Hyundai i20



It might not be as exciting to drive as some, but Hyundai's new i20 supermini is competent, very spacious, well equipped and refined. That puts it right up there with the best in class.

Test Car Specifications

Model tested: Hyundai i20 1.1 CRDi 75 SE
Price: £14,225
Engine: 1.1-litre three-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: front-wheel drive, six-speed manual
Body style: five-door hatchback
CO₂ emissions: 103g/km (Band B, £20 per year)
Combined economy: 70.6mpg
Top speed: 98mph
0-62mph: 16.0 seconds
Power: 75hp at 4,000rpm
Torque 180Nm at 1,750- to 2,500rpm

What's this?

A new Hyundai i20, replacing the Korean firm's big-selling supermini. A rival to the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo and Vauxhall Corsa then, though one that's now better equipped to compete with the best in class. It's bigger, quieter, more efficient and as generously equipped as ever, Hyundai going to great lengths to make the i20 appeal to European tastes. It has achieved that too, as not only is it refined, tastefully styled inside and out (the dash and trim materials all feeling pleasingly tactile), but it's actually quite enjoyable to drive, too.

How does it drive?

We might bang on here about how fun a Fiesta is, but we realise that a whole legion of buyers couldn't care one bit. Not that the i20 isn't capable of raising a grin, it's just not likely to thrill as much as that Ford. The overriding impression on the road is its silence and refinement; there's almost no perceptible wind or road noise. That hushed refinement is apparent even in what should be the least quiet of the i20's line-up, the three-cylinder diesel model, which manages to go about its business without any vibrations through the firewall or controls.

It's all very civilised then, the i20 adding to that by offering a cabin that's notably roomy in feel. Up front it's not far off the segment above for accommodation, while rear passengers are also offered plenty of space thanks to a 45mm stretch in wheelbase over its predecessor.

The engine might be quiet, but it's not going anywhere particularly fast. The 16-second 0-62mph time is slovenly, being some 2.5 seconds slower than a Fiesta 1.5 TDCi with the same 75hp output. If you're in a hurry you'll need to work the little 1.1-litre triple, to the detriment of economy. There's a decently agile chassis though, allowing you to carry some of that not-so-easily gained pace. The i20 rides commendably well, with fine comfort and steering that's light and accurate, while the shift of the six-speed manual gearbox is decent, too.

In SE guise the 1.1-litre CRDi does without stop-start, which means its CO₂ emissions rating is into the tax-paying threshold, but £20 a year isn't going to break the bank. If you want to avoid it, there's the S Blue, which gains stop-start, improving the economy from an official combined 70.6- to 88.3mpg, while dropping CO₂ emissions to 84g/km.

Verdict

Playing the supermini market fairly conservatively Hyundai's i20 has widespread appeal. Lots of space, superb refinement and inoffensive styling inside and out all count in its favour. As does a good level of standard equipment and Hyundai's long warranty. Only the performance of the engines lets it down slightly, but you'll be going slowly comfortably and quietly, which is appealing in itself.

Exterior Design

Interior Ambience

Passenger Space

Luggage Space

Safety

Comfort

Driving Dynamics

Powertrain