Skip advert
Advertisement

Hyundai i20

Newcomer banishes memories of Getz, but does it push firm to front of the supermini field?

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£1,858 off RRP*
Find your Hyundai i10
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The i20 is a big improvement over the Getz in every way. But the opposition hasn’t been sitting on its hands, either, and although the Hyundai is a strong contender, its ride and 1.4-litre diesel disappoint in the face of excellent opposition. With this engine it is nowhere near threatening the class leaders, although it does represent superb value for money. And in these troubled times, maybe that isn’t such a bad selling point.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Hitting the big time in small cars has become the holy grail for motor makers desperate to survive our current cash-strapped climate.

Hyundai didn’t manage that with its pedestrian Getz. Now it’s hoping that car’s successor, the i20, will be able to take the fight to big guns such as the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo.

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

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"69242","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

The i20 is longer, lower and wider than the Getz, so while its predecessor was instantly forgettable, the newcomer is rather stylish. There’s neat detailing around the front and pronounced lines that run the length of the doors. In terms of looks, the i20 is not unlike a cross between a Mazda 2 and the Corsa.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

I10

2019 Hyundai

I10

38,755 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £7,490
View I10
I10

2020 Hyundai

I10

32,761 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £7,999
View I10
I10

2020 Hyundai

I10

55,196 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £6,248
View I10
I10

2020 Hyundai

I10

19,711 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £9,099
View I10

The five-door that we drove will be in showrooms in January, while the three-door – which is simply shorter, rather than a different shape – comes four months later. Inside, Hyundai has played it safe. The design is functional and clear, and looks stylish without resorting to gimmicks. And as with the exterior, it’s all very well put together with tight, accurate lines around panels.

Boot space is a handy 295 litres, which is bigger than either the Corsa or new Fiesta. And while the rear seats don’t perform the one-touch folding tricks of the Honda Jazz, they do split and fold flat, although the seat backs are slightly higher than the boot floor. Put them back up, and there’s space for a six-footer to sit behind another six-footer. Headroom is generous for rear seat passengers, as is foot space, while legroom is the only constraint.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Where the i20 really scores is with standard kit. Even the entry-level Classic gets air-con, CD player, MP3 socket and electric windows. Owners of the i20 will also get six airbags as standard and active head restraints which move forwards to cushion against whiplash injuries. These are measures Hyundai believes will lead to the car winning five stars in Euro NCAP’s safety tests. The firm estimates the i20 will be priced around £1,000 less than the equivalent Fiesta, so the range should start at about £8,000.

The Korean firm is further appealing to our rediscovered thriftiness with the engines on offer. The range includes the 1.2-litre petrol used in the i10, plus the i30’s 1.4-litre unit. But the headline grabbers will be the 75bhp and 90bhp 1.4-litre diesels that both return 64.2mpg and 116g/km of CO2.

The 90bhp oil-burner is a relaxed cruiser, although you have to work it surprisingly hard for any turn of speed. The i20’s new chassis is a big step forward over the lacklustre Getz. It corners with composure, and the electric power-steering is responsive and accurate.

The downside is a ride that is overly firm, with small lumps in the road feeling larger and more intrusive than they should to occupants. It lets down a solid effort by Hyundai.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai I10

Hyundai I10

RRP £14,245Avg. savings £1,858 off RRP*Used from £9,100
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,199 off RRP*Used from £15,337
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £13,895
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,848 off RRP*Used from £7,649
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025