Used car of the week: Hyundai i20

* Great value to buy, peanuts to run * Our favourite used model from £6495 * New i20 on sale in early 2015...

Used car of the week: Hyundai i20

The new Hyundai i20 is set to go on sale in early 2015 and proved a hit with What Car? readers in our exclusive preview earlier this year.

Prices for the new i20 start from £10,695 – for full details, click here – but for those after a bargain the outgoing incarnation of the supermini is available from £6495.

Ideal Model Hyundai i20 1.2 Classic
Prices from £6495

Why should I buy a used i20?

It’s great value to buy, peanuts to run and comes with plenty of space and equipment for the money.

The i20's compact dimensions make it very easy to drive around town, and the handling is always stable.

It also has a comfortable ride and a hushed 1.2 petrol engine, along with impeccable safety features that includes stability control, six airbags and active head restraints.

Which model should I choose?

Our recommended choice is the 1.2-litre petrol engine in Classic trim. The flexible 83bhp engine is enough for most drivers’ needs and can average a claimed 57.6mpg.

Classic may be the entry-level trim, but it has enough kit for most drivers. Air-con, remote central locking and electric front windows all come as standard.

Active spec adds alloys, electric rear windows, Bluetooth and front foglights. Top-end Style models have automatic lights and wipers, climate control and a reversing camera.

How much should I pay?

Prices for our recommended 1.2 Classic model on the approved used car section of our website start from £6495. This can land you a 2013 model with 8500 miles on the clock, while a bigger budget of £8000 can get a 2014 model that’s done 6000 miles.

The same £6495 you pay for a 1.2 Classic can get you a slightly older 1.2 Active with a mileage of around 25,000.

Diesel engines are harder to come across on the used car market, but the super-frugal 1.1 CRDi Classic from 2013 can be found for around £9000 with 8000 miles.

What problems should I look out for?

Check that the radio is working because owners have reported the fuse blowing.

Problems with the starter motor and steering rack have been reported, so be aware of any irregularities on the test drive.

Hyundai i20s are popular driving instructor cars; ask if the one you’re looking at used to be one. If it has, make sure the clutch and brakes are in good condition on the test drive, and check the state of the wheels and tyres.