Let us examine my newly purchased Hyundai i20. As expected, Hyundai has continued to strive for excellence in the upper-class hatchback market with each new iteration of the i20 – including that of which I am now the owner – the latest third-generation item. It bleeds a broad selection of leading features that would otherwise cause my eye to drift to a higher tier and also provides three alternative engine possibilities – the 1.2 petrol motor, 1.0 turbo-petrol motor, and 1.5 diesel motor – plus an abundance of transmission options. Unfortunately, my possession of such an advanced version comes at a considerable expense, thereby making the Hyundai i20 the costliest car in its division. Nonetheless, many blessed features and perks come loaded on this machine, enough to leave me confident in the selection. Not only has this item achieved monumental advancements in zones such as roominess, comfortability, and handling, I am especially thankful for its 100hp 1.5 diesel engine, for it has awarded Marvella wide-ranging execution that I have relished. An additional attractive trait is the thediscretionary120hp 1.0 turbo-petrol DCT variation for an added thrill-seeking boot; though for those of a tighter budget, an economic but charming 83hp 1.2 petrol manual, or 88hp CVT auto may still be romanced. At last, it remains to be answered if this newest version of the i20 will be equally as, or even exceed the success of its predecessor, and henceforth the direction for its subdivision contingent upon, the opinions being disliked or consummated by buyers like myself if the i20 is regarded as a budget-friendly, luxurious hatchback, ora much more cost-effective miniature SUV.

 

Exterior of Hyundai i20

Let’s talk about the exterior of my car which is the latest Hyundai i20, which is sufficient to absorb its European design elements. It possesses breathtaking aesthetics and will undoubtedly attract attention while strolling down the street. To the point where it becomes quite challenging to establish a visual connection between the two generations. A significant reason for this variation is Hyundai’s endeavor to cater to a slightly younger audience, such as myself.

At the front, the recognizable cascading grille with a parametric jewel pattern finish takes center stage in the new-generation i20. The grille is accompanied by LED projector headlights, LED DRLs, and cornering fog lamps. The premium hatch’s body panels boast numerous cuts and creases, along with dynamic front and rear bumpers. It’s worth noting that, compared to the Western version, the Indian model features a slimmer front bumper to meet the 4-meter length restriction. However, visually, the differences are negligible. The side profile is dominated by a wedge shape, a substantial Daylight Opening (DLO), and striking 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The rear complements the stylish front with LED taillights that emit a Z-shaped glow pattern, creating an equally revolutionary appearance. Moreover, a reflector strip acts as a connector between the tail lights. The most recent i20 that I have acquired appears exceptionally contemporary and new.

 

Interior of Hyundai i20

I have always been amazed by the extremely luxurious interior of my Hyundai i20, which is adorned with top-tier materials. These exceptional qualities have only been amplified in the latest model. The most recent iteration showcases a contemporary design and is constructed using premium materials, and my vehicle happens to be the newest version. One feature that I adore is the expansive 10.24-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system also includes BlueLink networking capabilities, a digital instrument dashboard, a remarkable BOSE 7-speaker sound system, an electric sunroof, an air purifier, rear air-con vents, and various other amenities that are available to enjoy.

Compared to the first-generation model, the third-generation Hyundai i20 is larger and longer in size. Moreover, it boasts a generously spacious trunk in comparison to the second-generation i20, along with a slightly longer wheelbase. These factors contribute to the i20’s exceptional roominess. The unusually roomy cabin can be attributed to its 2580 mm wheelbase. The presence of an armrest on the rear bench further enhances the comfort level for two passengers. Interestingly, unlike the Elite i20, there are no cup holders in this model. Nevertheless, there is ample headroom, shoulder room, and leg space for a party of four. The boot space is also noteworthy, as it can accommodate a large suitcase along with two small-to-medium-sized pieces of luggage, totalling 311 litres. Various cubby holes scattered throughout the cabin provide additional storage options. Lastly, the inclusion of a cooled glove compartment is a truly appreciated feature, especially during the summer months.

