Frankfurt Motor Show 2015: Hyundai launches i20 Active

Hyundai has unveiled the i20 Active at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Billed as a ‘rugged crossover’, the Active is based on the existing i20 Coupe and features raised suspension and body cladding to give it SUV-appeal, plus a new 1.0-litre petrol engine. 

Hyundai doesn’t currently have any compact SUVs in its model range, but it will pitch the i20 Active to buyers who want the look and feel of a crossover, but without the higher running costs that are typical of many SUVs.

The i20 Active is powered by two different versions of Hyundai's new three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The lower power 100PS returns 58.9-61.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 106-111g/km. Figures show the 0-62mph time as 10.9 seconds with a top speed of 109mph.

The more powerful 120PS version has a top speed of 114mph, with a 0-62mph time of 10.2 seconds. As you might expect, it's a little less frugal with combined fuel consumption figures of 54.3-56.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 116-121g/km.

The ride height is raised by 20mm over the standard i20 Coupe and the wheelarches are clad in robust plastic and feature skid plates at the front and rear to give the appearance of an off-roader. There is also a set of silver roof rails for added practicality.

Other touches that help set the i20 Active apart from its siblings include tweak of the grille in high-gloss black with chrome surroundings, a silver-finish fuel cap cover, and newly designed 17-inch wheels. In fact, more than half of the i20 Active's exterior parts are new.

Don't expect a capable off-roader, though. With drive heading to the front wheels, there's no mention of specialised off-road traction control system for taking the i20 Active across muddy tracks or wet fields. 

Prices haven't been announced either, but expect to pay £11,000 when the i20 Active reaches showrooms early next year.