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Hyundai i20 Blue

Our verdict on efficient, new baby that cuts running costs to a minimum

Hyundai i20 Blue front cornering

By Paul Bond

September 2011

  • Rating:
As Hyundai’s greenest model ever, the new i20 Blue boasts the kind of low running costs that should put it on any supermini buyer’s shopping list.

We’ve been impressed by the standard car’s blend of value and practicality, and all those qualities have been carried over for this new eco-friendly i20, which is based on the mid-spec Comfort version.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Hyundai i20

 

That means it gets air-con, electric windows and 15-inch alloys, and also uses the original model’s 89bhp 1.4-litre CRDi diesel engine – yet emissions have fallen from 111g/km to 98g/km, making it tax-exempt.

That figure is thanks to a set of low-rolling-resistance tyres, automatic stop-start and aero tweaks designed to make the i20 as efficient as possible.

They may be subtle, but these updates stretch the combined economy to 76.4mpg, giving the i20 Blue a theoretical range of 755 miles. What’s more, it is far less compromised to drive than some eco rivals.

It can’t quite match the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic’s sharp handling, but it’s £1,300 cheaper to buy and rides in a very comfortable manner. With 220Nm of torque, the diesel pulls strongly and although a little rough at idle, it’s refined at speed. Cabin quality is behind a Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and VW Polo, but the low price makes up for that. On the whole, this is frugal transport at its best.

For an alternative review of the latest Hyundai i20 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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4 Comments

Snail

For a car with lots of torque its god slow!! 0-60 in 13.5 seconds!!

By cosworth28 on 9 September, 2011, 1:12pm

What price zero road tax?

I'd rather know the price difference to the model on which it is based than how it compares with the Fiesta (though that is also worth knowing).
According to the Hyndai website, Blue is £950 more than the (75PS vs 90PS) Comfort 5dr on which you say it is based, and just £550 less than the Style (which has the same power output). Based on the petrol engined Comfort 5dr vs Style 5dr (£1000 difference) the more powerful CRDi is around £500 so you're paying £450 for the lower emissions and better economy. At what point (in real world driving) do you make back that cost?

By aje21 on 9 September, 2011, 1:29pm

@aje21

nice point of view

By klajd323 on 9 September, 2011, 2:53pm

Snail No!

I have the IX20 which I gather is the same diesel engine and it a lot quicker in reality than it looks on paper,I like the way they say its a little rough at idle! - Heck its the noisiest diesel I have ever had, it is not a good engine from that point of view! also I don't believe these stated mpg figures are realistic cause even if I drive at a steady 60 I cant get what the manufacturer claims!

By SUCARBS on 13 September, 2011, 9:04pm

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Pictures

Hyundai i20 Blue front cornering
Hyundai i20 Blue ar cornering
Hyundai i20 Blue dash
Hyundai i20 Blue front three-quarters

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FIRST OPINION

    The i20 continues to challenge the class best, and this Blue version adds another string to its bow. It’s efficient, yet doesn’t feel hampered by its eco credentials. The interior is a little drab, but it’s roomy and very well equipped. One of the cheapest sub-99g/km superminis to buy, the i20 Blue will also cost very little to run. It’s definitely worth a look.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £13,195
    Engine: 1.4-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
    Power/torque: 89bhp/220Nm
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    0-62/top speed: 13.5 secs/108mph 
    Economy/CO2: 76.4mpg/98g/km
    Equipment: 15-inch alloys, air-con, Bluetooth, multifunction steering wheel, electric windows, CD, USB, heated door mirrors, ESP, trip computer, gearshift indicator, stop-start, low-rolling-resistance tyres
    On sale: Now
     
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