Variant
Replacing the old 1.4-litre unit in the new i20 is Hyundai’s newest 1.5-litre U2 diesel, producing 99bhp at 4,000rpm. So, the power is up by 10bhp and there’s an increase of 20Nm of torque to 240Nm which is accessible from 1,500rpm. It can be had only with a six-speed manual gearbox for now, but we do expect a diesel automatic sometime in the future. Crank up the motor and it settles into a muttering clatter. There are vibes felt on the pedals and steering, and that can be seen on the ORVMs too. But these vibrations aren’t very prominent and won’t be noticeable if you aren’t paying much attention.
Slot it into the first gear and depress the clutch, and you’d notice how improved the clutch action is compared to the older ‘Elite’ i20. The new i20 diesel gets off the mark with a smooth and assuring feel but we noticed a slight lag under 1,500rpm. Go past that and the strong mid-range comes into play where the motor becomes quite tractable. That said, at city speeds you can easily get around with the available low-end grunt without any hassle. It’s only when there’s a sudden need of overtaking that the evident lag becomes apparent. So, you’d need to either shift down or step on the gas to get the motor into the sweet mid-range of 1,500-3,000rpm where the torque curve remains flat. But, there’s some amount of engine din that can be heard inside the cabin at this point.
At highway speeds, the same mid-range helps with effortless cruising as well. Maintaining triple-digit speeds won't strain the motor either. And for overtaking at highway speeds, the sharper throttle response in the mid-range eases the effort. But the power does taper off close to the 4,000rpm, so it isn’t viable to wring the engine all the way to the 5,000rpm redline. As for the gearstick, it’s well-gated with light and easy throws and has a little notchy feel to it. In terms of fuel efficiency, Hyundai claims that the new i20 is very frugal with an ARAI-claim of 25.2kmpl.
At slower speeds, the i20 feels to be on the stiffer side. There are noticeable jitters even on the smallest of irregularities, and thuds from the sharp-edged potholes are sent prominently inside the cabin. However, the ride quality improves with the increase in speeds, and the road irregularities are taken astride with a rather reformed poise. Even high-speed stability is impressive and you can maintain good speeds all day. What’s more, the 170mm of ground clearance is more than ample to trudge over the biggest of potholes or unpaved roads without breaking a sweat.
As for the steering, there’s a slight vagueness around the dead centre. Move past that and it is direct and responsive. Going two and a half turns lock-to-lock the steering feels light and easy to maneuver around the city at slower speeds. And out on the highway it does weigh up nicely but lacks a connected feel which could have made it more involving. Also, you’d need to constantly correct the steering wheel at higher speeds. There’s a noticeable body roll present as well, so the i20 won’t be your ideal tool for corner carvings. On the upside, the brakes on our diesel i20 were solid and did a commendable job of bringing the hatchback to a halt, adding confidence behind the wheel.
Overall, the new i20 tries to strike a balance between a comfortable family hatch and an involving car to drive. Which we think it manages to achieve to a good extent.
Stepping inside the new i20 is easy, thanks to its wide-opening doors and the comfortable seat height. Once inside, there’s a new cabin layout that is thoroughly fresh by today’s standards. You are welcomed by the first-in-segment digital instrument cluster borrowed from the Verna and it looks fanciful. Then there’s the Creta-styled steering wheel which feels nice to hold. Adding to the sense of premium feel is the large 10-inch floating touchscreen integrated with the driver’s display console like you see in the more expensive cars.
Below it is the protruding panel for air-con controls and the centre console now has a ver
tical ‘Coolpad’ for wireless charging. Even if you don’t have a wireless-charging-equipped phone, just slotting your phone vertically there is much more convenient.
Space upfront is more than adequate with good visibility all around. There’s an ample amount of headroom for my height and sufficient shoulder room too. Even the seats offer the right amount of support, especially on the side bolstering, and the driver’s seat can be adjusted for height. Combine it with reach-and-rake adjustable steering, and it’s easy to find the right driving position.
