On second thoughts, the best car in the segment

I went and bought the i20 Magna after much deliberation and research yesterday. I have tried all, and I mean all, the other cars in this segment and finally decided on this car. Truth be told, I tried it in 2009 and did not like the space in the rear seat. But I liked the drive and the front seat experience then, as I do now.

I've test driven the Figo, Polo, Swift, Punto, Ritz, Beat, UV-A, Fabia and Jazz (all petrol versions). I found Figo nice to drive but cramped and too low-slung. Also the engine is unresponsive at low speeds. The Polo's engine is extremely responsive but noisy; the dealers are totally unresponsive and have a take-it-or-leave-it attitude. The back seats were very cramped. Swift is dated and does not offer the same features at i20. Punto has serious, really serious, after sales issues (I owned a Palio and EVERY service station of the car has messed it up further). Again sad, as Punto is a better car but I want a vehicle that can be fixed reliably. Ritz has no space in the back, and the driver seats are narrow so I felt like I was going to fall out. Beat gave the same experience even though the car is very peppy. It resembles the Santro and the boot is tiny. UV-A hates being driven hard and the engine protests LOUDLY when you step on the gas, but it is a spacious car. Fabia is fun to drive but again has a buzzy engine even though its built to last. The Jazz is the largest of the lot but the accelerator has no life. I also found the controls very fiddly and non-intuitive.

So, the i20. It took the dealer 2 weeks to deliver the car, while Polo was going to take 4 months!!!

Exterior

Nicely finished paint job. The car look fresh even though international reviews find it boring when compared to the Ford Fiesta (european one). I liked the looks from any angle; it has a nice cheer about it.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

The Magna comes with all the features you would want, minus the 40:60 folding rear seat. Somewhat disappointing there as I'm sure that can be added at little cost. There is central locking (with a key), 2-DIN AM/FM/CD player, multi-display, climate control, power windows all round, rear defogger and assorted warning systems in the car.

I realised I do not have to push the front seat all the way back for the best seating position like I needed to do in the Palio. With the seat in my ideal position, there is enough space at the back for a tall person. That's good. The seat is comfortable and holds my body well so I dont feel I am going to roll out of the car. I miss height adjustments though. The steering with its tilt and reach adjustments is excellent, light and responsive. Its lighter than the Palio's, as are the other controls - brake, clutch and accelerator. The gear shift is precise, light and has a short throw making changes very easy. I wish there was a block on the reverse gear to prevent you from engaging it accidentally. Also, a double crank prevention mechanism.

The features are more than ample, I feel. Other cars give you these at a higher price. I did not have ABS on the Palio and never felt the need for it so I doubt I will miss it here. I did not want to shell out another 100,000 for a car with ABS.

The climate control a/c is a wonder. Just set the temperature and it will do the rest. Neat. It handles the 42 degree Delhi heat with aplomb.

The boot space is superb and can hold a large suitcase plus other odds and ends easily. It even has a light so you dont need to grope in the dark (for luggage or other things).

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

The engine is really quiet and I have to look at the tacho to double check if its running while idling. I can hear it when I revv it but its much quieter than any other car. Even with the a/c on, the compressor's whine is barely audible inside the cabin. Its a smooth engine and has enough torgue even when brand new to pull from 30 kmph in the 4th gear. Not recommended during the running-in period, but I tried it anyway. It is so quiet that even at 100-110 Kmph, there is hardly any noise inside. Its got enough torque and top-end power to be fun to drive.

The electric power steering is light and becomes heavier as you speed up. The steering returns to the straight position on its own after taking a turn if I let it run through my fingers, someting I liked on the Palio (that steering was much heavier). Its responsive and makes parking a breeze. One of the reasons for opting for another hatch was the lack of space in cities; I did not want a small hatch because they have no luggage space (which this one has in plenty) for out-of-town trips.

I havent driven enough to comment on the fuel economy but expect the engine to delivery 13-14 Kmpl based on my Palio experience. Its a 4-valve DOHC engine that should be more efficient. More on this when I have information.

The gear shift is nice and smooth. Its short throws make it very easy to change and frequent changes are needed in the city, at least initially. I feel I wont have to work the gears too much in town given the engine's capabilities. The gear knob feels a bit odd and Hyundai can do some reshaping to make it feel better in your hand. The parking brake is OK.

The clutch is light, unlike the Polo. Good again for city driving. The dead pedal is a welcome footrest. However, the clutch takes a little getting used to because of the late release position. Maybe this will change once the car ages.

I found the brakes adequate but havent had to use them hard so far.

Ride Quality & Handling

Both are excellent. Dont feel bumps and small speed breakers at all. Handling is great and like I said, the steering returns to normal after a turn if I loosen my grip on the wheel. Wish the wheel was a little meatier though.

The light and wiper controls are familiar so unlike in other cars, I did not have to struggle to find what is where. I also did not turn on the wipers when I wanted the lights, and vice versa.

Final Words

This is a good car and the Magna version gives you everything you need at a very decent price - 540,000 on the road in Delhi. Get your finance from your bank and you can get a better deal than what the Hyundai dealers will offer (thanks to Carwale for this tip). If you are keen on ABS, though I dont see why we need it here given our low speeds, go for the Asta. But I would not pay another 100,000 for that and alloy wheels (I can get them for 20,000 in the after-market).

The dealer said 3 weeks, but gave me the car in 2. Kudos to Samara, even though the guy I dealt with initially left the place before the car was delivered. His boss made sure I got the vehicle before time.

Areas of improvement  

Hyundai could give the 60-40 rear folding seat in the Magna. I am sure it wont be a big add-on. Thought this version has rear a/c ducts, but it doesnt. Oh well, rear passengers will have to wait.

Some of the plastics can be of better quality.

 

Space, pick up, looks, VFMLow seating position