Hyundai i20 Active Debuts Along With New Turbo 1.0L Engine

The Hyundai i20 Active is the latest addition to the Korean supermini’s range and the first one to receive the new turbocharged three-pot 1.0-litre engine.

The i20 Active is the jacked-up crossover version of Hyundai’s compact model, with a 20mm increased ground clearance, a revised suspension and a more rugged appearance. Hyundai says that the i20 Active is made for ‘customers with active lifestyles’.

Under the skin though, the i20 Active is the first to receive the company’s new small, turbocharged unit. The new Kappa 1.0-litre T-GDI engine features direct injection and will be available in two different power outputs, 100PS (98hp) and 120PS (118hp).

Both engines share the same torque figure, rated at 171.6Nm (126lb ft) at 1,500rpm, with the 98hp version paired to a five-speed manual gearbox as opposed to a six-speed manual the 118hp version is using. Hyundai claims a fuel economy of up to 4.6lt/100km (61.4mpg UK) and CO2 emissions as low as 106g/km for the i20 Active with the new engines.

“The new 1.0-litre T-GDI is a perfect fit for the i20 family,” said Dr. Michael Winkler, Head of Powertrain, Hyundai Europe. “A downsized 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine with direct gasoline injection and a matched compact turbocharger with electrical wastegate actuator offers customers not only fuel economy but also driving pleasure”.

The new engine will be available across all the i20 range, starting from the end of 2015.