more about the practical aspects of motoring that suit the coastal lifestyle. 

Invariably I am asked for input on what a friend should buy for the next car and this usually comes with an options comparison of two or three possibilities. My standard response is always to say the car you buy is the one you feel most comfortable in, and not to worry about fuel consumption, resale value and those sort of things. 

It is a practical response because there is nothing worse than spending a lot of money only to find you hate the car because you just are not absolutely comfortable in the driver's seat.

 

On this occasion I put it to the test and got my mates to sit in the driver's seat of the  Hyundai Kona I had on test.  The lands are all different sizes yet all of them expressed surprise at being comfortable behind the wheel. 

The Kona in this case was the 2,0-litre DCT that ticked a large number of boxes in terms of practicality, being neither too large or too small for most business or social lifestyles and offering more than enough in terms of luxury and connectivity. 

The Kona has been a success story for Hyundai since its global introduction in 2017 and, in South Africa close to 1 700 units of this crossover SUV model have been sold since its local introduction in 2018. 

Design updates on the front and rear give the new Kona an even more sleek, sophisticated look and the handsome new front end design stands out giving the Kona a powerful look – supported by enhanced LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). 

On the lower bumper, the skid plate embraces the lower air intake, and visually complements the surfaces surrounding the main grille. Integrated into the bumper corners are vertically oriented aerodynamic inlets that improve air flow.

 

At the rear, the new tail lights feature horizontally stretched graphics and the rear bumper, which also follows the protective armour concept of the front and sides, is also built with a contrasting material. 

In addition, the latest model comes with an updated 17-inch wheel design for the Kona 2.0 Executive, which is now 40 mm longer than the previous version. 

A new console is disconnected from the instrument panel to emphasise the horizontal layout and the rear cargo area has been increased as has second row legroom, along with USB-port access for second-row passengers. 

As standard, the Kona has also been upgraded with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, meaning customers do not have to use a cable to connect their phones to the 8-inch display infotainment system. A wireless cell phone charging pad in the centre console is also standard across the range.

 

Rear passengers can charge their cell phones from a USB cable port in a centre console, with a place to store the phone. 

All Kona derivatives are equipped with an Electronic Stability Program and Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Downhill Brake Control and Hill start Assist Control. 

Static safety features in all derivatives include crash bags for the driver and front passenger, along with side and curtain bags. 

A Smartstream 2,0-litr Nu Atkinson naturally aspirated petrol engine, delivering 110 kW maximum power and 179 Nm peak torque, is used in the Kona 2.0 Executive, where it is linked with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).

 

Hyundai’s Smartstream refers to the ‘Smart’ technological objectives of saving fuel, improving performance, and reducing gas emissions, which are then applied to every step of the ‘Stream’ – the stream of air and fuel injected in the engine and its explosive power delivered to the wheels via the transmission. 

The Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) engine technology, a mechanical system which took Hyundai 9 years to develop and made its debut in 2019, is used in the Kona’s engines. It alters the way the valves operate to boost both engine power and efficiency, and to allow flexibility based on the driver's driving style. 

Typical variable valve control technologies manage the timing of the valve’s opening and closing (as in Continuously Variable Valve Timing – CVVT) or control the volume of air admitted by adjusting the depth of the opening (Continuously Variable Valve Lift – CVVL). Previous variable valve control technologies could not regulate valve duration, as the valve’s closing timing was subordinate to opening timing and could not respond to diverse driving situations. CVVD takes the technology in a new direction by adjusting how long a valve is open. 

When the vehicle is maintaining a constant speed and requires low engine output, CVVD leaves intake valve open until the middle and closes the valve near the end of the compression stroke. This helps to improve fuel efficiency by reducing the resistance caused by compression. On the other hand, when engine output is high, such as when the car is driving at a high speed, the intake valve is closed at the beginning of the compression stroke to maximize the amount of air used for the explosion, enhancing torque to improve acceleration. 

Optimised valve overlap duration for high-acceleration and high-economy driving needs also boosts performance and economy up to 4% and 5% respectively. Combustion efficiency is also improved, decreasing gas emissions by up to 12%.

