Hyundai i20: The premium hatchback space fits in an odd bridge – vehicles that are near the compact sedan in price but with no booty in the rear to get; positioning themselves to buyers who prioritize style and features over old-school thoughts of what is good car value.
And in that space has crept the Hyundai i20, a fashion-forward option that defies small-car rules of thumb.
European-Inspired Aesthetics
The most recent i20 loses none of Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design language. Razor-thin creases, angular members of the lighting staff, and a sharply plummeting roofline all contribute to the visual drama you don’t often find in this category.
Its cascading grille sprawls across the face, joined by the taillamps and the blacked-out pillars for a current design that catches the eye despite a small print.
That tuning results in a very European feel – no surprise when you consider how big the i20 is around those parts.
The distinctive design is a bit of a gamble in a segment that tends to adhere to conservative choices, but it’s a play that’s undoubtedly attracting a lot of younger buyers who see their vehicle a medium of self-expression, instead of just transportation.
Cabin Technology
Inside, the dashboard design takes a leap towards the modern day with a horizontal theme including dual screens in upper trims – a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment display.
This is a very technical look, which fits the car’s overall modern design.
BlueLink is Hyundai’s connected car system, that allows you to use your smartphone to access certain functions remotely among other features.
And when the sun sets, ambient lighting sets the mood. The material quality varies strategically - soft-touch surfaces are in obvious places while hard plastic lives where you’re not looking, but everything is built with care.
Space utilization is enhanced both by the square roofline, which yields more rear headroom than reflects on the outside, and by low floor height; legroom is plentiful back there.
There is reasonable legroom for average-sized adults back there, but three across the rear bench takes a little negotiation. The 311-litre boot is perfect for everyday requirements and can be made bigger by the 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
Driving Dynamics
On the road, the i20 feels far more planted and stable and also has handling that could give European superminis a run for their money.
The suspension strikes a good comfort-control compromise, swallowing uneven urban roads without needlessly leaning over during direction changes. The precision of the steering is impressive, but feedback is in short supply – as usual with electrically-assisted systems.
Power units range from a frugal 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol to a sporty 1.0-liter turbocharged GDI power plant.
The performance of the latter changes the way you drive with tangible torque from lower revs, especially with the 7-speed DCT that delivers instantaneous ratios.
This is then backed with a power offering that justifies the premium positioning, however it does so at the cost of fuel economy compared to its natural rival.
Strengths and Limitations
Pros:
Strong, stand-out design that looks great at lights or whipping through traffic
Long list of available equipment, including feature-laden ventilated seats
Smooth ride on less than perfectly paved roads
Peppy available turbocharged engine.
Inclusive of safety: six airbags
BlueLink linked tech including remote abilities
Cons:
Costlier than non-premium hatchbacks
In yet other instances, maintenance costs of twin-scroll turbo versions are higher
Touch Climate Controls Demand the Eye of The Beholder
DCT hesitates at times in stop-start traffic
There’s always a point of comparison to NAs – not so great fuel economy here to NAs.
Roofline that slopes toward the back affects rearward visibility
Hyundai i20: Final Assessment
It’s a formula the Hyundai i20 gets right by not being ashamed of its premium pretensions. Instead of doing the value thing like everybody else, it delivers the kind of refinement and tech you only find in larger vehicles.
It’s a split, prospective buyers either wanting more space and efficiency for their rupee think otherwise, and those who appreciate the extra design and features find reason to shell out up front.
The i20, then, is a car that certainly appeals to those living in urban areas, where you’re likely to spending a lot of time behind the wheel of your car, and where touches of finesse around the hooter and gearlever make the difference.
It turns mundane rides into more pleasant journeys with polish and tech, and visual excitement — attributes that matter more in a market that’s (mostly) outgrown basic transportation.