Hyundai i20 Review Ultimate Guide to its Features, Price, Warranty & Lots More

Are you on the hunt for a compact city car that’s stylish, fuel-efficient, and packed with the latest features?
Then the brand new Hyundai i20 might be right up your street.

As a result, in this buyer’s guide, we will take a friendly look at everything the i20 has to offer you, from its modern design to its zippy performance.

We will also explore how it compares against its rivals and show you the key factors that you need to keep in mind when choosing your perfect car.

So, whether you are a first-time buyer looking for one of the best small cars avaialble for your budget, or simply looking for an upgrade, let's find out if the i20 really promises you a delightful drive that fits comfortably into your everyday life and beyond or if it falls short.

Table of Contents

• Noteworthy Features
• What is a Hyundai i20?
• Brief History of the I20
• Exterior Design and Style
• Interior and Comfort
• Hyundai i20n
• Performance and Engine Options
• Safety Features
• Pricing
• Models
• How Do The Models and Trims Differ?
• Reliability
• Warranty
• Insurance Groups
• Dimensions
• Who Should Buy the Hyundai i20?
• Test Car
• Related Car News, New Car Reviews & Car Buying Guides
• Who is West Riding?

Noteworthy Features

  
• ✅ Bold Exterior Styling
  
• ✅ LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)
  
• ✅ Spacious and Comfortable Cabin
  
• ✅ 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster & A large Digital Instrument Binnacle
  
• ✅ Wireless Smartphone Charging Pad
  
• ✅ Smart Key with Push-Button Start
  
• ✅ Advanced Infotainment System
  
• ✅ Bose Premium Sound System (in select trims)
  
• ✅ Efficient yet Punchy Engine Options
  
• ✅ Hyundai SmartSense Driver Assistance Features
• ✅ Six-Speed Manual gearbox and automatic gearbox options

What is a Hyundai i20?

But, first off, what actually is a Hyundai i20?
Well, the Hyundai i20 is known as a subcompact, small hatchback, and it is manufactured by the South Korean automaker Hyundai.

It was first introduced all the way back in 2008 and gives you a very stylish, practical, and efficient car - especially when it comes to city driving.

As we will find out, this is thanks to its eye-catching design, spacious interior, especially for its size, and some very nice and user-friendly technology.

It also comes in multiple trim levels and powertrain options as well, giving you, as a buy, the option to select a model that matches exactly what you are looking for.

Along with this, it also includes lots of advanced safety features, such as traditional airbags and stability control, the latest automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning systems and lots more to improve your occupant protection.

Lastly, this car - and we will find out why as well later on - is also often praised for its reliability and value - making the i20 a popular choice as a result for many buyers - especially at its very affordable price point as well more on that later.

What is a Hyundai i20?

But, first off, what actually is a Hyundai i20?
Well, the Hyundai i20 is known as a subcompact, small hatchback, and it is manufactured by the South Korean automaker Hyundai.

It was first introduced all the way back in 2008 and gives you a very stylish, practical, and efficient car - especially when it comes to city driving.

As we will find out, this is thanks to its eye-catching design, spacious interior, especially for its size, and some very nice and user-friendly technology.

It also comes in multiple trim levels and powertrain options as well, giving you, as a buy, the option to select a model that matches exactly what you are looking for.

Along with this, it also includes lots of advanced safety features, such as traditional airbags and stability control, the latest automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning systems and lots more to improve your occupant protection.

Lastly, this car - and we will find out why as well later on - is also often praised for its reliability and value - making the i20 a popular choice as a result for many buyers - especially at its very affordable price point as well more on that later.

Exterior Design and Style

One of the first things we thought when we looked at the new Hyundai i20 was that it now features some very new exterior design elements that really do further improve what can be seen - especially on the N models - a sporty stance, thanks to its low roof profile and long wheelbase.

This has also clearly been inspired by Hyundai’s: "Sleek and Sporty design philosophy", which literally aims to give you a "harmonious combination of energetic proportions, style and technology".

This is also clear with the flowing z-shaped LED combination lamps that, in our review, do a great job at improving your visibility across the boot lid for a truly unique look.

The newly designed rear bumper also adds some nice features here as well, such as a silver accent grid that works really well with the sweeping light signature for a bold new twist that radiates sportiness from every angle.

However, breaking down the exterior further, we found that...

Front

The Hyundai i20’s front end, for instance, we thought is still instantly recognisable as being an i20 - thanks to its smart grille design and a nice headlamp design here that still gives vibes to the older generation but with a more modern twist.

The headlights, for instance, are tapered and fitted with bright LED daytime running lights, giving the car a modern and confident look as it does so.