 

The suspension has been re-tuned to improve driving comfort and the stabiliser bars were modified for better ride comfort and isolation. The rear bump stop was also modified, bringing benefits for primary ride and lateral body control. 

A McPherson strut type suspension is used at the front of the Kona, while a coupled torsion beam action type multilink is employed for the rear wheels’ suspension. 

All of this combines to provide a comfortable ride, even on rutted or potholed road surfaces and, while the Kona is not designed for performance motoring, it acquits itself more than admirably against its peers in terms of get-up-and-go and handling. 

The Kona is nimble enough for shopping mall parking and responds eagerly to more brisk action far from the madding crowd on the long swooping curves that characterise my test arena – making it very much a car for most occasions and one that is easy to live with (as witnessed by the bums on seats test alluded to earlier).

 

Included in the price are a 7-year / 200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a 5-year / 75 000 km service plan and roadside assistance for 7 years or 150 000 km.

 Little big loads

Following on the uptake for the Hyundai Grand i10 Cargo, the company has now homologated a version for the Atos. 

“We have identified the need for a small cargo transporter, particularly for delivery of smaller parcels and goods in a vehicle that keeps it secure in a robust cargo hold. The initial conversion of the Grand i10 into the Cargo derivative, with the secure hold area in place of the two rear seats, proved to be a winner,” says Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa. 

“We homologated the Grand i10 Cargo as a light commercial vehicle, which created another benefit for businesses, because they can claim back VAT on their purchase. Following the success of the Grand i10, we also homologated the slightly smaller Atos 1.1 Cargo as the youngest entry to our light commercial vehicle range.”

At a time when the economy is shaky to say the least and fuel prices are skyrocketing, the availability of smaller, fuel efficient transporters will be good news for embattled fleet managers. 

The converted Grand i10 and Atos Cargo hatchback models offer a secure, robust compartment of up to 1,2 cubic metres in the Grand i10, hooks to hold a cargo net down and a strong wire mesh cargo barrier between the cargo area and the two front seats. The rear side windows are also securely covered with the strong wire mesh on the inside. 

Two derivatives are available in the shape of the smaller hatchback: the Atos 1.1 Motion Cargo (manual) and Atos 1.1 Fluid Cargo (manual). The Grand i10 1.0 Motion Cargo (manual) completes the range.

The popularity of these light commercial vehicles is evident from the 350 sales of the first Grand i10 Cargo model, supplemented by 50 new Grand i10 Cargo sales and 13 of the new Atos Cargo. Furthermore, the Fidelity Services Group has acquired 131 Grand i10 Cargo vehicles, making this well-known provider of security services one of the biggest buyers of the hatchback cargo-carrier. 

The Hyundai Cargo models are a good substitute for the half-ton bakkies and offer a competitive cost of ownership. 

A 998 cc normally aspirated petrol engine is used to propel the Grand i10 1.0 Motion Cargo with its power going to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 3-cylinder engine delivers peak power of 49 kW at 5 500 r/min., and maximum torque of 94 Nm is reached at 3 500 r/min. 

In the Atos Cargo derivatives, a 1 086 cc 4-cylinder normally aspirated petrol engine – also linked to a 5-speed manual gearbox – drives the hatchback through the front wheels. It delivers 50 kW at its maximum power output, which is reached at 5 500 r/min., while the torque peak of 99 Nm comes at 2 800 r/min. 

Both models boast low fuel consumption which helps a business to keep running costs low. In the case of the Atos Cargo a best consumption figure of 5,7 litres per 100 km was measured in a combined test cycle, while the Grand i10 Cargo recorded 5,4 litres per 100 km.

The Grand i10, which was launched in South Africa at the end of 2020, as well as the Atos, feature body-coloured bumpers and door handles that adds to the attractive design lines of the two hatchbacks. 

The Grand i10 1.0 Motion Cargo and the Atos 1.1 Fluid Cargo run on 14-inch steel wheels with an attractive styled cover, while the Atos 1.1 Motion Cargo uses 13-inch steel wheels, also with styled covers. 

A spacious cabin with conveniences such as an infotainment centre with a 7-inch screen, air-conditioner, electrically operated windows, central locking, and audio and Bluetooth controls on the steering wheel are on the list of comprehensive luxury features in the Atos Cargo. The infotainment centre is compatible with a smartphone with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. 

