Hyundai i20 Hatchback full 9 point review
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Performance
The entry-level 77bhp 1.2-litre petrol feels very peppy and flexible for a small engine; the 98bhp 1.4 is gutsier but has no great advantage. Diesel buyers can choose between a 74bhp 1.4 or a livelier 89bhp version; the 74bhp diesel is slow from 0-62mph, but is perfectly sufficient both in town and on the motorway.
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Ride & Handling
The i20's steering could be lighter, but it’s still easy to drive in town thanks to its punchy engines. It’s not half bad when the pace picks up, either. There's lots of grip, and the handling remains stable and predictable. The ride is comfortable, but there is some body lean in bends. Combine that with the inert steering and it's not as much fun to drive as the class best.
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Refinement
Even the entry-level petrol engine stays hushed when you're cruising, so there's little from under the bonnet to disturb you. You hear a bit of wind noise rushing down the car's sides, but road noise is the i20's main source of sound. It's still reasonably quiet all round, though.
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Buying & Owning
The i20's pricing is very aggressive, especially when you factor in the stack of kit each model comes with. Fuel economy and emissions are also very good, so it'll cost you peanuts to run. Resale values aren't great, but they're no worse than you get from some of the more popular cars in the class.
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Quality & Reliability
The cabin materials are sturdy and functional, so they shouldn't be ruined by the prying fingers of fidgety kids. They aren't particularly appealing, though, because they're a bit hard, and that makes the cabin a little drab. The i20's reliability is a bit of an unknown quantity, but owners rated it as average in the 2011 JD Power customer satisfaction survey, and the five-year warranty is reasuring.
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Safety & Security
The i20 gets stability control as standard across the range, which should help most drivers finding themselves in a sticky situation.. Other safety measures found in all models are six airbags and active head restraints, so most of the bases are covered.
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Behind The Wheel
The i20's windows are big and the driving position is quite high, so it's very easy to see out of. However, taller drivers might feel that they're perched up a touch too high. The dashboard's plain design makes it pretty easy to use, but the bland design means there's little to get excited about.
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Space & Practicality
The i20 has as much room as many of its mainstream rivals, with enough cabin space for four adults to sit comfortably. However, five's a squeeze and there's not a lot of rear legroom. The boot is wide and a decent size, and the rear seats are split-folding affairs that tumble forwards.
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Equipment
Entry-level Classic cars come with air-conditioning, remote central locking and electric front windows, which is enough for it to be our favourite. Comfort spec gets masses of kit, including alloys, electric rear windows, steering wheel-mounted controls and a cable to hook up your MP3 player. Style models get luxuries such as half-leather seats, a leather steering wheel, front foglights and climate control.
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Hyundai i20 Hatchback 1.2 Classic 5dr
This is our pick of the i20 range. There's no need to buy a more powerful engine, and Classic trim provides most of the kit you really need at a bargain price.
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