Test drive: Hyundai ix20 1.6 MPi 125 CV Tecno Aut.

These past few days we have been behind the wheel of a compact MPV, a model that has been on the market for five years but was updated this year and introduces interesting novelties in the 2015 Model Year. I am referring to the Hyundai ix20 that we have tested with the naturally aspirated petrol engine 1.6 MPI of 125 CV combined with the six-speed automatic gearbox.

Renewed exterior design and improved interior quality

At the 2015 Geneva Motor Show the renovation of the Hyundai ix20 was presented to the general public. The changes focused on the exterior design, better interior finishes, engine improvements for greater efficiency and more equipment.

Aesthetically, some novelties stand out at the front, such as the chrome grille and the new headlights. On the sides, the new alloy wheels stand out, with an eye-catching design and without resorting to huge sizes, since our unit “fitted” 16-inch wheels, more than sufficient.

At the rear, new headlights with LED technology are available. While the interior does not change the main lines of the design, there is a noticeably better perceived quality in the materials, with new finishes and new equipment.

Small on the outside, huge on the inside

There are things that have not changed since the ix20 came onto the market five years ago, and one of them, its best feature, is the generous interior space it offers. At first glance from the outside it looks like a compact car, but as soon as we get behind the wheel the sense of space is remarkable, and even more so if we sit in the rear seats.

The driving position is high, more typical of an SUV than an MPV, with good visibility, and it is very comfortable getting in and out of the car. The rear seats stand out for the enormous legroom and headroom they offer. We can also adjust the two rear seats (2+1) lengthwise (to gain more boot space or foot room) as well as the backrest recline.

The storage compartments and glove boxes stand out. The main glovebox is refrigerated and can also serve as a tray with an included armrest, while the door pockets are large and can hold a 1.5-litre bottle. There are also several large compartments in the centre console and two 12V sockets, although the armrest is only for the driver.

The boot has a capacity of 440 litres, with a false floor and a tray at the bottom with small compartments. The only drawback to this good boot is the loading height, but otherwise it is very practical.

Petrol engine almost eternal

Nowadays, thinking of a naturally aspirated petrol engine sounds strange; we are in the era of downsizing, of tiny-displacement engines with lots of horsepower. But Hyundai makes a safe bet with its automatic petrol version, using a non-turbo engine with 125 CV that is well known within the South Korean group.

It is clear that it is not the sportiest version in the range, although its greatest advantage is enormous reliability. It is a very smooth powerplant that accelerates progressively, aiming for comfort, and delivers all its power at high revs (above 3,500–4,000 rpm is when we really notice those 125 CV).

The automatic gearbox has been updated in the restyling, since until now a 4-speed CVT was used; it now debuts a new 6-speed CVT with sequential shifting possible from the lever.

Behind the wheel, the Hyundai ix20 is a car that seeks comfort, with a suspension that, while not excessively soft, is comfortable on the road. I was surprised by the absence of inertia, yet it has a firm grip through corners.

As for consumption, on the motorway it hovers around 6.5 litres per 100 km, but in town, as expected, it rises somewhat to around 9–10 litres per 100 km.

Equipment

The equipment across the Hyundai ix20 range is structured into several levels: Klass, Tecno and Style. Our unit had the Tecno trim, which is very well balanced between price and equipment. As standard, every ix25 comes with: air conditioning, a music system with USB and AUX inputs, Bluetooth, six airbags, stability control, among other features.

The Tecno trim adds the climate control, the chrome grille and chrome door handles, cruise control, light and rain sensors, among other features.

The good sound system stands out: it has several external connections (AUX and USB) and a 1 GB hard drive to store our music. The six-speaker sound system also stood out for its performance, unusual in this segment.

Prices of the Hyundai ix20 2015 range

• 1.4 90 CV Klass 17,140 euros
• 1.4 90 CV Tecno 18,440 euros
• 1.6 125 CV Tecno 19,340 euros
• 1.6 125 CV Aut Tecno 20,340 euros
• 1.4 CRDi 90 CV Klass 18,740 euros
• 1.4 CRDi 90 CV Tecno 20,040 euros
• 1.6 CRDi 115 CV Tecno 20,840 euros
• 1.6 CRDi 115 CV Style 23,640 euros

These are the prices announced by the brand, but there is a commercial discount that can lower the final price. We always recommend visiting a brand dealership so they can advise you more accurately on prices, discounts or specific campaigns.

Our tested version will surely not be the most in-demand in our market, but for those looking for an automatic or city car, it is a good choice. It is not the most fuel-efficient engine, but it stands out for its smoothness (which is enhanced by the CVT gearbox), and for those who do not drive many kilometres it is an interesting option.

It is also worth highlighting the enormous interior space, as there are few models in its segment and price range with so much room, and finally the equipment level: even the base trim already includes everything needed.

Photos | R. Rodriguez