What’s hot?
- With fresh sheet metal and all-new platform (conceived at Hyundai’s Technical Centre in Germany), Hyundai’s new i20 sets out to make a stronger on-road statement. (“It’s our most European car ever”).
- Agile handling and fine body control served up by the i20’s crisp new chassis, with redesigned rear suspension. Well judged ride quality too.
- Stiff shell and low noise levels contribute to impressive on-road refinement.
- Though still a B-segment contender, the new i20 is lower and wider than the previous model and Hyundai is claiming class-leading interior space on top. There’s good room for five.
- A wheelbase stretch of 45 mm helps create this extra cabin space with the new gen i20. Boot space is also 10% up at 326 litres.
- Comfortable seats. Good all round visibility.
- Pricing is keen, starting at £10,695 OTR for the i20 S.
- High equipment levels across the new six model grades. This mid-spec SE includes 16in alloy wheels, Bluetooth, cruise control, front fog lights, Lane Departure Warning, reversing sensors, variable height boot floor, Intelligent Stop and go (ISG), manual a/c and all- electric windows.
- Full opening panoramic glass sun roof claimed to be a segment first.
What’s not?
- The new 120 interior is roomy yet rather plain, the dash having little of the pizzazz you would get from, say, a Fiesta. The instrument pack, while clear and easy to read, already looks dated.
- Cabin quality is good but not overall up to VW levels.
- Essentially a carryover, the car’s ‘Kappa” 1.4-litre petrol engine comes with relatively high CO2 emissions of 127 g/km. Go 4-speed auto and the figure raises to an uncompetitive 155 g/km.
