2016 Hyundai i20 Active 1.0 T-GDi 100, car review: Hyundai becomes competitor for cars like the Kia Soul

It does ride a little stoutly, but its dynamics are generally very competent and reassuring

Manufacturers have long since realised that cars sell if you make them look like 4x4s. The latest to follow that trend is Hyundai, with this SUV-styled version of the i20.

The Active model rides on a suspension lift of just under an inch. It has front and rear underbody protection, and the arches are trimmed with tough plastic rubbing strips. Up front, the bumper features a plastic homage to the A-bars of old.

So it’s got the presence, and maybe about enough ground clearance to get along a scrubby unmade lane without embarrassing itself. It’s not trying to be anything more than that, though – it doesn’t have four-wheel drive, let alone any of the hardware or software that makes a modern off-roader what it is, but if Kia Soul and Renault Captur buyers look at it as an alternative the styling’s work will be done.

The suspension may be higher but the springs are stiffer, so its handling isn’t completely ruined. It does ride a little stoutly, but its dynamics are generally very competent and reassuring. Not what you’d call entertaining, but certainly free of major vices.

Hyundai i20 Active 1.0T-GDi 100PS

On sale now; Price £15,775 
Engine 3 cyls, 998cc, turbocharged, petrol 
Power 99bhp at 6000rpm
Torque 127lb ft at 1500-4000rpm 
Gearbox 5-spd manual 
Kerb weight na 
0-62mph 10.9sec 
Top speed 109mph 
Economy 58.9mpg (combined) 
CO2/tax band 110g/km, 17 per cent

Under the bonnet, where previously the i20 would have had a 1.4-litre engine, now there’s a 1.0-litre turbocharged triple. It sings out 99bhp and 127lb ft, the latter from 1500-4000rpm, so you don’t have to spend your life rowing away at the five-speed manual box.

That’s one reason why this car returns 58.9mpg and 110g/km, and these in turn are reasons why people who like the off-road look but don’t need to actually go there might buy one. The styling works well enough, and with an excellent kit list it looks like decent value at £15,775.

Some of the i20 Active’s most obvious rivals do have four-wheel drive, which supposedly sets it at a disadvantage. Whether people who would buy one of these will actually care is another matter, however. As it is, if this is a market you’ve got in your sights then you should definitely add this Hyundai to your list of possibles.