Hyundai i20 (2015) Review

August 2014

Hyundai unveils new i20

The new generation i20 has been designed and developed in Europe, and three key attributes in particular underline how it meets the needs of European consumers: class-leading interior space, a host of high-technology and comfort-enhancing features, and distinctive, refined design.

Based on a new platform, new i20 features a 2570 mm wheelbase – 45 mm longer than its predecessor – providing European customers with one of the most spacious cabins in the segment. Efficient packaging has created a passenger compartment that can comfortably seat five adults. Combined front and rear legroom is best in class at 1892 mm. Boot capacity is also segment-leading: 326 litres when the rear seats are upright.

Enhancing the comfort and the sense of space for driver and passengers is a unique-in-class panoramic sunroof. Able to both tilt and fully open, it fills the cabin with natural light and fresh air. Further features add to the refinement and convenience, including integrated rear-view camera and front and rear LED lighting.

The boot volume has increased by 10% to a class-leading 326 litres (previously 295 litres) with the rear seats upright.

The petrol engines include the 1.25-litre ‘Kappa’ four-cylinder in low power (75PS) or high-power (84PS) form. This all-aluminium unit receives a five-speed manual transmission as standard. Alternatively, there is a 1.4-litre four-cylinder 100PS unit. The more powerful engine can be mated to a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox.

Outstanding features of the Kappa engine’s modern architecture include dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), dual continuously variable valve timing (CVVT), a very stiff cast aluminium block with cast iron liners, aluminium cylinder head, lighter connecting rods and maintenance-free long-life timing chain.

There are two diesel - a 75PS, 1.1-litre engine or the 90PS 1.4-litre. Both engines are equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Customers of diesel variants of new i20 will notice a reduction in noise thanks to the addition of rubber-coated sprockets, providing a decent improvement over the outgoing model. Both the five-and six-speed manual transmissions fitted to the New Generation i20 have been extensively tested to deliver a smoother, quieter and more tactile shift.

February 2018

Hyundai i20 Go SE launched

Available from £14,355, the i20 Go! SE 1.2 84PS 5 speed manual is again only a £495 premium over the i20 SE 5 door but brings equipment enhancements including a new design 15-inch alloy wheel, gloss black door mirrors, privacy glass, black side body mouldings, projection headlamps, LED daytime running lamps and 1.0 T-GDi style radiator grille.

Interior additions for the i20 Go! SE includes 7-inch touchscreen navigation, black headlining, Go! SE cloth upholstery and centre console armrest. Additional equipment includes automatic headlamps and rain sensing wipers and an auto dimming rear view mirror. The i20 Go SE! is available in 4 body colours, Champion Blue (metallic), Stardust Grey (metallic), Phantom Black (pearl) and Polar White (solid).

June 2018

Revised i20 goes on sale

The new i20 introduces a number of new connectivity and safety features to the range as well as exterior updates which include the introduction of the Hyundai family’s Cascading Grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers, new front fog lamps and a new design tailgate with new tail lamps.

All New i20’s will now benefit as standard from a 7-inch display audio with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear view camera, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel controls and automatic headlamps. In addition, the i20 5 door now features standard safety equipment such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert and High Beam Assist featuring on all models from the SE trim upwards.

Efficiency is improved with the introduction of a 7 speed dual clutch transmission on the 1.0 T-GDi 100PS engine, which replaces the automatic transmission of the previous model. Intelligent Stop and Go features across the range, with Michelin low rolling resistance tyres available on all models fitted with 15” and 16” wheels.

Prices for the i20 S 5 door 1.2 75PS 5 speed manual will start from £13,995. The new specification includes 7-inch display audio including DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear view camera, manual air conditioning, USB charger, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel controls, rear door speakers and automatic headlights. Remote central locking, electric front windows and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors are amongst the key specification carried over from the previous model.

From £15,495, the i20 SE 5 door 1.2 84PS 5 speed manual builds on the S trim level by offering customers additional equipment including a new design for the 15” alloy wheels, front fog lamps, LED daytime running lamps, projector headlamps, rear parking sensors, cruise control with speed limiter function and electric rear windows. Trim additions include a leather steering wheel and gear knob. New i20 SE also introduces Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert and High Beam Assist. It is available with the 1.0 T-GDi 100PS engine, with either a 5 speed manual transmission or the 7 speed dual clutch transmission.

Raising the specification further, the i20 Premium Nav 5 door starts at £16,245 for the 1.2 84PS 5 speed manual. Premium Nav trim includes new design 16” alloy wheels, dark grey front grille, LED rear lamps, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, climate control, privacy glass, power folding mirrors, 7” Touchscreen Navigation with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, automatic wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror and front centre arm rest. The New i20 Premium Nav is available with the 1.0 T-GDi 100PS engine, with either a 5 speed manual transmission or the 7 speed dual clutch transmission.

The top of the range i20 Premium Nav SE 5 door enters the range at £17,295 for the 1.2 84PS 5 speed manual, adding smart key with push button engine start/stop, panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel to the Premium Nav specification. New i20 Premium Nav SE is also available with the 1.0 T-GDi 120PS engine and a 6 speed manual transmission.

New i20 is available in a choice of 8 colours. Tomato Red - a new colour to the range - joins Polar White as solid finish, no cost options. Clean Slate and Champion Blue - also new to the range - join existing colours Phantom Black, Sleek Silver, Stardust Grey and Passion Red. These are all metallic or pearl paint finishes and cost £550.

April 2019

Hyundai i20 Play special edition announced

Available from £14,495, the i20 Play is priced £1000 less than the i20 SE and includes specification from higher in the range, including 16-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, 7-inch touchscreen navigation system with DAB, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, black gloss door mirror covers and unique Play badging. The i20 Play is available with the 1.2 MPI 84PS 5 speed manual or the 1.0 T-GDi 100PS 5 speed manual.

All i20 PLAY models come standard in a two tone paint finish, with pearl finish Phantom Black roof to complement the body colour. Five colours are available: Tomato Red or Polar White as solid, no cost options, Champion Blue, Stardust Grey or Clean Slate as metallic options for £550.