This is then complimented further thanks to its carefully sculpted bumper that, in our view, completes its new striking appearance - which makes it stand out on the road as a result, in our view.

Side Profile

From the side, the i20 also shows off a very clean, flowing silhouette here.

This is complemented further thanks to a very bold character line that stretches from the front door all the way to the rear - adding a touch of style as it goes here.

The car's then slightly raised shoulder line also makes the car look a bit more athletic, giving it an overall well-balanced presence in our view.

Roofline

Moving to the car's roofline, this gently slopes and contributes to the Hyundai i20’s aerodynamic shape, creating a smooth and modern profile - helping to keep your running costs down with better fuel economy as a result.

Consequently, it not only looks very stylish, but it also helps reduce wind resistance and wind noise from the road surface, along with improving your overall efficiency here.

A subtle roof spoiler at the back then adds a sporty finishing touch as well - which we really liked.

Rear

At the rear, the Hyundai i20 also continues its stylish theme with some very uniquely shaped rear lights that wrap around the bodywork.

A neat boot lid then integrates the rear bumper nicely, giving the car a cohesive and upmarket feel, we thought.

Overall, the back end has a crisp, tidy look that complements the rest of the exterior really well.

Wheels

The i20’s wheel options then further improve its confident style, and depending on the trim level you go for; you may also find some very attractive alloy designs here that also come in varying sizes and finishes as well.

These wheels not only look good as well but also give you a stable ride quality and handling experience as well.

For instance, here you have 3 options:

  
• New 16" Alloy Wheel
  
• New 17" Alloy Wheel
  
• N Line Alloy Wheel

Paint Options

For your paint options, Hyundai gives you the i20 in a range of vibrant paint colours - which helps to make sure there is something to suit everyone’s taste.

From classic shades like Atlas White or Vibrant Blue to bolder options like Lucid Lime, each paint hue here we thought shows the car’s design lines really beautifully.

For instance, here you have a chance of 8 colours, including, for instance:

  
• Atlas White (Solid)
  
• Phantom Black (Pearl)
  
• Meta Blue (Pearl)
  
• Vibrant Blue (Pearl)
  
• Lucid Lime (Metallic)
  
• Lumen Grey (Pearl)
  
• Aurora Grey (Pearl)
  
• Mangrove Green (Pearl)

Interior and Comfort

Moving to the interior, the Hyundai i20 gives you a well-thought-out cabin design that maximises your comfort, convenience, and functionality.

For instance, its contemporary layout, high-quality materials, and user-friendly technology really do make it a standout option in the hatchback class in our view - and as you will find out.

For instance, the i20’s stylish interior is a really good match for the car’s head-turning exterior look, thanks to plenty of customisation options that are available - meaning that you have the tools at your disposal to tailor the car to your individual taste as a result.

Front Seats

For instance, one of the first things you will spot is the car's front seats of the i20, which are really designed to give you plenty of support and comfort - even on long journeys.

For instance, here, they are generously padded and can also easily be adjusted to give you a wide range of driver and passenger preferences as well.

Then you can also easily adjust the height of the driver’s seat as well, helping you get a clear view of the road ahead as a result - making your driving experience a bit more enjoyable on the whole, we thought.

Rear Seats

In the back, the i20’s rear seat space then gives you a surprising amount of legroom for a car of its class.

For instance, we found that three passengers could sit reasonably comfortably, though taller individuals might find shoulder room slightly limited, we should add.

The rear seatback can also be folded down (in a 60:40 split, depending on the variant you go for) to expand your cargo capacity further - making the cabin more adaptable for day-to-day needs or just for those weekend getaways or tip runs, for instance.

Tech, Infotainment System & Information Cluster

Moving to the tech on hand, Hyundai has equipped the i20 with a modern infotainment setup that integrates phones really well.

Here depending on the model you go for, you can expect features like a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integrations as well.

The digital - or semi-digital - information cluster behind the steering wheel also gives you a lot of real-time driving data - such as speed, fuel consumption, and navigation details as well, and we also found the layout to be very intuitive - helping you stay focused on the road for longer as a result.

Upholstery

For your upholstery options, here you go; the standard upholstery typically combines hard-wearing cloth fabrics with tasteful accents - giving you a lot of durability and ease of cleaning.

Higher trims can also include upgraded materials, such as part-leather seats or more premium fabrics, along with matching door inserts.

Overall, we found the colour schemes here to contrast well with the dashboard and door panels, all giving you some very nice modern flair to the interior as they do so as well.

Comfort Features

There is also a lot of interior space and comfort features are also a priority in the i20. For instance, depending on the variant you go for, you can find features like automatic climate control, rear AC vents - for better circulation - and heated side mirrors as well.

