Summary
The Hyundai i20 is a small, supermini-class, five-door hatchback. The current model was launched in early 2020, arriving in the UK late in the year.
Unlike some rivals, the i20 is only available in one body style (five-door hatch) and with one engine (a 1.0-litre mild hybrid petrol unit). A high-performance model called the i20 N arrived in 2021 and we have a separate page here for that model.
The i20 has received praise for being a significant improvement over the previous model. Reviewers have particularly noted its styling and interior quality, although it’s still not considered to be on a par with rivals like the SEAT Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo.
The Top Gear team argues that the i20 “is as good to drive as any in its class” now that the Ford Fiesta is retired, while Alex Ingram of Auto Express praises the hatchback for its “impressive practicality and a high level of standard equipment.”
That said, Parkers’ Luke Wilkinson concludes that the car’s “cheap-feeling interior prohibits it from being a class-leading model, while Carwow’s Mario Christou comments that the i20’s “bland interior and lack of a hybrid option might put you off.”
As of September 2026, the Hyundai i20 holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 66%. It scores highly for running costs and low CO2 emissions, while its safety reliability and reliability record are also good.
i20 highlights
- Well-equipped as standard
- Neat handling and easy to drive
- Relatively spacious cabin and boot
i20 lowlights
- Some cheap interior materials
- Limited engine options
- Rather sluggish infotainment
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: petrol
Price: From £20,010 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2020
Last updated: Summer 2023
Replacement due: Spring 2027
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“The Hyundai i20 delivers an entertaining chassis, sweet-spinning three-cylinder engine, impressive practicality, and a high level of standard equipment.”
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
Read full review
Auto Express
Alex Ingram, Shane Wilkinson
“The Hyundai i20 is a well-equipped small hatchback with a peppy petrol engine, but the bland interior and lack of a hybrid option might put you off.”
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
Read full review
Carwow
Mario Christou
More reviews
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Hyundai i20 is a serious contender like never before. The cabin is disappointingly dull but this is also a car with an entertaining, accomplished chassis, a smooth and efficient powertrain, solid in-car tech and some appealing finance offers.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Score: 7 / 10
“Hyundai has improved the quality for this new i20 and it is very well equipped with plenty of tech, which offsets the relatively high purchase price.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual
Score: 8 / 10
“Cash prices look scary but keen finance deals and predicted rock-solid residuals mean the monthlies aren’t too bad. Add the tech experience, the best-in-class safety systems and five-year warranty, and the Hyundai i20 is a hugely appealing supermini for very sensible people.”
Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual
Score: 8 / 10
“The third-generation Hyundai i20 is another hit from Hyundai, bringing a great combination of efficiency, a good driving experience and impressive interior. It doesn’t quite wipe the floor with its rivals and go to the top of this class, but it’s a solid all-rounder that doesn’t really disappoint in any area.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The latest i20 is well-equipped, stylish and is worth considering for supermini buyers.” (Ben Custard)
Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SE Connect
“Improved and more striking looks, decent interior space and good emissions all count in the i20’s favour, although a surprisingly harsh ride quality is a negative point.”
Read review
Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SE Connect
Score: 8 / 10
“The Hyundai i20 is one of the surprise cars of the year, a car that turned out to be far better than expected.”
Read review
Fleetworld
Score: 8 / 10
“There is no doubt the new Hyundai i20 is up against tough opposition in the supermini class, but the car is talented enough to stand out.”
Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Ten years is a long time in the car world and the Hyundai i20 is a small car that shows you just how far things have come, thanks to an equipment list that would match a top-of-the-range saloon from a decade ago.”
Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“There’s nothing massively wrong with how the Hyundai i20 goes about its business but then, aside from its rear-seat space, there’s nothing astonishingly good either, making it hard to recommend against near-perfect rivals like the Volkswagen Polo.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Hyundai could have perhaps pushed its changes with this latest model further, and elements such as a cheap-feeling interior prohibit it from being a class leader.”
Author: Luke Wilkinson
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual SE Connect
Score: 6 / 10
“While the Hyundai i20 has been given some eye-catching new looks, beneath the skin it remains somewhat middle-of-the-road; decent in some areas, but a bit disappointing in others. In the face of plush-feeling rivals such as the Renault Clio, SEAT Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo, that’s a hard sell.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“It looks the part and is as good to drive as any in its class – now the Fiesta is gone, of course.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: September 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 76%
Child protection: 82%
Vulnerable road users: 76%
Safety assist: 67%
The Hyundai i20 has not specifically been assessed by Euro NCAP, but has been awarded a four-star safety rating based on the test results of the similar Bayon SUV/crossover.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 1.0-litre petrol automatic
Overall score: 3.5 stars
Date tested: September 2025
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 6.8 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 4.7 / 10
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score |
| Petrol models | 52 mpg | B |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 124 g/km | B |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 13 | A |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £176 | B |
| Year 2 | £475 | B |
| Year 3 | £764 | B |
| Year 4 | £964 | B |
| Year 5 | £1,259 | B |
| Overall | £3,638 | B |
The Hyundai i20 is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Servicing and insurance bills should be cheap, while fuel consumption is also very good for day-to-day driving.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 67
Average repair cost: £392.20
Last updated: August 2026
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Hyundai i20 family has a good reliability record, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to all i20 models from the current generation, as well as previous models (before 2020).
The most common problem are reported by workshops for the i20 is the braking system. Fortunately, the average repair price is about £200. Gearbox repairs have been the most expensive to date, averaging more than £800 to fix, but these are thankfully rare.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the Hyundai i20
| Overall rating | B | 64% |
| New car warranty duration | 5 years |
| New car warranty mileage | Unlimited miles |
| Battery warranty duration | 0 years |
| Battery warranty mileage | 0 miles |
Hyundai’s new car warranty is better than average, and better than rival brands in a similar price bracket as the i20.
The duration is five years, with no limit on mileage.
Warranty on a used Hyundai i20
- If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ Hyundai i20 from an official Hyundai dealership, you will get a minimum two-year warranty included, and if the vehicle is under five years old, it retains the balance of the original new car warranty.
- If you are buying a used Hyundai i20 from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
- If you are buying a used Hyundai i20 from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.
If you’re looking to buy any used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Hyundai i20
Date: 20/05/2024
Recall number: R/2024/171
Model types: All
Build dates: 28/03/2023 to 15/01/2024
Number of vehicles affected: 770
Defect: On affected vehicles they may experience a transmission malfunction resulting in a loss of drive.
Remedy: On all affected vehicles the transmission control unit software will be updated.
Date: 22/02/2021
Recall number: R/2021/014
Model types: All
Build dates: 24/08/2020 to 07/12/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 1,879
Defect: The vehicle VIN information may not be registered correctly within the eCall unit.
Remedy: Register the VIN information within the vehicle by resetting the E-call unit and updating.
As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been two DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Hyundai i20 to address different issues. However, recall information is updated regularly, so this may have changed.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Hyundai dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used i20, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Hyundai i20, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C3 | Dacia Sandero | Ford Fiesta | Honda Jazz | Kia Rio | Mazda 2 | MG 3 | Mini hatch | Mitsubishi Mirage | Nissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | Renault Clio | SEAT Ibiza | Skoda Fabia | Suzuki Swift | Toyota Yaris | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Polo
Buy a Hyundai i20
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Hyundai i20, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
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Lease a Hyundai i20
If you’re looking to lease a new Hyundai i20, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal
Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more
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