2022 is very symbolic for Hyundai do Brasil, a time to celebrate ten years of domestic production and also for its best-selling model in the country, the HB20. More than a fitting moment to apply a good revamp to the model, and yes, correct those points that sparked controversy in the recent restyling, such as the front and rear designs.
Now, in my opinion, the front can be considered one of the HB20’s strengths, with a wider hood with two large creases, sharper headlights, a grille, and redesigned fenders. Many of those who have already commented have commented that it resembles VW models – which is true – and I see it as a positive thing, as it puts the HB20 in line with the trend seen in current cars.
As for the back, it could still spark some discussion, but I also consider it better than before. The new headlights – with LED lighting on all versions – now have a volume, advance along the side of the bodywork and are connected to a strip of the same color, another feature widely used on competing models.
Looking to the side, nothing has changed, only new wheel options, such as 16-inch light-alloy and Diamond Finish, available on the Comfort Edition.
Inside, you can say it’s received a fundamental update in the seat fabrics, a new offering for the covers that mix fabric and leather-like materials on the more expensive versions.
What has really changed is the dashboard, with the proposal called the Supervisory Group. It simulates a 100% digital array with color LED lighting on the sides, but only in the middle has a configurable TFT screen.
The multimedia center continues with a good 8-inch screen and touch commands, with the right to evolve: it begins to perform wireless mirroring of the smartphone. It also got three USB ports, one for type A and two for type C, and one for the rear passengers.
In the more equipped versions, it also acquired an induction cell phone charging system, installed half-hidden in the central panel, under the air conditioning controls, which is an interesting solution.
Media Center now enables wireless mirroring of smartphones
Image: reveal
Improved security with new semi-autonomous capabilities
The 2023 HB20 deserves to highlight another novelty, the offer with six airbags in all versions. But in that respect, an important change includes the development of Smart Sense, Hyundai’s safety package that combines some semi-autonomous features, such as collision alert with automatic braking.
A good example is the Lane Departure Alert, which was also available on the HB20, but only works with the audible and visual alerts on the dashboard. Now, in addition to its ability to interfere with the steering wheel, it offers an additional feature, the vehicle monitoring assistant in relation to the horizontal traffic light. That is, in addition to placing the car on the track, it also serves to align the car in the center of the track.
It also gained Rear Cross Traffic Assist, a feature that helps avoid collision when exiting a parking space in the opposite direction, sounding an audible warning and even braking the vehicle, if necessary. There’s also the Safe Exit Alert, which alerts you if you or the passenger opens the door while another vehicle approaches from behind.
It has Blind Spot Assist – already known to emit light and acoustic signals in the mirrors – but, in the HB20, it can work with lane departure alert and lane correction if the driver is distracted. Everything is very cool, but before you ask, I will answer: Smart Sense is exclusively for the Platinum Plus version, the most expensive in the line.
New 16-inch alloy wheels with Diamond Finish Version 1.0 Comfort
Photo: Mateus Simanovicius
There are no changes to the engine and gearbox options
What hasn’t changed in the 2023 HB20 line are either engine options. The engine is still well combined with two options: 1.0 flex with 80 hp and 10.2 kg/m of torque; and 1.0 Turbo Flex direct fuel injection, with a power of 120 hp and a torque of 17.5 kg / m. In total, there are seven versions, three of which are equipped with a naturally aspirated engine and always with a five-speed manual gearbox; And another four with a turbocharger that can be equipped with a manual or automatic transmission, and a six-speed always-on.
Now, let’s follow the reflections on the new visual proposal, with more attention to the back, for me, a point that could spark discussion. In addition, the HB20 has undoubtedly become more interesting and modernized compared to direct competitors, with great potential to maintain the sales leadership achieved in 2021.
The back has a strip that connects the new lanterns to LED lighting
Photo: Mateus Simanovicius
The 2023 HB20 line is already in stores, but only in hatchback body versions. The HB20S was shown briefly during the press launch, but pricing has not been revealed. The sedan arrives in stores only in October with the same renewal package.
Hyundai HB20 2023 (SP) Prices
Sense 1.0 Flex MT5 – 79290 BRL
Comfort 1.0 Flex MT5 – 72690 BRL
Limited 1.0 Flex MT5 – 88390 BRL
Comfort 1.0 turbo flex MT6 – R$96,990
Comfort 1.0 turbo flex AT6 – 102.790 BRL
Platinum 1.0 turbo flex AT6 – R$108,990
Platinum Plus 1.0 turbo flex AT6 – 118.390 BRL
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