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First drive: Hyundai i20 Coupé. Image by Hyundai.

First drive: Hyundai i20 Coupé
Hyundai's three-door B-segment challenger gets Coupé badging.

   



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Hyundai i20 Coupé

3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5

Hyundai markets this new i20 as a three-door B-segment model that is 'significantly differentiated' from the five-door version, hence why it's called 'Coupé'; make of that what you will. Nevertheless, it's a well-equipped and well-mannered supermini-sized machine.

Test Car Specifications

Model tested: Hyundai i20 Coupé SE 1.4 CRDi
Pricing: £14,725; £15,220 as tested (£495 metallic paint); i20 Coupé range starts from £12,725
Engine: 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel
Transmission: front-wheel drive, six-speed manual
Body style: three-door coupé
CO2 emissions: 106g/km (VED Band B, £0 first 12 months, £20 annually thereafter)
Combined economy: 68.9mpg
Top speed: 109mph
0-62mph: 12.1 seconds
Power: 90hp at 4,000rpm
Torque: 240Nm from 1,500- to 2,500rpm

What's this?

The new generation Hyundai i20 Coupé. Which, to our eyes, looks just like the five-door hatch, only minus the back two doors. Hyundai would take umbrage with this, though, because it says the i20 Coupé has more steeply raked A-, B- and C-pillars than the hatchback, in order to appeal to a younger, hipper audience. And we hope we're not being misconstrued in our coupé-related cynicism, because the new i20 is a smart-looking car. It has the dominant corporate face of Hyundai, with the big trapezoidal grille, a neat profile with the 'floating roof' effect generated by a blacked-out section of the C-pillar and attractive rear styling. The 'Fluidic Sculpture' i20 Coupé therefore looks suitably premium, albeit not exactly jaw-dropping - although as the i20 has already scooped two design awards from independent judges, perhaps our eyes need testing.

The interior has both good and bad points, the negatives mainly centring on some old-fashioned quality deficits when compared to European opposition. There are hard plastics, big clunky buttons and some already ageing digital displays to behold, but these are minor aesthetic gripes that are cancelled out by enough space for four adults (despite the lack of rear doors), a decent boot, excellent fit and plenty of toys. Coupé trim levels are slimmed down from the options for the hatchback, as they simply run SE, Sport and Sport Nav. But as even base SEs like our test car come with 16-inch alloys, cruise control, rear parking sensors and air conditioning, it's clear that any i20 Coupé has some useful creature comforts. It's a largely successful cabin overall, yet we hope some of the visual pizzazz found in the smaller i10 filters into the rest of the Hyundai range before long.

How does it drive?

If you land yourself behind the wheel and expect this to be some sort of Korean Ford Puma for the 21st century, prepare for disappointment. The i20 Coupé has a very safe dynamic set-up, front-led and with plenty of grip, but with little else to offer up beyond that, all garnished with curiously lifeless steering. However, given that target buyers are unlikely to be hammering around country lanes pretending to be Dani Sordo, the Hyundai's quiet, refined manners and comfortable ride will be of more interest, as it's a serene little motor when just pottering through villages and along A-roads. The six-speed manual gearbox has well-spaced ratios and is slick and precise of throw, too, all of which eases progress.

If you're looking at the stats of 90hp, 0-62mph in 12.1 seconds and a top speed of 109mph, thinking the i20 will be the sort of car that needs a damned sound thrashing just to keep up with traffic, you'd be wrong. The pertinent figure is a meaty 240Nm spread over 1,000 low-range revs, which means the Coupé is actually pleasant enough for day-to-day driving needs. It's not exactly quick, of course, but it isn't hopelessly outgunned on today's roads. And as your only engine alternative for now is a 1.2-litre petrol with 84hp and half the torque of the 1.4 CRDi, then the diesel is the sensible option, especially as its relaxed demeanour means you're more than likely going to get very close to the official combined economy of 68.9mpg.

Verdict

Low running costs (just £20 VED a year after the first 12 months are free), the generous five-year manufacturer warranty and a good level of standard kit wrapped up in a handsome, practical body shell makes the Hyundai i20 Coupé an appealing and intriguing new proposition in the B-segment. Just don't expect any driving fireworks and you'll be fine; otherwise, buy a Ford Fiesta.

4 4 4 4 4 Exterior Design

3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 Interior Ambience

4 4 4 4 4 Passenger Space

4 4 4 4 4 Luggage Space

4 4 4 4 4 Safety

4 4 4 4 4 Comfort

3 3 3 3 3 Driving Dynamics

3 3 3 3 3 Powertrain


Matt Robinson - 10 May 2015



  www.hyundai.co.uk    - Hyundai road tests
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2015 Hyundai i20 Coupe. Image by Hyundai.2015 Hyundai i20 Coupe. Image by Hyundai.2015 Hyundai i20 Coupe. Image by Hyundai.2015 Hyundai i20 Coupe. Image by Hyundai.2015 Hyundai i20 Coupe. Image by Hyundai.

2015 Hyundai i20 Coupe. Image by Hyundai.2015 Hyundai i20 Coupe. Image by Hyundai.2015 Hyundai i20 Coupe. Image by Hyundai.2015 Hyundai i20 Coupe. Image by Hyundai.2015 Hyundai i20 Coupe. Image by Hyundai.



2015 Hyundai i20 Coupe. Image by Hyundai.
 

2015 Hyundai i20 Coupe. Image by Hyundai.
 

2015 Hyundai i20 Coupe. Image by Hyundai.
 

2015 Hyundai i20 Coupe. Image by Hyundai.
 

2015 Hyundai i20 Coupe. Image by Hyundai.
 

2015 Hyundai i20 Coupe. Image by Hyundai.
 

2015 Hyundai i20 Coupe. Image by Hyundai.
 

2015 Hyundai i20 Coupe. Image by Hyundai.
 






 

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