Hyundai i20

What is it? Latest generation of Hyundai's premium hatchback Price from Rs 4.89 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) On sale Now

New i20 looks larger than its predecessor although overall size is near identical. Styling is crisp and modern.

YOU DONT NEED to think too hard to understand why the Hyundai i20 has been such a strong seller in India. Its stylish exterior, spacious cabin and lengthy features list have always given buyers the impression that they are getting more than their money's worth. Hyundai is now out with the new i20 (called the Elite i20) and the good news is that it doesn't cost much more than the outgoing car with prices ranging from Rs 4.89 lakh (exshowroom, Delhi) to Rs 7.67 lakh. That's important because this is no facelift or cosmetic upgrade; it's a whole different car that's been built on an all new platforms. 

While overall dimensions are near identical, its flat bonnet, shorter bumpers and the greater distance between its front and rear wheels give the Elite i20 a far sportier stance. Even the styling is quite different. It's not as flamboyant as the older car, but it's more grown up and will look attractive for longer. The low-set and chrome-lined hexagonal grille is the focal point at the front though the neatly detailed and swept back headlamps are very attractive too. What also remains to be seen is the visual impact the smaller 14-inch diameter wheels on lower spec i20s have on the car's overall look. Top-spec i20s (such as the one pictured here) get 16-inch alloy wheels and it must be said, they do look really special. The angular shape of the rear windows and well-executed stylistic creases on the doors also give the new i20 its distinct identity. Its blackened C-pillar and spread-out tail-lamps also look simply spectacular. The boot is generous too with enough space to store more than a weekend's worth of luggage. 

Swept-back headlamps look very attractive but there are no daytime-running lights here.

What's it like on the inside?

Wide door openings make entering the cabin very easy and once inside, there's lots to like. Cabin space, for one, is remarkable and comparable to that of a larger mid-size sedan. This should make the i20 a hatchback the chauffeur-driven will take very keenly to. Rear legroom and headroom are very impressive, as on the earlier car, and there is sufficient width to seat three. The rear seat also scores well for good back and leg support. Those sitting up front will like the good visibility out while drivers will appreciate the option to adjust the steering for tilt and reach. 

Space apart, the i20's cabin also scores well for perceived quality. Fit and finish are of a high standard, detailing is impressive and the two-tone dashboard looks suitably up-market. It's a well thought out cabin too with lots of storage space through the cabin. In addition to the medium-sized glovebox, there's a bottle holder on each of the doors, a box between the front seats, and a usable recess with two charging points low down on the dashboard. The top-spec Asta trim featured here comes with automatic headlamps, push button start, automatic climate control, a rear air-convent, an audio player with 1 GB of onboard music storage, autofolding mirrors and rear view camera with guide lines. There's also Hyundai's safety pedal that overrides the throttle when pressed simultaneously with the brake. It works surprisingly well and is something that could come handy in panic braking scenarios. Of the five variants on offer, we'd also recommend you to take a close look at the mid-spec Sportz variant that's fairly well-equipped. 

What is it like to drive?

The i20 is available with one petrol and one turbo-diesel for now. The i20 diesel comes with the same 89bhp, 1.4-litre, common-rail engine as the previous i20 and uses the same six-speed manual gearbox as well. The 1.4 diesel has smoothness with which it spins is very nice. Where it does impress is in terms of refinement. Idle is quiet and for the most part, there's only a subdued clatter from the engine bay. What further aids the experience are its smooth shifting gearbox and adequately light clutch.

The light and easy gearshifts on the five-speed gearbox are some of the traits you'll find in the i20 petrol too. While power output is unchanged from the earlier i20, the 82bhp, 1.2-litre motor has been re-tuned to improve power at low engine speeds. The engine does feel a bit better than before as well. Things get progressively better as you rev harder. The i20 petrol builds speed quickly and revs quite readily past 6,000rpm. 

Hyundai has clearly made progress in terms of suspension setup. Once again, it's in more everyday driving conditions that the i20 is at its best. The light steering makes parking easy, the suspension is absorbent (save for the odd thud on big bumps) and even suspension noise is very well contained. There's also an improvement in the i2o's high-speed manners.

Should I buy one?

The Elite i20 betters the old car on almost every front and that alone should give you an idea of how appealing it is. Hyundai offers everything the majority of hatchback buyers would want. It looks special on the outside, and is really well-equipped, spacious and comfortable on the inside. Both diesel and petrol engines offer unstressed motoring and promise to be very efficient too, with ARAI-tested fuel economy figures of 22.5kpl and 18.6kpl, respectively. Even refinement levels are on par with far more expensive cars. Then there's also the promise of a stress-free ownership experience courtesy Hyundai's proven service backup. Add everything together and you get a premium hatchback that's very- easy to recommend.

Words : Nikhil Bhatia

Published by : Motoring World