Moving on to the back seats, the scooped-out roof helps with added headroom, while there are acres of knee and legroom on offer. Even seating three abreast in the back seat should be comfortable despite the rear AC vent. On the flip side, there’s no cupholder on the folding armrest and no headrest for the middle passenger. Even the seats don’t get split function, which is a missed opportunity for scoring on practicality, especially since the boot space is rather small at 311 litres. However, you can cram in sufficient weekend luggage for four.
But it needs to be pointed out that we expected better quality of materials inside the cabin. Having said that, Hyundai has spent greatly on equipment and engine options for the i20, and there had to be some way to cut corners in order to keep the prices in check. This befell on the cabin materials. But don’t get us wrong, it’s not degraded at all, just that Hyundai has simply set a bar so high we expected more from the interior too. Otherwise, the all-black cabin feels robust, and soft-touch materials on essential touchpoints or some piano-black/coloured inserts would have elevated the experience.
As with any other Hyundai, the cabin of the i20 is festooned with many features. And there’s a long list of segment-firsts too. You get the BlueLink connected car tech, wireless charger, sunroof, Oxyboost air purifier with AQI display, digital instrument cluster, TPMS, cooled glovebox, cruise control apart from auto AC with rear air vents, electric ORVMs, auto-dimming mirrors, and seven-speaker Bose sound system with sub-woofer.
There’re also some fancy features like smart entry with welcome function, puddle lamps, blue ambient lighting, cornering lamps, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two Bluetooth connectivity, fast USB charging ports, and the 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.
In terms of safety, Hyundai is offering six airbags in the top-spec version of the i20 along with ABS with EBD, ESC, and hills assist control. Moreover, it also comes with ISOFIX, height-adjustable front seatbelts with a reminder, and speed/impact sensing door locks. So, the new i20 seems tough to beat when it comes to features.
Prices for the new Hyundai i20 in the diesel guise range from Rs 8.20 lakh to 10.75 lakh (ex-showroom) for this top-spec Asta (O). That’s a lot of money for a hatchback. But for the price, you get a hatchback that looks smashing from every angle, and stands undisputed when it comes to equipment and features; some sedans don’t offer even half as much. You get a hatchback that’s spacious on the inside and quite practical too. And, you get a hatchback which has a frugal engine that’s easy to live with.
Plus, you benefit from Hyundai’s vast service network too. We think it’d easily fill the shoes of the Elite i20 which was the bestseller for Hyundai in India all these years. And there’s not much that should stop you from buying the Hyundai i20 if you are looking for a family hatchback with added razzmatazz.
Pictures by Kapil Angane and Kaustubh Gandhi
Engine & Transmission
Timely services will keep a motor efficient and in top shape.
The official title given by the manufacturer in terms of the name of the engine, the displacement and the number of cylinders.
A bigger displacement and more than four-cylinders generally indicate a performance-oriented engine.
All cars in India either run on petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG or electric power.
Gives a good idea of the performance of the vehicle under full thrust. A higher figure here usually means a higher top speed as well.
Higher the power, the peppier the engine but it can also affect fuel economy.
Relates to in-gear acceleration. A higher figure here means better roll-on acceleration, fewer gear shifts, and possibly better fuel efficiency.
The more torque at low RPM range makes the engine feel more responsive. It also allows the engine to run smoothly without too many gear changes.
This is the maximum fuel efficiency that an engine gives. All numbers are provided by the manufacturer based on tests conducted and specified by the standards of the ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India)
Such fuel efficiency attained while driving in special conditions makes it unlikely to get it in real-world conditions
Approximate maximum number of kilometers which can be traveled on a full tank of fuel or fully charged battery
Cars come with different drivetrain configurations depending on the segment.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is most common in mainstream cars while expensive cars or SUVs come with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
Type of transmission used to transfer power from the engine to the wheels
A manually operated transmission is the most popular type, thanks to its simplicity and low cost. Varied types of automatic transmissions are also available.
