i10 now with 1.25-litre Kappa engine
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd has introduced a new variant of the i10 with the all-aluminium 1.25-litre Kappa motor stepping in to take the place of the 1.1-lite Epsilon sitting in the engine room.
Mounted at a tilted angle, the Kappa engine runs on a timing chain, with a single accessories drive belt without a tensioner mechanism. Hyundai claims that this setup results in a quieter engine and lower maintenance costs, with replacement not necessary until 160,000km.
A highly advanced powerplant, it features an offset-mounted crankshaft, reverse intake and exhaust manifolds, long-reach spark plugs, and beehive valve springs all said to contribute towards reduced fuel consumption.
The lightweight pistons of the engine are based on those used in the V8 Tau engine used in Hyundai’s flagship models such as the Genesis and the Equus. Further reduction of weight is then achieved with the use of plastic for the intake manifold and engine valve cover. As before, the engine is paired to a conventional 4-speed automatic transmission.
Carried over from the i10 1.1 is the electric power steering system, said to be maintenance free as well. Most of us motoring journalists tend to cringe at the omission of the traditional hydraulic power steering setup, but the fact is that an electrical system reduces power consumption, and Hyundai’s reasonings in using this setup is clear.
Externally, changes made to the i10 1.25 include a redesigned rear spoiler, new alloy wheels and minor revisions to the bumpers. New colours on offer include Crystal White, Deep Ocean Blue and Oyster Grey.
In terms of safety, the i10 is equipped with vented discs up front, with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) included as an option. Dual airbags are standard fare, with side-impact beams offering protection against T-bone collisions.
Offered with a 5-year/300,000km warranty, the new i10 1.25 is priced at RM49,688 (OTR) for the standard spec and RM52,688 (OTR) for the high spec in the Peninsula. It is currently available for viewing at all HSDM showrooms nationwide.
In conjunction with the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup, HSDM will be marketing 200 units of the i10 FIFA World Cup Edition each marked with special World Cup decals. Additionally, buyers of this special World Cup Edition will also be getting a free 42″ plasma TV.
Pictures: Official HSDM release.
