Hyundai ix20 (2010 – 2018) Review

Hyundai ix20 (2010 – 2018) At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The epitome of common sense family driving, the Hyundai ix20 doesn’t offer much in the way of excitement, but it is extremely practical.

+Cheap to run. Good visibility. Plenty of rear passenger and boot space. Better engines and transmissions in 2016.

-Not a sporty handler. No sliding rear doors. Rivals are better to drive.

Insurance Groups are between 7–14
On average it achieves 80% of the official MPG figure

Hyundai had its sensible head well and truly screwed on when it launched the Hyundai ix20 in 2010. A compact MPV, it offered more space than many hatches from the class above while retaining a small on-road footprint. This made it ideal for growing families, as it offers plenty of interior room, equipment and quality. It’s not as sharp to drive as a Ford B-MAX nor quite as roomy as a Citroen C3 Picasso, but it’s still a strong contender. Read on for our full Hyundai ix20 review.

The Hyundai ix20 mini-MPV was Hyundai’s version of the Kia Venga and the two were even built at the same factory. Like the Kia, the Hyundai ix20 offers generous standard equipment levels, a high-quality interior and low running costs thanks to efficient engines. All of that makes it a sound used buy.

The Hyundai ix20 is good to drive with a very forgiving ride that copes well with four people and their luggage, and there’s little road or wind noise at higher speeds. The suspension was been tuned specifically for the poor quality of many UK roads and this shows behind the wheel, where it handles well, but is also very comfortable and composed.

The efficient engine range includes two petrols – a 1.4-litre and a 1.6-litre (the latter comes as an automatic only), plus an impressive 1.4 CRDi turbodiesel. Like the 1.4-litre petrol, it’s fitted with Hyundai’s Integrated Stop/Start (ISG) technology which cuts the engine when stationary.

As a result, it emits a low 114g/km of CO2 while claimed fuel economy is 65.7mpg based on the old method of testing.

The quality feel is evident in the spacious cabin, where there’s plenty of space for five on board and their luggage too, thanks to a large boot with extra under-floor storage.

Equipment levels are good, while top models come with a neat panoramic glass sunroof that makes the cabin feel very light and airy, and it also slides open unlike many other similar roofs.

Fancy a second opinion? Read heycar's Hyundai ix20 review.

Ask Honest John

Will TPMS-equipped tyres cost more to replace?

"My Hyundai ix20 has wheels that are equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Will these cost more to replace? And if so, how much extra?"
On the vast majority of modern cars the tyres pressure monitoring is done via a sensor in the valve stem of the tyre. The valve is always replaced when the tyre is, but the pressure sensors shouldn't need to be unless they are damaged during fitting. Always make the fitter aware your car has TPMS - a good fitter should be able to refit the sensor without damage so this won't cost you.
Answered by Lawrence Allan

Do I renew the timing chain?

"I have a Hyundai ix20 1.6 diesel active which, I believe, has a timing chain as opposed to a belt. I always understood that timing chains were generally expected to last the life of the engine. A neighbour of mine recently told me it should be replace between 80,000 and 100,000 miles. I tend to buy my cars new/virtually new and run them until repair costs become uneconomic. This car has been a reliable workhorse and is about to turn 80,000 miles. What is the general advice about when to change its timing chain please?"
You are correct, timing chains are indeed designed to last the life of the car. But as with all things in life, sometimes things go wrong. Timing chain problems are, in my experience, usually linked to poor maintenance. If the oil isn't changed regularly, for example, sludge can build and cause problems within the chain, guides and sprockets. Timing chains can also suffer wear over time, which causes the chain to sag, stretch or break. That's why it's always a good idea to have it checked at five or six years by a qualified mechanic (as part of the annual service).
Answered by Dan Powell

Why is my Hyundai ix20 leaking water?

"My 2016 Hyundai ix20 has recently started to leak water on the nearside, about a metre back from the usual place for the air conditioning to drop condensation. Any idea what might be causing this?"
Check the car's coolant level. The owner's manual should make it easy to find the coolant reservoir. Make sure the engine is cool before doing this and ensure the car is parked on a flat surface. The coolant should be between the minimum and maximum level lines. If the coolant is low then top it up and have the system checked by a qualified mechanic.
Answered by Dan Powell

Which versions of the Kia Picanto use a torque converter gearbox?

"Can you help me identify the manufacturing years in which the Kia Picanto was fitted with a torque converter rather than a semi-automatic gearbox? I've had several different answers from dealers and Kia themselves. Can you also suggest any other similar-sized cars which have torque converter gearboxes, or which you feel have good semi-automatic and would suit an older driver doing around 3,000 miles a year? Electric is not an option. "
I believe the torque convertor was fitted up until June 2020. Other options includes: Suzuki Splash, Vauxhall Agila, Hyundai i10, Kia Venga, Hyundai ix20.
Answered by Russell Campbell
More Questions

What does a Hyundai ix20 (2010 – 2018) cost?