First View: Hyundai ix20

When you get off the E65 highway that snakes down the Adriatic coast of Croatia, the roads get a little less than good, writes Brian Byrne. And when it rains, the water fairly sluices off the sides of the mountains, rivering across even the best surfaces.

Not, at first blush, the ideal place to run the international launch of a small car. But in fact, in some very poor weather, the exercise showed up the new Hyundai ix20 very well indeed.

In the ever more confusing world of car type segmentation, the ix20 can be a small MPV, a small crossover, or simply a larger small car suitable for the young family or empty nesters, both groups with an active lifestyle.

That’s Hyundai’s idea anyhow, and in the admittedly short introduction, we reckon they’ve come up with the goods.

Hyundai Ireland say they can move up to 500 units of the ix20 next year. Given that the segment total will be around 1,000 cars this year, they have to be planning to take sales from outside it.

And they could. Although a supermini footprint, the ix20 arguably will have serious consideration for, say, a Fiesta equivalent owner who wants something bigger but isn’t ready for a Focus equivalent.

Opel’s Meriva was the benchmarker here. But in its new generation it has upshifted a bit in size and placement, and the ix20 is well positioned to pick up the crown. At least until Ford comes up with its Fusion replacement.

An easy 4-seater or for two adults and three medium kids, the ix20’s tall format offers decent accommodation on the ‘mom family taxi’ circuit until the teenage years require much more space for youngsters and their expanding kit. A pretty good flip and fold seats system, along with sliding rear seats, offer flexible and roomy carrying options.

The car is cheerful in style, with the current strong Hyundai front and a well-sculpted rear. The interior dressing includes clear instruments and controls and the iridescent blue Hyundai lighting themes. Quality feel and touch is at the high end, as has been the Korean maker’s thrust over the last few new models.

The powertrain for Ireland will be a 1.4 diesel, 90hp and in Band A for tax purposes. It’s a willing unit, but needs to be revved enthusiastically to perform well in the kind of trying conditions we experienced in Croatia this week. Torque from around 1800rpm is a lusty 220Nm, but falls off the pedal if you don’t keep the engine spinning up there.

A snappy 6-speed gearbox helps make this doable, but again you need to be prepared to use it. In the flat suburbs of Ireland, a little laziness will probably be all right, though.

On roads that were surfaced like those across the backsides of our central boglands, the ix20 proved that it can absorb punishment without passing it on to the passengers. And the little car is a right good handler within its power limitations.

With a high spec -- there’ll only be one to start here -- and a 5-year factory backed warranty system that includes free ‘health’ checks and roadside assistance, there’s going to be a good offer when they set the sub €19,000 price tag at the end of the month.

We don’t reckon owners from any other brand direction will be disappointed, provided they make sure the car is what their lifestyle needs.

More when we get some kilometres under one in Ireland.