The Hyundai HB20 is a subcompact car produced by South Korean manufacturer Hyundai Motor Company since 2012 in Brazil. It is the first and only Hyundai model strategically developed and produced exclusively for the Brazilian market. Offered with a range of flex-fuel engines, it was not exported to other Latin American countries until 2016, when it began to be sold in Paraguay and Uruguay,[1] and eventually in Mexico and Colombia in 2022.
"HB" stands for "Hyundai Brasil", while the number "20" is the company’s characterization for vehicles in this segment in line with the similarly sized Hyundai i20.[2]
3,920 mm (154.3 in) (hatchback) 4,230 mm (166.5 in) (sedan) 3,995 mm (157.3 in) (HB20X)
Width
1,680–1,710 mm (66.1–67.3 in)
Height
1,470–1,550 mm (57.9–61.0 in)
It has two engine options, which are 1.0-litre and 1.6-litre.[3] The higher versions do feature a 1.6-litre Gamma engine with 128 hp. The HB20 is available with both automatic and manual transmission for 1.6-litre and only manual transmission for 1.0-litre in this generation.
In 2013, over 75% of the HB20 parts are made in Brazil.[4]
HB20S
The Hyundai HB20S is the sedan version of the HB20 hatchback. It has the same engine and transmission choices from the regular HB20. It has the same wheelbase as the hatchback but is longer with 4.23 m (166.5 in) and has a larger trunk at 450 L (16 cu ft) compared to the 300 L (11 cu ft) in the regular HB20.
HB20X
The Hyundai HB20X is a mini SUV version which sets it apart from the standard HB20. As is the case for other similar models, it is available only with front-wheel drive. It is produced and sold only in Brazil to compete in the expanding mini SUV market.
This version contains mixed use tires, a suspension raised slightly and a few visual upgrades. It is available only with the 1.6-litre Gamma engine.
Rear view (pre-facelift)
2016 Hyundai HB20 (facelift)
Concept car
The Hyundai HB20 R-Spec Concept was presented at the 2014 São Paulo Motor Show.[5]
Safety
The HB20 in its most basic version for Latin America received 3 stars for adult occupants and 1 star for toddlers from Latin NCAP in March 2013.[6]
The updated HB20 in its most basic version for Latin America received 4 stars for adult occupants and 3 stars for toddlers from Latin NCAP in November 2013.[7]
The second generation HB20 was launched on 17 September 2019.[10] It is also available in a crossover-look variant named HB20X.[11]
Hyundai HB20X (Brazil) rear view
Hyundai HB20S (Brazil) front view
Hyundai Graviti HB20X (Colombia) interior
Facelift
The facelifted HB20 was released in July 2022 for the 2023 model year.[12]
On 27 September 2022, the HB20 arrived to the Mexican market, replacing the locally-built Accent. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the HB20 is available in three trim levels; GL (sedan only), GL Mid, and GLS. It is also available with an automatic or manual transmission.[13][14]
Hyundai HB20 (Colombia, facelift)
Rear view
Interior
Hyundai HB20S (Colombia, facelift)
Safety
The most basic version for Latin America with 2 airbags and ESC received 1 star for adult occupants and 3 stars for toddlers from Latin NCAP in 2019 (one level above 2010-2015).[15]
The most basic version for Latin America with 2 airbags, driver pretensioner and no ESC received 0 stars from Latin NCAP in 2020 under its new protocol (one level above 2019, similar to Euro NCAP 2014).[16]
The most basic version for Latin America of the facelifted HB20 with 6 airbags, airbag switch, driver pretensioner, front load limiters, ESC and speed assist received 3 stars from Latin NCAP in 2023 (one level above 2019, similar to Euro NCAP 2014).[17]