Set by the Indian Government, this governs the amount of air pollutants released by cars to make the atmosphere safer for humans.
Dimensions & Weight
The length of the car decides its segment. In India, cars that are less than 4 metres in length enjoy reduced excise duties.
Longer length results in more cabin space. It also adds to straight line stability.
A car's width is defined as its widest point without its mirrors.
Although more width gives you more lateral space inside the cabin, it makes the car more difficult to park in narrow spots.
The height of the car denotes the highest point of the vehicle from the ground.
Taller the car, the more headroom there is on offer inside the cabin. However, a tall boy stance also affect the car’s centre of gravity which can cause more body roll.
The space between the center of the front and rear wheels.
The longer the wheelbase, the more space there is inside the cabin.
It’s the space between the lowest point of the car and the ground.
If the car has a good amount of clearance, it’s easier for it to clear big speed breakers and overall, deal with bad roads.
Capacity
The number of doors define the category of car. For example – four door means sedan, two-door means coupe while five-doors usually refer to a hatchback, MPV or an SUV.
The number of people that can be seated comfortably in the car, which has also been mandated by the car manufacturer.
Smaller cars usually have two rows which can seat five, but some SUVs and MPVs have three rows and can seat around 7-8 passengers.
Boot space defines how practical the car is with respect to how much luggage it can carry.
A boot with a large and wide opening is ideal for loading heavy items. Additionally, a lower loading height also makes it easy to put in luggage.
The official volume of the fuel tank of a car, usually denoted in litres.
If a car has a large fuel tank, it can cover long distances without refuelling.
Suspensions, Brakes, Steering & Tyres
Almost all cars in India use an independent front suspension which is usually the MacPherson Strut type.
The rear suspension can either be non-independent or independent.
Most of the budget cars have non-independent suspension while the more expensive ones get independent rear suspension which offers better bump absorption.
Most of the vehicles sold in India get ventilated or non-ventilated disc brakes upfront.
- The ventilated discs are more popular thanks to them providing better stopping power and it also works well in hot conditions.
In affordable cars, drums brakes are fitted at the rear as they are cost effective.
Disc setup at the rear is now getting more popular as cars are getting faster in the real world.
Almost all steering systems in cars today have an assist to help park them better at low speeds - these can be hydraulic, electro-hydraulic or electric.
The wheels used on cars are either steel rims with plastic wheel cover hub or alloy wheels on higher spec models or expensive cars.
Razor cut, or diamond cut alloy wheel design are not getting more popular. Manufacturers usually offer these in top-end trim of their car models.
Important in a country with varying quality of roads, spare wheels ensure one doesn’t get stranded when one of the main tyres gets damaged.
Select premium car models feature space savers (smaller than the stock wheels) to save on boot space.
The profile/dimension of rubber tyre that fits on the front wheels.
The profile/dimension of rubber tyre that fits on the rear wheels.
Safety
Mandatory safety system for cars sold in India, a single beep is emitted after 80kmph and continuous ones after 120kmph
The brake lights flash in a quick intermittent fashion to indicate to the following vehicles to slow down quicker than usual
These enable users to repair a puncture effortlessly, saving the time/effort involved in replacing it with the spare wheel
Avoid driving on a flat/deflated wheel too long as it can cause expensive repairs
The official crash test safety rating given to a car by one of the many testing agencies around the world
Safer three-point seatbelts for passengers seated in the middle of the second row of seats.
Budget cars are usually fitted with more economical lap belts for the middle-occupant.
A headrest for the middle occupant of the second-row of seats.
Budget cars are usually not offered with headrests for the middle occupant of the second-row to save on costs. Headrests are instrumental in reducing whiplash injuries in case of an accident
A digital gauge that provides the live status of the air pressure in every tyre of a car.
