Hyundai i20 Review
By Motor Match • 14/06/2023
Hyundai completely revamped the i20 back in 2020, lets see what the new upgrades have brought.
What is it?
Hyundai has only gone from strength to strength in recent years. It’s no longer just a producer of budget-busting models, but rather a creator of vehicles which bring some genuine verve and appeal. They’re also packed with equipment, too, but still have that fund-friendly approach.
The i20 might be one of Hyundai’s more compact models, but it’s a car which is jam-packed with features. It’s set to be a great option for a number of drivers, too, but what’s it like to drive? We’ve been finding out.
What’s new?
Hyundai completely revamped the i20 back in 2020, introducing a brand new platform which made this model larger than before. That, in turn, means it’s got more space to offer inside while delivering a more ‘large car’ driving experience than it could do previously.
Hyundai has also kitted the i20 out with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology in many of the i20’s powertrains, meaning that this little model is even cheaper to run. It’s another way that the Hyundai i20 could prove to be a hit with buyers who want to drive down the cost of motoring.
What’s under the bonnet?
Things are kept nice and easy with the i20’s list of engines - there’s just one. It’s a 1.0-litre turbocharged unit with 98 bhp and 172 Nm of torque, driven through either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. There’s not too much of a downside when it comes to efficiency if you pick the latter, either.
Having said that, our test car came with the former and came accompanied by a claimed economy figure of up to 54.3mpg. Emissions are low, too, at 118g/km. That clever mild-hybrid system also takes the fuel saving to a new level, as it allows the engine to coast with the engine off when the driver releases the accelerator.
What’s it like to drive?
You get a surprisingly sporty feel from the i20. The driving position is a little lower than you might expect, while there’s plenty of adjustability to be found so that drivers of all shapes and sizes can get comfy.
The 1.0-litre engine under the bonnet might be small in capacity, but it delivers more than enough performance for most occasions. It’s great around town, too, providing a nippy urgency which makes it ideal for darting in and out of traffic. There’s a nice bit of weight to the steering, too, which helps to inspire confidence through the bends.
How does it look?
Hyundai has done a great job of making this small car generate some real presence on the road. It’s all down to some neat touches, such as the intricate headlights or the angular cuts and shapes that are applied across the bodywork.
It’s a particularly striking car from the rear, too, as the clever LED lights combine with a sporty diffuser-style trim to give it an appearance of some of the racier models in Hyundai’s line-up.
What’s it like inside?
The interior of the Hyundai puts those in many more premium models to shame. Though there are some harsher plastics to be found lower down the cabin, there’s still plenty to like and the general fit-and-finish is what really shines through. Everything feels well put together and there aren’t any squeaks or rattles to report.
When it comes to boot space, there’s a very acceptable 352 litres on offer which can be increased to 1,165 litres with the rear seats folded down. It’s slightly more than you’d get in the Volkswagen Polo, in fact.
What’s the spec like?
As we’ve found with other Hyundai models, there’s great levels of standard equipment to be found in the new i20. Things kick off with the SE Connect trim level and this brings features such as 16-inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch touchscreen and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, there’s a large and easy-to-use 10.25-inch virtual dial setup which is included on all models regardless of trim.
In Premium spec, higher-end functions such as a 10.25-inch infotainment system, larger alloy wheels and Hyundai’s Blue link smartphone service come equipped as standard.
Verdict
Hyundai hasn’t let its foot off the gas with the i20. It’s a car which still keeps to the firm’s value-orientated values, but throws in a far more robust build quality and loads more equipment to make this a very compelling package.
Add in an engine which delivers good enough performance but also excellent efficiency and you have a package which feels very tempting indeed.
You may also like…