Let’s be real—if you’ve ever even considered buying a premium hatchback in India, the Hyundai i20 has definitely popped up in your research. And there’s good reason for that. It’s one of those cars that has evolved smartly over the years while sticking to what people loved in the first place.
We spent some proper time with the latest version and here’s our honest take, from how it looks on the road to how it actually feels to live with.
First Impressions: Sharp, Sleek, and a Little Sporty
Hyundai didn’t just polish the design—they gave it some proper attitude. The front grille is now wider, the LED DRLs are sharper, and the overall vibe? Way more dynamic. It’s not just a city commuter anymore; it wants to turn heads, and to be honest, it kinda does.
The rear section has also stepped up, especially with those Z-pattern tail lamps. The car just looks… complete. Even the base trims don’t feel “cheap,” which is rare in this space.
Also Read Skoda Slavia
Inside Story: Premium Vibes in a Small Car
Step into the cabin and you’ll forget this is even a hatchback. Hyundai’s clearly spent time making the interiors feel premium. The layout is clean, the materials are better than expected, and everything’s right where it should be.
The space inside is enough for four adults to sit comfortably. There’s good legroom and headroom at the back, though taller passengers might find it snug on longer rides. The boot space (around 311 litres) is good enough for daily use and even a short road trip with the fam.
Some features that stood out:
- Big 10.25-inch touchscreen (top variant)
- Digital instrument cluster that’s surprisingly useful
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Rear AC vents (thankfully!)
- Ambient lighting in higher trims
Engine Options: What’s It Like to Drive?
You get a few choices here:
- 1.2L petrol (with manual or CVT)
- 1.0L turbo petrol (with DCT or iMT)
- No diesel in the newer models
The 1.2L petrol is smooth and quiet, perfect for people who mostly drive within city limits. It’s not fast, but it’s efficient and easy-going.
If you want a little more excitement, the 1.0L turbocharged engine is the one to go for. It’s peppy, feels quick off the line, and the DCT gearbox makes it a fun little machine to drive.
Fuel Efficiency (ARAI claimed):
- Around 21 kmpl for the manual petrol
- Around 19-20 kmpl for the CVT and turbo variants
In the real world, it drops a bit (as expected), but still decent.
Ride Quality & Handling: Balanced, But Not a Hot Hatch
If you want comfort, the i20 delivers. The suspension setup handles potholes and speed breakers well, without making the ride feel too floaty. The steering is light—great for city driving, but lacks a bit of feel at higher speeds.
If you want something with a bit more edge, the i20 N Line offers stiffer suspension and a sporty exhaust. It’s not a pocket rocket, but it does make weekend drives a bit more fun.
Safety: Not Just Lip Service
This is where Hyundai’s done well. Even the base variant of the i20 now comes with six airbags, and that’s not common in this segment.
Other safety features include:
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Assist Control
- ISOFIX mounts
- Rear parking camera and sensors
It’s reassuring to see safety getting equal billing alongside style and features.
Variants & Price Breakdown
Here’s a rough idea of the range:
- Era (Base)
- Magna
- Sportz
- Asta
- Asta (O)
- N Line: N6 and N8 variants
Prices start at around ₹7 lakh and go up to ₹11.2 lakh (ex-showroom). Honestly, even the mid variants come well-equipped, so you don’t have to stretch to the top unless you want the turbo engine or a sunroof.
FAQs About the Hyundai i20
Q: Which variants of Hyundai i20 come with a sunroof?
A: Asta and Asta (O) trims include an electric sunroof.
Q: How many airbags are there in the i20?
A: All versions now come with 6 airbags as standard.
Q: Is it good for long-distance driving?
A: Definitely. It’s stable at high speeds and the seats are quite comfy.
Q: What’s the real-world mileage like?
A: You’ll get around 15-18 kmpl depending on how and where you drive.
Q: Is automatic available?
A: Yep. You can go for CVT (1.2L) or DCT/iMT (1.0L turbo).
Q: Is the diesel version still available?
A: Nope. Hyundai’s pulled the plug on diesel for i20 with the latest update.
Final Thoughts: Should You Actually Buy One?
The Hyundai i20 isn’t perfect, but it’s really close. It nails that balance between being practical, stylish, and fun. If you want something that looks premium, is loaded with features, and doesn’t feel cheap when you drive it—this one should be right at the top of your list.
Sure, it’s not the cheapest hatchback out there, but you’re getting your money’s worth. If budget allows, go for the turbo. It’ll put a smile on your face every time you hit the gas.
Author- Ayush
1 thought on “Hyundai i20 Review: Still the Hatchback to Beat?”