For accurate readings, ensure that the sensors on the rim are not tampered with during any wheel/tyre repairs
Anchor points or strap systems built into car seats to keep child seats in place, especially during a crash
ISOFIX is an international standard for child seat anchor points, but not all car manufacturers follow this standard
Mandatory fitment in cars sold in India, emits loud beeps when it detects that occupants are not wearing their seatbelts.
Seat belt warning is mandatory for front-seat occupants, but it is recommended that all occupants wear seat belts.
Braking & Traction
An electronic system that prevents the tyres from locking and skidding in emergency braking situations by pulsing the brakes (quickly releasing and reapplying the brakes)
ABS is a great accident prevention technology, allowing drivers to steer while braking hard
An electronic system that redirects braking forces among the four brakes to stop the car as quickly and stably as possible
A system that increases brake pressure to help the car stop quicker
Even when emergency braking, it is observed that drivers don’t apply maximum brake pressure through the pedal, the BA system provides additional pressure to help stop the car quicker
System designed to improve car stability and control, especially when the car is accelerating.
ESP or ESC cannot increase traction but rather improve control or help regain control in slippery conditions.
A feature that prevents the car from rolling backwards when stopped on a slope
This system cuts power to those wheels that are spinning without grip/traction
Given the option, keep traction control on all the time.
Locking differentials split power/torque evenly among both tyres on an axle.
In off-road vehicles, locking differentials allows for better traction when one of the wheels is in the air, in FWD/AWD cars allows for better corner traction and in RWD sports cars allows for drifting around corners.
Locks & Security
A security device that prevents the engine from being started unless the key is present
This feature let's one unlock all the doors remotely or with a key
This feature automatically locks the car's doors when it reaches a preset speed
A convenient feature for those who can't remember to lock the doors
Such locks are built into the rear doors to prevent rear seat occupants from opening the doors
Comfort & Convenience
Used to improve the air quality within the cabin by removing contaminants
The different types of air-conditioning systems used to cool the cabin
Maintaining the lowest temperature and first blower speed offers the best results.
This feature allows warm air to pass through the air-con vents for heating the cabin
Compact mirrors fitted to the inside of the sunvisor
The option of being able to access the boot space while sitting inside the car
These mirrors negate the glare from headlight beams of cars behind you
Since a large chunk of people love driving around in their high beam, these mirrors come in handy
A feature that aids drivers park with ease and greater precision using sensors/cameras
It comes as a boon for drivers who are not used to parking in tight spots
Sensors that are usually located on the bumpers of a car to assist/alert the driver while parking
It takes the stress out of manoeuvring in confined spaces
A system that automatically controls the speed of the car
An alert that warns one from leaving the car with the headlight and ignition switched on
When fitted, this system allows the car to be switched on without removing the key from the driver’s pocket or vicinity.
Keyless entry and start/stop (KESS) systems in some cars also include operation via a smartphone.
A function where the steering wheel moves up/down, in/out as per the driver's requirement
When both rake and reach adjustments are incorporated, it makes for a tailormade driving position
This socket provides current to a cigarette lighter style 12 volt plug
It helps charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, rechargeable batteries and other USB chargers. It also powers a compressor that inflates tyres and the humble cigarette lighter!
Mobile App Features
An app based feature that allows one to find where their car is located/parked
The requisite app will provide information regarding various functions such as speed and fuel alerts
A service that triggers actions like notifications and security alerts when a car enters/leaves a set location
A call that's made automatically by the car to the local emergency services in the event of a crash
Similar to how smartphones receive updates, a vehicle too (if equipped with connected car features) receives updates over the air via a cellular or WiFi connection
Timely installation of updates keeps the system up-to-date
The smartphone app turns on the car's AC to attain the required cabin temperature even before one boards it
More so comes in handy when cabin temperatures are extreme before you board the vehicle
The smartphone app allows one to remotely lock/unlock the car's doors from just about anywhere
This function is helpful when the key fob isn't working properly
The smartphone app sounds the horn and flashes the headlights of your car so that you can locate it
Alexa is a virtual assistant technology that allows voice interaction to perform various tasks
An invaluable function that allows the driver to keep their eyes on the road
Seats & Upholstery
Rear seat adjustments make for an enlarged luggage space when there's lots of baggage to haul.