The cloth-covered seats of the Atos Cargo will make the long time spent on the road in a commercial vehicle easier. In the Grand i10 Cargo, the driver can adjust the seat height, and central locking, remote keyless entry, a manual air conditioner, an infotainment centre with a 6,2-inch touch-screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, electrical adjustment for the side mirrors and opening of the side windows all form part of its convenience features. 

Cras bags for both driver and passenger take care of passive safety in the Grand i10 Cargo and in the Atos Fluid Cargo derivative. The Atos Motion Cargo comes with a crash bag for the driver. 

Both Cargo models have 3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners for driver and passenger. An anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), and crumple zones and side impact protection beams completes the safety package. 

Pricing 

Atos 1.1 Motion Cargo (manual)	R179 900
Atos 1.1 Fluid Cargo (manual)	R189 900
Grand i10 1.0 Motion Cargo (manual)	R211 900

Roadside assistance for 7 years or 150 000 km and a 1-year/15 000 km service plan form part of the package. The service interval for both models is 15 000 km.

Youth rules in WRC 

Kalle Rovanperä is the youngest winner of an FIA World Rally Championship round, beating the previous ‘record’ by more than two years. 

The 20-year-old Finn, who drove to victory on Rally Estonia at the weekend, is more than two years younger than countryman Jari-Matti Latvala, now his team principal at Toyota Gazoo Racing, when he claimed the record in 2008. 

After fending off a fierce early challenge from Craig Breen, Rovanperä and co-driver Jonne Halttunen stormed clear on dusty and high-speed tracks near Tartu to win this seventh round of the season by 59.9sec in a Yaris World Rally Car.

Rovanperä, who now lives in Estonia, celebrated on the podium with father Harri, who scored his sole WRC victory in Sweden in 2001. Today's win was the first for a Finnish driver in the championship since Latvala won Rally Australia in 2018. 

Rovanperä has endured a barren run of results of late with just one top six finish in the last four rounds, but his maiden victory promoted him to fourth in the championship standings with five rounds remaining. 

"It has been a difficult season and it's really nice to get my first win here in Estonia," said a jubilant Rovanperä. "It's almost a home rally for me now and a lot of Estonian fans were supporting me. 

"Our results haven't been so good, but we've proved the pace is there and today we brought it home. To be the youngest winner is amazing. It could have happened earlier, but now it's here."

Estonia is proving a happy hunting ground for Breen – he has now finished second at both the rally's two WRC appearances. His only scare came late on Saturday evening when he clipped a huge roadside rock and damaged his Hyundai i20's front suspension. 

The Irishman headed team-mate Thierry Neuville by 12,5sec. The Belgian's hopes of reeling in his colleague were damaged by a 10sec penalty after checking in late at a time control on Sunday morning following technical problems. 

Championship leader Sébastien Ogier finished fourth in another Yaris. The Frenchman ended 11,6sec behind Neuville, content to bag solid points in his quest for an eighth drivers' crown after opening the roads where traction was at a premium in Friday's first leg. 

Team-mate Elfyn Evans finished 43,1sec behind in fifth after never truly getting to grips with the conditions. Ogier now leads the Welshman by 37 points in the championship, with their Toyota squad maintaining its 59-point lead in the manufacturers' standings. 

Teemu Suninen was sixth in a Ford Fiesta, despite a final stage spin. 

The championship returns to asphalt next month when Belgium makes its first WRC appearance. Renties Ypres Rally Belgium takes place on August 13-15.

 

Final positions

1. K Rovanperä / J Halttunen FIN Toyota Yaris 2hr 51min 29.1sec

2. C Breen / P Nagle IRL Hyundai i20 +59.9sec

3. T Neuville / M Wydaeghe BEL Hyundai i20 +1min 12.4sec

4. S Ogier / J Ingrassia FRA Toyota Yaris +1min 24.0sec

5. E Evans / S Martin GBR Toyota Yaris +2min 07.1sec

6. T Suninen / M Markkula FIN Ford Fiesta +7min 07.3sec

 

FIA World Rally Championship (after round 7 of 12)

1. S Ogier 148pts

2. E Evans 111

3. T Neuville 96

4. K Rovanperä 82

5. O Tänak 74

 Road Review - Hyundai i20 1.0 T Fluid

It is pretty much a given automakers will increase the size of new versions of existing models and, while making a big car or SUV bigger sometimes seems a tad gratuitous, increasing the dimensions of an urban crawler while keeping it in the ‘small’ car category takes somewhat more ingenuity. 

