Hyundai i20 Active Diesel S

The Hyundai i20 Active Diesel S is essentially a cosmetically enhanced version of the Elite i20, designed to appeal to the crossover and SUV enthusiast. It features a 1.4-liter CRDi diesel engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, offering excellent performance and driveability. The vehicle boasts 190mm ground clearance, making it capable of handling rough roads with ease. The interior is well-appointed with features like dual airbags, rear AC vents, and a touchscreen navigation system. The exterior design includes black body cladding, roof rails, and different bumpers, giving it a more rugged and sporty look. With its refined engine, good cabin insulation, and robust feature list, the i20 Active Diesel S is a practical and stylish choice for urban and semi-urban driving.

The Hyundai i20 Active Diesel S is a compelling choice in the crossover segment, offering a unique blend of style, practicality, and performance. What stands out is its refined and smooth 1.4-liter CRDi diesel engine, which delivers 90PS and 220Nm of torque, making it quite peppy and eager in lower gears. The 6-speed manual transmission complements the engine well, providing a satisfying driving experience. The interior is well-crafted with excellent cabin insulation, reducing external noise significantly. However, the Aqua Blue interior color may not appeal to everyone, and the lack of automatic transmission is a notable omission. Despite these minor drawbacks, the i20 Actives butch crossover styling, 190mm ground clearance, and robust feature list make it a versatile and attractive option for those seeking a vehicle that can handle both urban and rough road conditions.

The Hyundai i20 Active, which was discontinued in 2020, might make a comeback in a new generation to compete with Marutis upcoming crossover version of the Baleno. If it returns, it is expected to have increased ground clearance and cosmetic changes but no mechanical updates. I think this could be a smart move by Hyundai to regain market share in the crossover segment.

Hyundai has discontinued the diesel engine option for the i20, including the i20 Active, due to the implementation of Real Driving Emission (RDE) norms starting April 1, 2023. This means the i20 Active will no longer be available with a diesel engine in India. I believe this move will push buyers towards petrol or alternative fuel options, which could impact sales.

The 2019 Hyundai i20 Active was updated with new safety features to meet mandatory safety norms, including reverse parking sensors, reverse camera, speed alert system, and driver and passenger seatbelt reminders. These updates were crucial for enhancing the vehicles safety profile. I think these additions made the i20 Active a more compelling choice in its segment.

In its previous iteration, the Hyundai i20 Active featured a 1.4-litre U2 diesel motor producing 89 bhp, coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox. This engine provided good fuel efficiency and drivability, especially in city traffic. I believe the diesel option was a significant selling point, and its absence might be felt by those who prefer diesel engines.

When the i20 Active was launched in 2015, it was priced starting at Rs. 6.38 lakh and came with a more rugged look and sportier interior compared to the regular i20. It also had features like black plastic cladding, roof rails, and aluminium skid plates. I believe this design approach helped it stand out in the market.

The Hyundai i20 Active Diesel S is priced competitively in the Indian market. At the time of its launch, the ex-showroom price in Delhi started at around Rs 6.38 lakh for the base variant, with the top-end SX variant costing significantly more. On-road prices, including taxes and other costs, can range from approximately Rs 7.5 lakh to over Rs 10 lakh for the fully loaded variant. While the top-of-the-line model may seem pricey, the features and performance it offers justify the cost. For those looking for a balance between affordability and features, the mid-variants provide a good value proposition.

The Hyundai i20 Active Diesel S offers impressive fuel economy, which is a crucial factor for many Indian buyers. With an ARAI-certified mileage of 21.19 kmpl, this diesel variant is highly efficient. In real-world conditions, users have reported mileage ranging from 15 to 18 kmpl, depending on driving conditions and usage. This makes the i20 Active Diesel S an economical choice for daily commuting and long road trips, helping to keep running costs in check.