When it's time to replace, use a fabric that grips and are inherently cool to the touch
Leather not only grips your palms well, but it also offers a premium feel
The armrest located between the front passengers which helps comfort the driver's arm while driving
Depicts if the cabin comes with a single or dual-tone colour scheme
The various color shades used within the cabin
Some rear seats have the option to be be folded to offer more practicality
Sections of the rear seat are capable of being folded down separately
This function bumps up practicality as the boot space increases when required.
Sections of the third-row seat are capable of being folded down separately
The pockets behind the front seats which help rear seat occupants store their stuff
The portion extending from or fixed to the seat that supports the head
Storage
The storage space within the armrest that's located between the front passengers
A feature where cool air from the air-conditioner is diverted to the glovebox
Doors, Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
Mirrors that are placed on the car's exterior, around the door, to aid the driver see behind the vehicle
Placing/sticking wide-angle mirrors on the ORVMs can enhance the rear view tremendously.
This is fitted where the door meets the frame to protect it from scratches and dust
Not using scuff plates may result in the door sill giving away prematurely.
When the car's windows can be raised/lowered by pressing a button/switch
In emergencies where the power window electronics have jammed, exit the vehicle by kicking out the windscreen
This feature allows a user to roll down the windows with a single press of a button
This feature reduces the time your hand is away from the steering wheel
This feature allows a user to roll up the windows with a single press of a button
This feature reduces the time your hand is away from the steering wheel
Different ways of adjusting the door mirror to suit the driver's requirement
Tremendously aids driving judgement in a variety of tight situations.
Turn indicators are fitted to the door mirrors for improved visibility
A feature that removes condensed water droplets from the rear windscreen to improve visibility
Turning air recirculation off helps gain faster results.
Although a seemingly minuscule feature, it negates the hatchback's/SUV's inherent ability to retain dirt/water on the rear windscreen.
When the system detects water droplets on the windshield, it activates the wipers to improve driver visibility
This feature can be intrusive especially while you are negotiating a tricky bend at a higher speed
The various methods of opening the boot lid
Exterior
Ensure the sunroof is closed before exiting the vehicle to prevent dirt/rain from entering the cabin
The compactness of the roof-mounted antenna prevents its damage in certain situations
Having parking sensors will save your bumper paint if it brushes by obstacles
Functional or purely aesthetic parts added to the car's body such as side skirts and roof/bonnet scoops
A strip of rubber fitted to the sides of the car's doors or bumpers to prevent dents and dings
Opt for quality strips because the cheaper ones tend to come off too soon/look shabby.
Lighting
Such headlights automatically switch on and off when they sense bright or dark driving conditions
Keeping them switched on at all times gives the user the best results
The headlamps remain lit for sometime when the car is locked/unlocked to aid user visibility in dark surroundings
These lights turn left and right based on steering inputs to illuminate the sides of the car
Inspect tail lamp bulbs at periodic intervals for optimum safety.
Lights that automatically switch on during the day for increased visibility
A type of lamp that improves driver visibility while driving through fog
The yellow/amber fog lights are preferable as they are warm to the eyes and do not reflect from the fog.
Additional lighting apart from the roof-mounted courtesy/map lamps. These are added for a sense of style and luxury rather than utility.
Incorporated into the bottom section of a car's door mirrors, they light up the ground underneath the front door when the door is unlocked
A lamp that's located around the vanity mirror behind the sun visor
Allows adjustment to the height of the headlight beams via a switch on the dashboard
Instrumentation
It indicates how much fuel is being used that very instant your car is moving
A screen situated mostly behind the steering wheel displaying information and warning lights regarding the car's various vitals
The amount of fuel consumed by the engine (kmpl) is displayed on the instrument cluster in real time
A glance will help you maintain better fuel efficiency and save money
The total distance traveled divided by the time taken to cover that distance
The higher the average speed, the quicker you were on that journey/trip
The approximate distance a car will run with the amount of fuel remaining in the tank
This alert should be taken as a final warning to head straight to the fuel pump
A warning light that pops up on the instrument cluster when the doors are not shut properly
The brightness of the instrument cluster can be adjusted via controls
It comes in handy to improve instrumentation visibility between day and night by toggling brightness.