Hyundai has achieved this with the new i20. Now, I’m no giant but my partner on the launch drive was sufficiently taller and broader in the shoulder than me to be put to good use checking out the leg and head room in the rear – with the front seat left in his ‘comfortable’ place. 

The improved shoulder room in the front was also noticeable as we barrelled amiably along some of KwaZulu-Natal’s twisty back roads – and spritely cornering not producing shoulder or head banging meetings. 

The enlarged wheelbase provides increased seating space for passengers in the rear, with rear passengers able to enjoy 88 mm more leg room and 40 mm more shoulder room than in the previous generation. The new car gains a wider body (+41 mm) and increased length (+10 mm), while the wheelbase has also been increased by 10 mm. Ground clearance is 170 mm – an increase of 20 mm compared to the previous model. 

Boot space has been increased (311 litres) while a decreased beltline and a small, quarter-fixed glass window behind the rear door provide drivers’ with improved visibility. 

Hyundai has adopted a new design direction it is calling ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ and this rather aptly describes the new i20 – my test unit being the top of the range turbo powered 1,0-litre Fluid manual. 

The turbo-charged 3-cylinder petrol power plant offers a maximum power output of 90 kW at 6 000 r/min and generates 172 Nm from 1 500 r/min. Acceleration from rest to 100 km/h takes 9,9 seconds and will top out around 186 km/h. 

Average fuel consumption on the test cycle was 6,6 l/100 km and this gives the car a tank range around 550 kilometres. 

There is a nice balance with the chosen gear ratios so the i20 is responsive from early on and willing to rev to the limit when required – getting quite energetic in the process. The turbo also helps limit the amount of gearshift rowing required in traffic as well as out on the highway. 

While designed as a city car, the i20 is no slouch on longer journeys and will cruise quite effortlessly in the process, the little engine a lot quieter than some of its similarly specced opposition. 

Given the full wellie, the i20 is quite fun to throw at corners and handles directional changes with panache, the front McPherson struts with dampers and coil springs and coupled torsion beam axle with dampers and coil springs at the rear working well with the Motor Driven Power Assisted Steering (MDPS) to deliver accurate lines through corners and adding stability to the i20’s road manners. 

As for the looks of the new car, at the side, a bold side character line and unique C-pillar design create an appealing look. Meanwhile, the interior space achieves an airy feeling inside the cockpit, while appearing sculptured and appealing. One design highlight is the horizontal blades that cover the high and prominent dashboard. Dynamic proportions also improve roominess and visibility. 

The Fluid derivatives ride on 195/55 R16 wheels and rubber. 

Exterior colour choices range from Titan Grey to Polar White, Starry Night, Fiery Red, Typhoon Silver and Phantom Black, complemented by two 2-tone colour schemes: Fiery Red with a black roof, and Polar White with a black roof. 

Convenience items include power folding mirrors for the Fluid variants, a rear-view monitor with guidelines displayed on the infotainment system’s screen, air-vents for rear passengers in the Fluid variants, a USB charging socket and cell phone storage space for rear passengers, a multi-function steering wheel with radio and telephone control buttons and a cruise-control function on the steering wheel for Fluid variants. 

The new 10,25-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver and high-resolution 8-inch centre touchscreen for the infotainment system have been visually combined and there is a wireless charging pad in the centre console with two front USB charging ports in all variants – one for connectivity and one for charging in the middle console, while another charging port is available for rear passengers in the Fluid variants. 

Passive safety systems in the new i20 include six crash bags (driver, front passenger and two curtain bags) in the Fluid variants, and driver and front passenger crash bags in the Motion derivatives. 

An anti-lock braking system and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are standard features in the whole range. 

It comes with a 7-year/200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a 4-year / 60 000 km service plan and 7-year / 150 000 km roadside assistance.