 

Engine Performance of Hyundai i20

The new Hyundai i20 is equipped with three engines that comply with BS6 regulations and offers five different gearboxes. It features a 1.2-litre petrol engine that is naturally aspirated and generates a maximum torque of 115 Nm and a power output of 81.8 bhp (86.7 bhp with IVT). This engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and an IVT (CVT). Additionally, there is a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine that produces 171 Nm of torque and 118 bhp of power. This engine is connected to a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch gearbox) and a 6-speed iMT (intelligent manual transmission). Lastly, there is a 1.5-litre diesel engine that delivers a maximum torque of 240 Nm and a power output of 98.6 bhp. It exclusively comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. I also own this particular engine variant.

The 1.2-litre petrol engine lacks enthusiasm and won’t make you victorious in any drag races at traffic lights. However, the refinement levels are commendable, resulting in minimal Noise, Vibration, and Harshness. In truth, the engine performs smoothly, and the transmission offers effortless clutch operation and smooth gear shifts. Although the CVT retains the traditional rubber-band sensation, it enhances my overall journey experience. Nonetheless, my personal favourite is the turbocharged petrol engine, which provides a sporty feel. It offers abundant power and enjoys revving up to its redline. I prefer having complete control over manual gear shifts without requiring the use of a clutch, thus the iMT is my preferred choice.

In comparison to the current diesel engine option, the 1.4-litre engine available in the Elite i20 exhibits higher refinement levels and reduced turbo lag. While slight vibrations can be felt at idle, they disappear as the revs increase. Notably, the fuel economy is one of its main selling points, delivering up to 20 km/l on the highway. Furthermore, the clutch operation is relatively light for a diesel engine, and the 6-speed manual transmission ensures seamless gear changes.

 

Riding and Handling Control of Hyundai i20

 

With each upgrade, the dynamics of my car have significantly improved, leading to the most recent model surpassing its predecessor in terms of ride and handling qualities. The latest model not only boasts more responsive steering compared to the previous one, but it also exhibits superior mechanical grip. I have found that it greatly enhances high-speed stability as a result of its increased wheelbase and tracks. Moreover, the ride quality becomes even better as the pace picks up, effortlessly smoothing out any road imperfections with controlled composure. It is truly impressive how well it maintains decent speeds throughout an entire day of driving.

Even when tackling hard corners, the steering gradually becomes heavier as the speed increases, ensuring that I remain comfortable at all times. The only drawback I have noticed is a slight haziness in the dead centre. Credit for the excellent ride quality of the current i20 model goes to the implementation of McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. Unlike other softly-sprung vehicles from the South Korean automaker, the i20 does not wallow around; instead, it easily absorbs any undulations on the road. However, I did experience strong rebounding from the front shock absorbers in the diesel version due to its front-heavy design. Overall, the objective of the new i20 is to strike a balance between being an engaging hatchback and a comfortable family car.

 

Safety Features of Hyundai i20

Global NCAP has not yet assessed the latest Hyundai i20 in my version, but rest assured, it comes equipped with a comprehensive safety package. The highest specification model boasts an impressive array of safety measures, including six airbags (comprising dual front airbags), ESC Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Emergency Stop Signal, hill start assist, TPMS, rear parking sensors, and a rear camera with dynamic guidelines. Additionally, this new-generation i20 benefits from the automaker’s K-platform, which boasts an impressive 66 percent composition of HSS High Strength Steel.

 

Price of Hyundai i20

The starting price of the Hyundai i20 in Kolkata is Rs. 6.99 Lakh. In Kolkata, the highest price for the top variant of Hyundai i20 is Rs. 11.01 Lakh. There are 7 versions of the Hyundai i20 available, with a petrol fuel type and 2 transmission options, namely manual and automatic (CVT). The base version of i20, Era 1.2 MT, is priced at ₹ 8.16 Lakh and is equipped with an 1197 cc petrol engine and manual transmission. The top model of i20 in Kolkata is priced at ₹ 12.87 Lakh and is known as Asta (O) 1.2 IVT. It comes with an 1197 cc petrol engine and automatic (CVT) transmission. They also provide a detailed breakdown of the on-road price for all variants of the i20, which includes the ex-showroom price, RTO charges, insurance, and other costs. For the base variant of the Hyundai i20, the monthly EMI amounts to Rs. 13,376 at a 10% interest rate. To avail of the best offers, please visit the nearest Hyundai showrooms in Kolkata.