The cabin’s insulation is also noteworthy, with minimal road and wind noise seeping in - all of which contribute to a peaceful driving environment on the whole.

Additionally, well-placed cup holders, power outlets, and USB ports also give both the driver and your passengers easy access to make sure that your devices remain charged and connected as as result.

Storage Options

Storage solutions in the i20 are also more than plentiful.

For instance, here, the centre console contains cup holders and a small compartment for your phone or keys as well.

We also liked that you get some very large door pockets for a car of this size that can easily accommodate water bottles and other small items as well.

This is then backed up by a decent-sized glove box, along with additional cubbies around the dashboard area as well - all of which allow you to make sure that your day-to-day essentials can be stowed away neatly as a result.

Boot Space

The Hyundai i20 also gives you a competitively sized boot for a hatchback as well with 352 litres or 1,165 litres of space, with the seating area folded down.

To put this in context, with the rear seats in place, there’s enough space to fit a few medium-sized suitcases or a week’s worth of groceries easily.

Hyundai i20n

If instead you are looking for the i20 N Review, then this section is right of you, as this model is also the i20's premium trim line that has also been designed to give those who want a more powerful and energetic look overall.

For instance, it features a more dominant front bumper, a textured black grille, and a very stylish rear bumper that improves the model’s look, all while giving it a very aerodynamic performance.

You can also make it fully yours with a range of distinct exterior colours and an optional two-tone paint with a black roof as well if you want to.

The i20 N Line S - being the top-of-the-range model - also features some very clean lines, metal details, and exclusive red colour accents throughout the interior as well.

So you can stay in control with the grippy perforated leather steering wheel, which has been exclusively designed for the N Line S.

Here, you can also enjoy the N Line S gear shift, which has a specially designed gearshift stick with some very nice accent stitching and red inserts as well.

Eye-catching accent stitching

The N Line also comes with its iconic red stitching that extends from the seats to the hand brake lever - a subtle reminder of the N Line S's performance-focused design.

Metal pedals

For your pedals, these don’t just look dynamic; they also give you more confidence with slip-resistant rubber pads as well.

N Line sporty seats

The N-branded sporty seats with bigger bolsters and side cushions keep you equally comfortable and in control.

Performance and Engine Options

Looking at your engine options, the Hyundai i20 gives you a range of options here to cater to different driving preferences.

For instance, as a buyer, you can choose between petrol, diesel, and a mild hybrid engine as well.

As a result, these engines will then give you some very smooth performance, making the i20 an excellent companion for both city commutes and motorway speeds alike.

We also thought that the car handles corners really well as well, thanks to its responsive steering system - which adds to the overall driving experience in our view.

The car's suspension also gives you a good balance between comfort and control as well, helping you to absorb real bumps effectively, all while maintaining your stability as it does so.

Engine Specifications

Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs

For your fuel efficiency, and road tax this is one of the Hyundai i20’s strongest suits, in our opinion.

With its efficient engine options and lightweight design, the car gives you impressive mileage - especially in urban settings.

On the motorway, the i20 also continues to be economical as well, helping you to save on your fuel costs over time as a result.

Suspension & Braking Information

Safety Features

For your safety features, this has clearly been a top priority in the Hyundai i20, as it comes equipped with a range of standard features here.

For example, these include multiple airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), and ESC (Electronic Stability Control), to name a few - we will cover a more intensive list in a second.

Here as well, the car also features some advanced safety technologies such as lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and parking sensors, with a strong body structure and a high Euro NCAP 5 star rating as well - the i20 gives you excellent protection for both drivers and passengers alike, making it a reliable car for families.

For example, here you can get:

  
• Multiple Airbags (front, side, and curtain)
  
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
  
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
  
• Brake Assist System (BAS)
  
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  
• Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
  
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
  
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
  
• High Beam Assist (HBA)
  
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
  
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
  
• Rear Parking Sensors
  
• Rear-view Reversing Camera with Guidance
  
• ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors
  
• Immobiliser and Burglar Alarm
  
• Speed Sensing Auto Door Lock
  
• Impact Sensing Auto Door Unlock
  
• High Speed Alert System
  
• Seatbelt Reminder for Front Seats
  
• Seatbelt Pretensioners and Load Limiters
  
• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
  
• Cornering Lamps (in certain trims)
  
• Projector Headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lights
  
• Headlamp Escort Function (Follow-Me-Home)
  
• Driver’s Seatbelt Height Adjustment
  
• Crash Sensor (cuts off fuel supply on impact)
  
• Child Safety Locks on Rear Doors
  
• Smart Pedal (priority for brake over the accelerator in an emergency)

How Do The Models and Trims Differ?

