Sector: Crossover Price: €16,900–€22,200 Fuel: 4.5–5.1l/100km CO2: 106–119g/km

The doomsayers would have us believe that diesel power is on the way out for smaller cars, which might stand up better if it had ever been a popular choice. CO2 emissions may be top of the fleet agenda, but cost has been a bigger factor, particularly among low mileage users. Here, diesel models rarely score because of the additional cost and petrol power has remained the most popular choice for A and B-segment cars.

That said, Hyundai’s i20 is a particularly poor example, as the latest 1.1CRDi model is available from around €14,550 depending on market and with 84g/km CO2 emissions has fleet and retail appeal. But there’s a new kid on the i20 block and Hyundai has kept engine choices for it to a minimum.

We’re talking Active here, the i20 Crossover model with 20mm raised ride height and a list of appealing equipment which includes 17-inch alloys, LED daytime running lights, DAB radio and rear parking sensors (check local market specifications).

The engine choices are the new turbocharged 1.0-litre T-GDi three-cylinder petrol 100hp or 120hp engine available from around €16,900. This engine replaces the 1.4-litre petrol engine with manual transmission across the complete revised i20 range. Alternatively, Hyundai is offering its 90hp 1.4 CRDi turbodiesel with prices from around €19,950. So despite the complexity of the 1.0 litre turbo petrol engine, the diesel, with aftertreatment systems still adds around €3,000 to the starting price. That’s a cost that may not be worth it for low mileage users, but that may also depend on available lease prices.

The little petrol engine, like many other similar 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engines is smooth and refined, unless you get rev-happy, but with 171Nm of torque from a diesel-like 1,500-4,000rpm, for both 100hp and 120hp variants, you can keep out of the noisy zone. The five-speed manual gearbox makes the most of the torque spread and I averaged an indicated 6.6l/100km on a short test route. The emphasis is on comfort, with soft springing, which absorbs road surface irregularities well. Noise is fairly well suppressed and although the small petrol engine might not be first choice for extended motorway cruising, it’s quite capable of doing so.

As you might expect from Hyundai, it’s well equipped. Standard equipment and trim will depend on the market, but most Active models will come with a USB connector, while EU specification will include ESC (electronic stability control), tyre pressure monitoring, and emergency braking assistance. Unique bumpers, roof rails and a rear spoiler are all part of the Active package. Most markets will have an option for TomTom Live services when the navigation option is specified.

On the downside, other Hyundai models have moved the game on further and the i20 feels like an older Hyundai product, despite the 2016 revisions. The interior doesn’t have the quality feel of some other models in the current range, for instance. But it’s a competitive product in the marketplace.

Verdict:

An impressive new engine complements the new Active crossover model well. Quality and equipment levels provide competition for Citroën’s C4 Cactus.