New i20 to arrive early

New i20 at Paris. Brian Byrne/Irish Car+Travel.

Hyundai Ireland is now expecting to have the new generation i20 on sale here in December, in time for the 151 registration period, writes Brian Byrne.

The car was given its public debut at the Paris Motor Show the week before last, and drew significant comment, generally favourable, for its change in styling from the 'fluidic' theme favoured by the brand up to now.

Hyundai Ireland's Stephen Gleeson says the unexpected early availability of supply for the Irish market means the company can avoid the issue of being late to an important buying period, as was the case with the new i10 launched in the early part of 2014.

However, that didn't stop the i10 from selling best in the 2,890 units city car segment this year, with 766 units sold to date. Hyundai as a brand is now in fourth place in the Irish market, after VW, Toyota and Ford.