Hyundai i20 Active S

The Hyundai i20 Active S is a crossover version of the popular Elite i20, designed to appeal to buyers who want the practicality of a hatchback with the styling cues of an SUV. It comes with two engine options a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 83 PS and a 1.4-litre CRDi diesel engine producing 90 PS. The diesel engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, while the petrol engine comes with a 5-speed manual. The i20 Active features a raised ground clearance of 190mm, which helps in navigating rough roads. Inside, it boasts a well-crafted interior with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear AC vents, and dual front airbags as standard. Additional features include automatic climate control, rear parking camera with sensors, and projector headlamps with LED DRLs. The vehicle offers a comfortable ride, good fuel efficiency, and a hassle-free ownership experience, making it a strong contender in its segment.

The Hyundai i20 Active S is a compelling option in the compact crossover segment, offering a unique blend of style, features, and practicality. While it is essentially a cosmetically enhanced version of the Elite i20, the additions such as the 190mm ground clearance, black body cladding, and roof rails give it a more rugged and appealing look. The interior is well-appointed with features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear AC vents, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, making it one of the best in its class. However, the 1.2-litre petrol engine can feel underwhelming, and the handling, though comfortable, lacks the sharpness of some rivals. Overall, its a great city car that can handle rough roads with ease, making it a solid choice for those seeking a stylish and feature-rich crossover.

The Hyundai i20 Active has been spied testing in South Korea, hinting at a potential facelift. The camouflaged car features LED tail lamps and a repositioned number plate on the tailgate. This update could bring a fresher look to the i20 Active, which has been missed in the Indian market since its discontinuation. I believe this facelift will be a welcome change, especially with the rising competition in the crossover segment.

Hyundai is considering bringing back the i20 Active to compete with Marutis upcoming crossover version of the Baleno. The new i20 Active is expected to have subtle exterior changes, including increased ground clearance, possibly up to 190-195mm. This move would help Hyundai re-enter the crossover hatchback segment, which has seen significant growth. I think this is a smart move by Hyundai to capitalize on the segments popularity.

In 2019, Hyundai updated the i20 Active with new safety features to meet the mandatory safety norms in India. The updates included reverse parking sensors, a reverse camera, speed alert system, and driver and passenger seatbelt reminders. These additions made the i20 Active a safer option in its segment. I believe these safety features were a necessary step to keep the car competitive.

The 2018 facelift of the Hyundai i20 Active was launched in India, priced starting at Rs. 6.99 lakh. The facelift included cosmetic changes like new bumpers, roof rails, and black body cladding, along with the same engine options as before. This update gave the i20 Active a more rugged and sporty look. I think the design tweaks were effective in enhancing its appeal.

Hyundai initially launched the i20 Active in India on March 17, 2015, as a crossover variant of the new-generation i20. It featured a more rugged design with black plastic cladding, roof rails, and higher ground clearance compared to the standard i20. This launch was part of Hyundais strategy to tap into the growing demand for crossover vehicles. I believe it was a bold move that helped Hyundai gain traction in the segment.

The Hyundai i20 Active S is priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom price for the base variant of the i20 Active S starts around Rs. 7.5 lakh, while the top-end variant can go up to around Rs. 9.5 lakh. On-road prices, including taxes and other costs, can range from approximately Rs. 8.5 lakh to Rs. 11 lakh, depending on the state and local taxes. Given the additional features and the enhanced styling, the premium over the Elite i20 seems justified, especially for those who value the unique look and added ground clearance of the i20 Active.

The mileage of the Hyundai i20 Active S is quite respectable, especially for the diesel variant. The 1.4-litre CRDi diesel engine is certified to return 21.19 kmpl, while the 1.2-litre petrol engine offers 17.19 kmpl. In real-world conditions, users have reported mileage ranging from 12 kmpl to 17 kmpl for the diesel and around 13 kmpl for the petrol. This makes the i20 Active a economical choice for daily driving, with running costs that are manageable and comparable to other vehicles in its segment.