Hyundai Elite i20

It’s not just striking to look at: the Elite i20 sets new benchmarks for premium hatches 

We often notice companies use the term 'customer is the king'. It's an old adage, and is thrown around by companies all over the world. But how often have we come across companies that actually understand who their customers are? Even if they claim that they do, are they right? Because if a company isn't clear who its customers are, then it will likely do a poor job of serving the said 'king'. 

This aphorism works for car companies too, where models are tailor-made to suit customer demands. But how many carmakers really understand what their customers want? It's a grey area, and we shall refrain from dwelling on that, but, over the last couple of years, if there's been one carmaker in India which has done its homework properly, it's Hyundai. Just look at the Elantra, Grand i1O and Xcent to understand how well it has come to terms with what its Indian customer base needs. And the latest addition to its capable India fleet is the new Elite i20.

Is it any good? Oh yes, it is. In fact, it's better than the one it replaces in every single way. It's a stellar package, and it has set new benchmarks in the premium hatchback segment as far as luxury goes. There it is, we've said it! Now let us explain what makes it this good. We won't even begin with the feature list, which is long enough to put you to sleep. There's more to this Hyundai than just that. Like any mouth-watering delicacy, it all starts with the presentation. With the new i20, things look promising from the moment you lay your eyes on it. The attractive new fascia, a sporty stance and the stylish boot round off the fresh styling pretty well - it's edgier than before, with sharp, crisp lines dominating the exterior.

It's a similar story once you get into the cabin, and it's not just pretty to look at, it's also quite pleasant to be in. The edgy design theme takes centre-stage, with top-drawer plastics giving the interior a plush feel. The cabin of the Elite i20 is right up there with the best, and that's a job well done by the Korean manufacturer. Interior space and comfort are significant talking points here. The seats are well-cushioned, offer ample support, and the cabin is ergonomically sound, too. If you thought the new i20 is just a poster boy, then you're mistaken. The car on these pages is the top-end oil-burner, with a 1.4-litre unit churning out a fine 89bhp and 230Nm of pulling power, with power sent to the front wheels via a slick 6-speed manual gearbox. The numbers themselves indicate the i20 has all the power you'll ever need from a diesel hatchback, and it doesn't disappoint out in the real world. Acceleration is brisk: we managed a 0-100kph run in 12.89sec in extremely wet conditions, and when you keep the revs above 1800rpm, the in-gear acceleration, for urban driving, is quite strong. The motor loves stretching its legs all the way to 5000rpm in every gear, and that actually makes it fun to drive out on the highway too. Also helping matters here is the gearbox, which offers short and precise throws, and when combined with a lighter clutch, it makes life much easier on the go. Topping that is a suspension that's set-up specifically for Indian roads - bump absorption is first-rate, with the suspension keeping loud thuds at bay. It's a good highway car, and it'll happily munch mile after mile. It won't even grumble if you do triple-digit speeds for hours on end. 

Like all modern Hyundais, this too is a highly practical car that caters to the needs of an entire Indian family, and not only the needs of the one at the wheel. It's a perfect family hatch that offers good looks, ample legroom and luggage space, a top-quality cabin, a comfortable ride, and it's efficient, too. For Hyundai, the customer really is 'the king', and the new i20 is a testament to that.

Words : Devash Shobha 

Published by : Top Gear