Hyundai i20 (2013)

Synopsis

Hyundai i20 is a premium hatchback. It was launched in 2008, since then it has not been given any change. It was introduced in India to replace then struggling car, Getz. Hyundai wanted people to know i20 gradually and that’s why they sold it along with Getz, it was only in 2010 when Getz was discontinued from the market. At that time this was the only car which had fluidic design in Hyundai’s Indian family of cars. It is not as hit in the market as Swift or Polo but it has never disappointed Hyundai either. Now when every car of Hyundai is blessed with their fluidic design, they have decided to give this car also a face-lift. It stands in a segment which has one of the best designed cars like the new Swift, Polo, Punto and Fabia. All these cars look beautiful enough to attract buyers. No doubt, i20’s looks are somewhere outdated when compared to these newly launched cars. Hyundai knows it and that’s why the new i20 i-Gen sports a new look which will enable this car to give strong competition to others. Hyundai has all re-launched i20 and they are expecting this car to be as successful as others newly launched cars in this segment.

Exterior

Hyundai i20 is simply the best looking and one of the biggest hatchbacks available in India. The first appearance of this car is very refreshing especially from front. There are no drastic changes in the car but yes they are enough to make it look distinctive. The face of this car is much attractive than before. The car has got all-new set of fluidic headlights very similar to that of its elder sibling i30. Nose of this car is very deep with new front grille which is simple and just has a logo on it. There is no usage of chrome, yet it looks elegant. Even without chrome, the front face is very appealing. It has revised bumper with new set of fog lights. New bumper features big four layered air dam with fog lights which are shaped like almost headlights. Bonnet of this car looks much longer than before. There are almost no changes on either side of the car except its new in-built turn indicators in ORVM’s. Its 14 inch eight spoke alloys gives it very sporty look with big wheel arches coming out of side fenders. The back of this car is also almost unchanged with just new tail lamps and spoiler which hardly differentiates it from its earlier model.

Interior

The car looks similar to its earlier avatar when seen from inside. Dual tone beige and black colors are used inside the car. For illumination there is blue LED which adds to the charm of interiors. It has chrome usage inside which includes chrome on inside door handles. The three spoke steering wheel looks premium as it’s wrapped in leather and brushed with dark grey color. Gear knob is also wrapped in leather which feels up market except the chrome ring on its tip. When compared in its segment, it looks better than Swift but it can’t match the sophistication level of Polo and Fabia. Instrument panel has new dials. It also features driver seat belt reminder and gear shift with low fuel indicators. The new i20 features Multi information display which includes digital clock, engine running time, calendar, dual trip meter and outside temperature. Overall Hyundai i20’s interiors have soothing appearance and there is nothing much to complain about.

Comfort and Convenience

Hyundai i20 is the longest and widest in its segment, which automatically suggests its comfort level. Seats of this car are built with high quality of material. There is enough shoulder room and legroom in front. This is the best car in its segment, when it comes to rear seating. There is plenty of shoulder and head room at the back. The seating of this car at the back, gives perfect angle for your comfort. It’s very comfortable for long drives. There is a long list of features in this car; some of them are even first in its segment. Hyundai i20 has always been a comfortable car and these new features just enhance its quality of comfort and convenience. The car comes with powerful, fully automatic air conditioner with cluster ionizer for fresh air inside the car. It has an electric power steering with tilt and telescopic options for adjustment. It has keyless entry and all four power windows with auto down and pinch guard feature (driver side only). It has front and rear fog lights with rear defogger, washer and wiper. It offers new push button star/stop engine with electrically foldable and adjustable outside mirrors. Sunroof is also an option available in Hyundai i20. Other features include arm rest for driver with seat height adjuster and rear adjustable headrests. None of its competitors is as comfortable as Hyundai i20. With all these features, this car is unbeatable in this department.

Dashboard and Storage

Dashboard of Hyundai i20 i-Gen remains intact. Nothing much has changed, the texture, color and touch is similar to its earlier model. There is a glove box with cooling option in dashboard. There is a center console fitted with long AC vents on either side. Center console and AC vents are surrounded by metal finish. The shape of centre console may not appeal to everyone but its multi-purpose storage will be appreciated. For more storage, Hyundai i20 offers map pocket in front doors, back pocket in front seats with a big parcel tray at the back. The extra length and width of this car ends up giving you enormous space in its boot for full family luggage. Even after fitment of gas cylinders in its boot, it still has optimum space left in it.

Music System

The center console of this car carries an audio system. It is a double din music system with 4 speakers and two front tweeters. This system is integrated with radio, CD and MP3 player which also includes outside antenna. This system also comes with in built Aux-in and USB ports which allow direct connectivity of music gadgets. Car also has Bluetooth connectivity in it which adds to the list of entertainment features in this car. It also supports a 12v socket at front. All audio and Bluetooth controls are mounted on steering wheel which is easy to operate and makes your ride in this car more enjoyable.

