Clear winner from hyundai

 

I have purchased i20 as soon as its diesel version launched in Dec 2009. From the beginning I knew it would be smart investment. Being a proud owner of santro XING for 3 yrs, I knew that though the car sounds overpriced in the segment, it ll be worth more. Besides hyundai's superb after sales service prompted me not to look for other premium hatchbacks.

 

Exterior It has a very chic looks. The car is both muscular as well as suave, sturdy as well as cute. Though it is the broadest hatchback, one never feels how easily it can be maneuvered in the city with the help of extra light and responsive steering wheel.

 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Features are something makes this car stand out. For a price of 8 lakhs, it easily surpasses 10 lakh car in terms of goodies. I initially had the new honda city in mind but this car made me opt out of it. Besides honda cars can be bit bland at times. Space is great on front as well as rear. Ample of head room is provided. Only thing is for a 6 feet tall driver like me, dashboard can obstruct your left knee. Though it can be rectified by height adjusting the seat and steering.

A/C has always been big let down for me in hyundai cars(no wonder they are not major players in high end luxury cars in India). Climate control works hard but fails to impress. Controls are ergonomically located and can be used even with closed eyes after getting used to them. Beige interiors are very pleasant and makes an eye candy. Plastic quality is very good if not the best. Steering mounted controls, electronically retractable mirrors, usb/aux port etc. make life easy in mumbai's sad traffic.

 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Engine is clearly a class winner here. It is the fastest diesel hatchback in India. Once you pass 1800 rpm, turbo kicks in and one can not believe the power output of the beauty. I drove it on Bombay-Pune expressway and not even once it gave me a chance to find a glitch in performance. Such vehicle can only boost the ego of a person. Fuel economy is good. In city it returns 14 kpl consistently, while on highway it can fetch you up to 20 kpl with steady driving. Gearbox is super smooth and responsive. Reverse gear is before 1st so it takes some time to get used to for new users.

 

Ride Quality & Handling Ride quality of the car is bit stiff and makes you realize that it is a hatchback after all. Light steering wheel in city traffic feels great but at high speeds it can make you nervous.

 

Final Words Overall the car is great value for money. Good looks, power packed engine, ample of features can make this car a perfect choice for Indian buyers as we tend to desire more at less price. So if you want the piece of mind just go for it. It ll be totally worth it.

 

Areas of improvement A/C needs to be consistent and more powerful. Central locking doesn't make you feel satisfied. Ride quality can be made better.

 

Shape, space, rich interiors, features, performance, efficiency, image, after sales serviceRide quality, poor a/c, very basic central locking system, color choices