The four models differ in several ways. For instance, here you have:

Reliability

The car has been around since 2008, and you don’t get a car with a long service history unless it has been seen as reliable in its previous models, even including the first SE Connect model back in the day. This is supported even further due to it winning many industry awards, many of which factor this in. For example, a sample of awards it has won includes:

• Car of the Year Award at the Indian Car of the Year Awards
• Premium Hatchback of the Year Award at the BBC TopGear Magazine Awards
• Best Supermini Award at the Auto Express New Car Awards
• Urban Car Award at the World Car Awards
• Red Dot Design Award at the Red Dot Awards
• iF Product Design Award at the iF Design Awards
• Golden Steering Wheel Award at the Auto Bild Awards
• Premium Hatchback of the Year Award at the NDTV Car and Bike Awards
• Best Innovation Award at the Auto Trader New Car Awards
• Driver’s Choice Award at the MotorWeek Awards
• Best Styling Award at the Overdrive Awards
• Best Value Car Award at the Carbuyer Best Car Awards
• Best Hatchback Award at the CarDekho Awards
• Best-In-Class Customer Satisfaction Award at the JD Power Asia Pacific Awards
• Overall Car of the Year Award at the MotorOctane Awards
• Best Safety Innovation Award at the ASEAN NCAP Awards
• Small Car of the Year Award at the What Car? Awards
• Design of the Year Award at the TopGear Awards
• Best Family Hatchback Award at the Autocar India Awards
• Hatchback of the Year Award at the AutoCar A-List Awards

Warranty:
Hyundai’s i20 also comes with a remarkable unlimited mileage five-year warranty that gives you complete peace of mind from day one. So, whether you are navigating the city or hitting the open road, you will be covered. This warranty also reflects Hyundai’s confidence in its engineering, making sure that you can enjoy a smooth, worry-free driving experience and focus on every exciting journey ahead for years to come.

Insurance Groups:
The Hyundai i20 is in insurance groups 4–16, depending on the model year. Models from 2020 and later are in groups 12–16, while models from 2015–2020 are in groups 4–12 - making it one of the cheaper cars to insure that are available on the market as a result.

Dimensions:
Weight and Capacity Information

Comparison with Competitors:
The Hyundai i20 also competes well with popular models like the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, and Toyota Yaris in the hatchback segment. Compared to the Ford Fiesta, the i20 also gives you a more modern design and a better-equipped cabin at a similar price point. While the Volkswagen Polo is known for its premium feel, the i20 gives you more features for the money here, The Toyota Yaris, with its hybrid technology, is a strong competitor for eco-conscious buyers, but the i20 stands out with its broader range of trims, hybrid options that match, and options catering to a wider audience in our view.

Other competing cars in this class also include, for instance:

• Hyundai i10
• Vauxhall Corsa
• Renault Clio
• SEAT Ibiza
• Skoda Fabia
• VW Polo
• Honda Jazz
• Hyundai Tucson
• Alfa Romeo Junior
• Ford Fiesta ST
• Volkswagen Golf
• Nissan Qashqai
• Nissan Leaf
• Kia Sportage

Who Should Buy the Hyundai i20?

So is this one of the best new cars for you?
Well as you can see, the Hyundai i20 is an ideal choice for city drivers, people who want a stylish and practical hatchback, or small car form factor that comes with a lot of modern features. Consequently, this makes it a good family car at a good value that is perfect for small families and young professionals and the first car for new drivers who value fuel efficiency and advanced technology in their next car. For those who are looking for a reliable and low-maintenance vehicle for city commutes or occasional long drives, will also find the i20 to be a well-rounded option for you as well. Additionally, its affordable pricing and multiple modules also make it accessible to a wide range of budgets as well. Test Car Fancy experiencing this car first hand to see if it is the perfect car for you? Then why not pop down to one of our local Hyundai dealerships and book in a road test drive of some of the latest Hyundai test cars for yourself - our team is here to help you. Alternatively, why not ask our team to send you a video review of the Hyundai i20 that you are interested in buying, or any other hybrid cars that you are interested in, and they can give you a walkaround of the car on the lot that you are personally interested in.

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Who is West Riding?

Here at West Riding Automotive, we were established in 2003 as a family-run business with a focus on providing you with excellent customer service. As a result, our automotive company is FCA (Finance Conduct Authority) accredited and regulated, and we operate dealerships in Lancashire and Greater Manchester, as well as specialise in new and used Hyundai vehicles. We can also offer you servicing, MOT, and repair options. We are also well known for our commitment to customer service, as shown by their high ratings on Trustpilot as well. Lastly, we have also built strong relationships with major brands like Toyota, Lexus, and MG to give you a lot of options to choose from.