What is it? Second-generation version of Hyundai i20 supermini
Key features: More space, sharper style, more equipment
Our view: A definite step forward, and a lot of car for the money.
Since being introduced in 2009 the Hyundai i20 has become one of the brand’s big sellers, and a crucial player in the brand’s continued UK growth after being propelled to prominence by the recession-era Government scrappage scheme.
However compared to its smaller and larger sisters the i10 and i30, the supermini-sized i20 has written few headlines – which it really needs to do if it is to compete in a market where rivals include the much-praised Volkswagen Polo, the brand-new Vauxhall Corsa and Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta. And in the ‘New Generation’ i20, Hyundai feels it has the answer.
Such feelings are not entirely misplaced. The Hyundai i20 is built on an all-new platform – the car is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor and crucially has a wheelbase extended by 45mm to 2570mm. The resultant 1892mm of combined front and rear legroom enables Hyundai to claim best-in-class interior space, along with a 326-litre boot. This is 36 litres more than in the Fiesta, and 10 more than in the Focus – which is from the next class up…
While the panel fit and surfacing is of good quality, it doesn’t feel as plush as the latest from the likes of Ford and Volkswagen. And in an era when touchscreen-based centre consoles are becoming the norm, the more traditional display of the i20 feels a little dated, the top-of-dash mounted smartphone holder enabling one to use its navigation app a somewhat basic alternative.
The new i20 launches with a five-way engine choice, all of which are existing Hyundai units, updated to meet the latest EU6 emissions regulations. They will be joined by a brand new 1.0-litre three-cylinder T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine of 118bhp, the first of a new family of power units, but this is still some months away.
The problem is it takes a while to get to such speeds – 13.1 seconds to 62mph is pedestrian compared to rivals who have the advantage of turbochargers on their engines. The Hyundai also suffers the moment it encounters a significant gradient, its mere 90lbft of torque causing one to hurriedly drop through the five-speed gearbox, which it should be said is very slick and precise in operation. The new engine could well be a major gain for the i20.
In terms of roadholding and handling – the Fiesta is better, but then just about everyone in the segment looks to the Ford for its benchmark. Hyundai has made great strides with its chassis – it’s comfortable in a straight line, with only the largest of potholes making themselves felt in the cabin, and it is equally competent and easy to place into corners, staying upright with confidence-inducing grip.
A comprehensive safety spec includes technology one doesn’t necessarily expect in volume superminis, such as Emergency Stop Signal and Lane departure warning, described by Hyundai as a segment first.
Similar highlights are on the options list, including a full-length panoramic sunroof.
When one factors in the price of our test car, £12,725, it becomes a serious contender. Fiesta and Vauxhall can both compete on price but with less equipment, the VW Polo is more expensive and again with less equipment, while no contender matches the Hyundai on space or its five-year warranty.
Hyundai i20 – key specifications
Model tested: Hyundai i20 SE 1.2 84PS
On sale: January 2015
Price: £12,725
Insurance group: TBA
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol
Power (bhp): 83
Torque (lb/ft): 90
Top speed (mph): 106
Fuel economy (combined, mpg): 55.4
CO2 emissions (g/km): 119
Key rivals: Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Polo
Test Date: January 2015