Engine and Gearbox

New Hyundai i20 i-Gen comes with three engine options: 1197cc Kappa Petrol Engine, 1396cc Gamma Petrol Engine and 1396cc CRDi Diesel Engine. The 1197cc Kappa petrol engine generates maximum power of 84 Bhp with 116 Nm of maximum torque. The 1396cc Gamma Petrol Engine generates maximum power of 100 Bhp at 5500 rpm with maximum torque of 139 Nm at 4200 rpm. Both the engines have been tuned for minimum emissions & maximum economy. The diesel CRDi engine of i20 generates maximum power of 90 Bhp at 4000 rpm with maximum torque of 224 Nm at 1750 rpm. The 1.2 litre kappa engine is mated to 5-speed manual gearbox. The 1.4 litre gamma engine features 5-speed automatic gearbox and the 1.4 litre CRDi engine is mated to 6-speed manual gearbox. The ARAI certified mileage of 1197cc Kappa Petrol is 18.5 kmpl, 1396cc Gamma Petrol is 15 kmpl (automatic) and 1396cc CRDi Diesel Engine is 21.9 kmpl.

Acceleration and Performance

The power and torque output of this 1.2L kappa unit is almost identical to the K series engine used in Swift, the leader in this segment. It’s only when you drive this engine on road it feels far behind from Swift. No doubt, this engine has become more refined than before after the introduction of dual VTVT mechanism but it still feels short of power when pushed hard with full seating of five. You might have to continuously work on its gear shifting while overtaking. It’s not the quickest in its segment as it takes good 16 seconds to reach 100km/hour and after 140km/hour, it needs rest. The 1.4L petrol unit is not that fast either. In fact due to its automatic transmission it feels on the slower side, however once past 2000 pm the car responses better. The best of these three engines is the diesel version. This engine is one of the best diesel engines available in hatch segment. When it comes to cruising on highways, it’s a blast. The car feels eager to run at high speeds. From 2000rpm-4000rpm, this engine is butter smooth. Gear ratios are mated well with good amount of torque and power. One may notice minimal turbo lag in city traffic but as soon as turbo kicks in, the story changes. Cabin of this car is extremely sound proof even at speed of 150km/hour; there is no noise inside it. Its ample torque makes it a car which is capable enough to overtake any car. Turbo never suddenly kicks in this car like Fiat’s Multijet engine, rather it comes steadily and it’s nice to feel the turbo coming in.

Mileage

The 1.2L engine in this car returns a fuel efficiency of around 12-13km/ltr in city while it may vary from 15-16km/ltr on highways. Expect the 1.4L to return you a fuel efficiency of around 10-12km/ltr in city and on highways it can give you somewhere around 14-15km/ltr. It’s the diesel version which will satisfy us, Indians. The car when driven on highways return a mileage of 17-19km/ltr and in city also it won’t disappoint you as one can easily get a fuel efficiency of around 16-17km/ltr.

Hyundai i20 - Live the UBER Life!

Ride and Handling

Its long wheelbase (2525mm) is similar to some sedans so it guarantees you optimum comfort. The car is not a good performer during lane changing on highways and on sharp corners as it lacks a perfect suspension. Its rear suspension is on the soft side which is even noticeable while passing potholes and broken roads. Handling of this car is very light and comfortable with enough ground clearance. For a car of this size suspension quality could have been better. Hyundai i20's suspension consists of McPherson struts with stabilizer bar in the front and coupled torsion beam axle with coil springs in the rear. The suspension system is combined with gas filled shock absorbers.

Brakes and Safety Features

There are disk brakes at the front and the back of this car. Car also features ABS along with first in class EBD. There are some other safety features also including dual front, side and curtain airbags with immobilizer. It also has clutch lock system, speed sensing auto door locking and impact sensing door unlock. The new i20 has rain sensing wipers, auto headlights along with rear parking camera, sensors with display on ECM. These all features ensure your safety and make it the safest car in its segment.

Variants and Warranty

The new i20 is available in total 12 variants. Seven of these are petrol variants with five variants of diesel. Hyundai gives 3years/40000kms warranty on its cars. A number of first- in-segment features are available in the i-Gen i20 like Rear Parking Camera with display in the cabin mirror, Electro Chromic Mirror which offers anti-glare vision during night time driving, Clean Air-Cluster ionizer for fresh air in the cabin, Auto Headlight Control Function (the lights turn on automatically when visibility drops), 6 Airbags, Rear Disc Brakes, Supervision Cluster and Rain Sensing Wipers.

Shades

New Hyundai i20 iGen is available in six attractive shades: Sparkle Blue, Black Diamond, Crystal White/Coral White, Sleek Silver, Dark Grey Metallic and Berry Red/Maharaja Red.

Verdict

New Hyundai i-gen i20 starts under INR 5 lakhs and goes above 7 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). The 1.4L is the most expensive variant of i20. Hyundai have their hopes from the petrol 1.2L and the diesel engine. The petrol motor is not as responsive as the Swift and for us this car loses out its competition in petrol variant. Yes, its diesel variant has much to offer in terms of performance and power. But the same problem continues here also, it’s overpriced. Actually, this car has its own segment, it’s pretty much expensive than the top model of Swift and we think people will be happy enough with Swift in that segment. This car will appeal to those people who want a stylish, powerful, spacious car with all superior features but not a sedan. It stands somewhere between a premium hatch and an entry level sedan. With all its features and drivability, this car should manage to attract buyers from both segments.

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