Experiences from a 2 year old owner of i20 Magna 1.2

 

Exterior Definately one of the most stylish car in its class, maybe only next to the Punto in exterior styling. It has very good build quality and feels solid and safe to drive.

 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Interiors are very comfortable and welcoming. Quality of plastics is good. There is enough space for 4. The 3rd passenger in the rear can cramp up things a big. The boot is BIG and can easily take care of luggage for 5 people. I drive the base model which takes care of features that are available only in higher end models - e.g all 4 power windows, ipod socket, boot light, inbuilt music system with mp3 and 4 speakers and 2 tweeters. The multi function dislay is right below the windsheild so you dont have to take your eyes off the road. It displays whats playing on your radio/cd, 2 trip meters, date and time and the exterior temperature. Not to forget to mention the clutch pedal rest which can be a boon on long drives and bumper to bumper traffic.

 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox The 1.2 kappa which does the duty in the i10 with a little tweak feels slightly underpowered on the i20. It can easily do with a standard 1.4 or even better a 1.6. Im regular on the Mumbai/Pune expressway where you can feel it drag on the ghats- especially with the a/c on and the car with passengers. Even the swift does a much better job on the ghats. The car is definately underpowered, simpy due to its power to weight ratio.

The greabox is a different class - its sikly smooth - even better than the Corolla. Gear shift is effortless. However, it can sometimes be tricky to put it in reverse, takes a while and practice to put it in reverse.

 

Ride Quality & Handling Ride is smooth and comfortable. The suspension is satisfactory. However, the low ground clearance can be a nightmare on bad roads - need to drive carefully on slopes and potholes. Dont be surprized if this car scratches the bottom of the road, especially the front.

 

Final Words Overall a great car to own. Ive not spent anything in the last two years. Service is prompt.

 

Areas of improvement The BIGGEST area of improvement in the car is definately going to be its air conditioning. the aircon is weak to say the least and takes for ages to cool the car. I drive 7KM to work, and on a hot and sunny day, I m still sweating when I reach work. Invest in good car sun control film, especially on the windshiled. Ive made multiple complaints about this but the company fails to acknowledge that there is an issue with the aircon. Infact, in my first servicing, my AC themostat which costs around 11k was replaced free of cost without any complaining.

I made some research on the internet and a person who claims to have worked with Hyundai mentioned that they did have a new vendor for their a/c and are facing some quality challenges with them. Im not sure if its taken care of now, since my car was from the first lot. Im in Mumbai where the heat is lesser compared to Delhi. Research on the internet if aircon is a big consideration for you. The car was perhaps designed for Europe where summer does not touch 42 degrees.

Few other things to consider to be added in the base version which is available in the higher end - these dont cost much, but will definately add to the appeal:

1) USB port

2) Passenger side vanity mirror

3) All 4 auto roll up windows. Base version only has the driver side auto window.

 

Style, quality of interiors, comfortAir conditioning, mileage, low ground clearance