It notifies the driver about which gear the car is being driven in and can also suggest down- or upshifting to improve efficiency
Notifies the driver about the optimum instances to shift gears
It comes in handy to derive the best fuel efficiency and engine component longevity
This function allows specific data like 'speed' to reflect/project on the windscreen in the driver's line-of-sight
An instrument that measures engine speed in revolutions-per-minute (rpm)
Ideally, the tachometer helps a driver know when to shift gears in a manual gearbox.
Entertainment, Information & Communication
An Android feature that allows car infotainment displays to mirror parts of the phone screen to ease touch operations while driving.
An Apple (iOS) feature that allows car infotainment displays to mirror parts of the iPhone screen to ease touch operations while driving.
This function bumps up the safety quotient since the use of a smartphone while driving can be hazardous
A touchscreen or display that acts as a user's interface to the various functions of the car
A touchscreen or display that acts as a user's interface to the various functions of the car
The music player that comes factory fitted
Number of speaker units as part of a car’s surround-sound system
The widely-used controls are placed on the steering wheel to ease driver usage
When the car's system responds to the occupant's voice to perform certain features
A system that uses satellite signals to help the driver with directions to reach a destination
Allows devices with bluetooth functionality connect wirelessly to the car's infotainment system
Using Bluetooth functionality offers a cable-free experience
The car's music player can play tracks off a portable device via an aux cable
Bluetooth can make AUX cables look ancient, but unlike the former, there's hardly any loss in sound quality
Is the music system's capability of playing broadcasted radio channels
If radio signals are weak, one can stream music
When tracks can be played from a USB/pen drive
These pads can charge equipped smartphones without using a cable
Given the option, opt for fast wireless charging.
The size of the music system fitted to a car. Traditionally 1-DIN or 2-DIN, are being replaced by touchscreen units of varying sizes.
The storage device within the car's infotainment system
The capability of the infotainment system to play DVDs
Manufacturer Warranty
The number of years the EV battery is covered under the manufacturer's warranty
More the years, the better
The number of kilometres the EV battery is covered under the manufacturer's warranty
More the kilometres, the better
The automaker can void the vehicle's warranty if the owner has fitted aftermarket components.
The automaker can void the vehicle's warranty if the owner has fitted aftermarket components.
Variants | Price | Specifications | |
---|---|---|---|
Rs. 11.90 Lakh | 5 Person, FWD, 240 Nm, 170 mm, 311 litres, 6 Gears, 1.5 l U2, Electrically Adjustable, 37 litres, 932 km, No, No, Front & Rear, 21 kmpl, 3 Star (Global NCAP), 3995 mm, 1775 mm, 1505 mm, 2580 mm, 240 Nm @ 1500 rpm, 99 bhp @ 4000 rpm, Keyless, Yes (Automatic Climate Control), Front & Rear, 1, Reverse Camera with Guidance, Yes, Yes, 0, Yes, Yes, No, 6 Airbags (Driver, Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side), Yes, 1, BS 6, 5 Doors, 25.2 kmpl, 25.2 kmpl, Diesel, Manual, 99 bhp |
4.0/5
Exterior
Comfort
Performance
Fuel Economy
Value For Money
Purchase Used | Driven forIts my mate since ages |
Exterior
Comfort
Performance
Fuel Economy
Value For Money
Purchase New | Driven forFew thousand kilometers |
Exterior
Comfort
Performance
Fuel Economy
Value For Money
Purchase New | Driven forFew thousand kilometers |