The crossover small-segment was in high demand, and Hyundai tried to keep its momentum with a refreshed i20 Active that offered a few technological evolutions.
Hyundai introduced the i20 lineup in 2014 as its small-segment contender, between the city-segment i10 and the compact-sized i30. It was a suitable choice for a commuter vehicle that spent most of its time in city traffic.

The i20 Active featured the same bodywork as the i20 5-door hatchback but added specific molds from the outside. The front bumper featured an expansive, center, trapezoidal plastic mold that mimicked an aluminum shield. On the sides, the carmaker installed a set of black side-sills, which were better to stop other people’s doors in the parking lot than any rock or off-road obstacle. The designers installed a redesigned bumper with a silver plastic shield underneath and two fog-lights on the outer sides in the rear.

Inside, the most significant change was the 7” touch-screen that took center stage of the dash, surrounded by a few buttons. It was Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible. Like in the regular i20, the climate control buttons resembled some German car. The i20 offered good interior room for four adults and a split-folding rear bench seatback that could expand the trunk area. While in an i10 that might be necessary for the weekly shopping, the i20 was didn’t need if there were just two people in the house and a pet.

Hyundai installed a 1.4-liter, naturally aspirated gasoline engine paired to a six-speed manual under the i20 Active hood. It provided 100 hp, and it worked better at low-revs in city traffic.