Hyundai goes from zero to hero

Jan 19 2009 Bill Caven

YOU don't necessarily need a degree in rocket science to succeed in business these days.

A sugar daddy with a bottomless pit of money does help, it has to be said.

But the ability to learn - and learn quickly - is definitely more advantageous than most other attributes around today.

It also happens to be the secret behind one of the few success stories within the automotive industry these days.

Hyundai has come from relatively humble beginnings in a short space of time to quickly establish itself as one of the main players.

The Korean car maker - like its countrymen at Kia - has gone from zero to hero as it prepares to take on the established motoring giants.

Unlike some before them Hyundai is taking nothing for granted and is fully prepared to listen and learn as it strives for top honours.

The car maker believes that a proper grounding or apprenticeship will help it achieve its goals quicker as well as sustain its subsequent growth.

The temptation to run before it can walk has been strongly resisted despite some early sales success.

Hyundai is currently in the process of revamping its line-up as it attempts to meet new demands being placed on car companies around the globe.

Last year saw the arrival of its compact city car, the i10, and the more grown-up i30.

Both caused quite a stir not least because they had raised the bar in terms of build quality and overall desirability.

Suddenly it was fashionable to be seen driving a Hyundai and enjoying the peace of mind motoring afforded by the unique five-year unlimited mileage warranty that automatically comes with all its cars.

Now the motoring marque is about to turn the screw even tighter with the launch of its best car to date - the i20.

The supermini will be thrust into one of the most fiercely competitive sectors of the market.

Competing against the likes of the award-winning Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, Mazda2 and the SEAT Ibiza to name but a few it literally is the survival of the fittest.

Even top end motoring manufacturers with millions of pounds at their disposal are shown no mercy.

You not only need to be good and accomplished but clever and streetwise if you are to stand even a remote chance of making the grade.

With this in mind Hyundai has worked its socks off to ensure that its newcomer won't be left behind at the starting gate.

The five-door hatch not only looks the business thanks to its dynamic styling but delivers accordingly.

Within a relatively short space of time you begin to appreciate the sophisticated technology that has gone into its creation.

It is by no means perfect or even polished but it is not far off.

The hatch displays a remarkable maturity that will allow it to take on the very best from Europe and Japan and succeed.

Crisp handling, confident ride and highly competent performance all combine to make this Hyundai a real winner.

And with prices starting at under £8,200 it is easy to understand why it will do so well even before the three-door sporty version arrives in Spring.

Available in three trim levels the i20 comes with a host of creature comforts including air conditioning as standards.

With the younger generation in mind the car is crammed with clever touches that make it stand out from the rest.

At the heart of the hatch is a choice of two powertrains - an all-new 1.2-litre delivering 78bhp or a 1.4-litre offering 100bhp.

Both provide the Hyundai with a reasonable cutting edge when it comes to pace and acceleration.

The i20 will also be offered with two low emission 1.4-litre turbodiesel engines that are capable of nearly 65 miles to the gallon.

There is a genuine air of confidence surrounding the Hyundai brand these days and its latest offering should enhance its reputation even further.