New Hyundai i20: There are but a handful of cars that have played the role of this success story in the premium hatchback segment, the Hyundai i20 being one.
The automotive narrative for the 2021 iteration of this fan favorite offering from South Korea would be one that epitomizes the concept of thinking out of the box when it comes to what a hatchback can be.
The new Hyundai i20 offers a modern and refined design, generous levels of equipment and a value proposition compared to none.From the front, new i20 Love the rear - I find this angle the most appealing, though.
New Hyundai i20: Design Evolution- Sporty Elegance
With its strong, vibrant design, the new i20 stand out right from the start. Adopting a new Hyundai design philosophy called “Sensuous Sportiness,” it looks more menacing up front with a (much) wider grille that won’t quit.
The knife edge character lines across the profile and bold lines in silhouette technique along with the stunning LED headlamps with an integrated LED DRL (Day Time Running Lamps) showcasing the snazzy looking lights signature makes the car an aesthetic look.
The new rear of the i20 could be considered its most striking area thanks to its completely re-designed rear, with modern LED rear lights that merge seamlessly with a new boot lid, and that is joined by a slim horizontal shape line that connects the left and right side of the rear, so making the i20 stand out against all its competitors.
The two-tone paintjobs, that come with contrasting roof shades with higher spec, add to the visual attractiveness of the car as well. New alloy wheel patterns, of up to 16 inches on higher variants, finish it off in a premium way.
What’s impressive is just how European the i20 looks in spite of its Korean heritage – something that was clearly a conscious ploy given how strong the European influence is in the premium hatchback segment.
It could be a budget Porsche 911 thanks to an obsessive level of attention being paid to proportions: a low-slung stance that’s wider than it is tall makes for a more dramatic sense of road presence than many rivals and, for the more car-savvy passer-by, surely suggests performance potential beyond what the modest engine specs suggest.
Technology Meets Comfort on the Inside
Climb into the new i20 and you’re welcomed by a cabin that will strike the perfect balance between modern technology and passenger comfort.
The design of the dashboard is based around the horizontal, thereby emphasising the width of the interior.
The main attraction is the 10.25-inch HD touchscreen infotainment that presides over the centre console with sharp graphics and clear, logical controls.
It also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for phone connectivity without a mess of cables. The optional, upmarket Bose premium audio system is also fantastic and characterful, something which can’t often be said in this segment.
The driver-orientated interior also includes an optional digital instrument panel on premium versions, allowing vehicle information to be displayed in a clear, customisable form that can be adjusted to suit the driver.
The chunky multi-function steering wheel and soft touch buttons give wholesome access to all the controls without the driver having to take you hands off the steering wheel.
One of the i20’s biggest selling points continues to be space utilisation. The spacious 2,580mm wheelbase results in good legroom in the rear and adult passengers will also find plenty of space to play with on longer trips.
That extra width also means that three people can ride abeam in the back with some measure of comfort, a not insignificant edge in a class where rear passenger space quite often feels, well… cramped.
With 311 litres of boot space, there’s enough space for getaway weekends or grocery runs and split-folding rear seats give you flexibility when required.
Considerate touches are also evident with a system of ambient lights that greets you as you open the door; it offers an attractive visual experience of the cabin at night, while a wireless charging pad enables telephones to be charged cord-free.
The inclusion of an air purifier (something that’s previously been available as an option only in costlier models) is an indication that Hyundai gets the worries of modern urbanites, and provides real practical value for city slickers.
Powertrains: Efficient with a Punch
The heart powertrain line-up in the all-new Hyundai i20 demonstrates efficiency and reliability. The main engine option is a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, which makes about 82 bhp and 115 Nm of torque.
On paper, those numbers may look humble, but in person, the engine feels peppy and polished and is just right for city driving.
This engine can be mated to 5-speed manual or a CVT (continuously variable) that Hyundai refers to as IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission).
The IVT deserves special mention because it has solved many of the problems traditionally associated with CVTS. It does an effective job of simulating traditional gear changes, preventing that “rubber band” effect that makes many CVTs so painful when accelerating.
The overall effect is a smoother, more organic driving experience that the mass of consumers will appreciate.
Fuel economy figures are good across the range and ARAI figures rate them between 16-20 kmpl, depending on transmission and driving patterns.
This cost operation, together with the 37-litre fuel tank of the i20, allows a theoretical range of more than 700 km on one tank, a substantial increase for people used to make long trips once in a while.
The i20s ride and handling character strikes just the right balance between comfort and engagement. The suspension, McPherson strut up front and torsion beam out back, yields a ride quality that takes the edge off of city potholes well and remains composed on the highway.
The electric power steering is acceptably accurate for city driving, but drivers who like to get sporty would most likely prefer more feel when they’re street racing.
Technology & Communications: Going Digital In 2020 and beyond, the new trend will be for technology to connect all aspects of the event and thus create a truly immersive event experience.
There’s other cool stuff there too, the new i20 package laden with all the exciting bits and pieces that only technology integration can (in my opinion) offer.
BlueLink connected car tech offers more than 50 features such as remote engine start/stop, vehicle status alerts, a geo-fencing feature and emergency assistance available through a smartphone app.
The nav system also very nice is very accurate and has real time traffic, which is super helpful and not just a marketing checkbox.
Voice recognition technology enables drivers to operate features by speaking commands The voice recognition system can recognize and respond to the commands listed in the following list.
The infotainment is upgradeable via over-the-air updates, so you don’t need to take it to a dealership to get new features or software tweaks.
Together, such examples are an illustration of Hyundai’s policy of future proofing that stands for ensuring the futuristic relevance of their vehicles beyond the typical product cycle.
The i20 is geared for the tech-friendly user who seeks to connect many devices as it also supports multiple device connectivity through USB ports (including Type-C) as well as Bluetooth multi-device pairing.
The second one lets you connect it to the phone for calls and to other devices for media separately, which is a nice touch considering most of us use a variety of gadgets on any given day.
Protection: More Than Just Safety
Safety is not just a throwaway line in the well-penned i20 package. Up top, the crossover gets six airbags on higher trims to ensure all-around safety in case of accident.
All models feature electronic stability control, vehicle stability management and hill-start assist, providing a level of active safety interventions for confident driving in all situations.
The tire pressure monitoring system shows you the inflation of each tire in real-time, avoiding blowouts and optimizing fuel consumption.
They also assist with low-speed city parking, particularly in confined spots, thanks to the addition of rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.
A high proportion of high-strength steel is also integrated into the body structure of the i20, helping to deliver crash protection performance and also meeting high-strength and lightweight requirements.
The emphasis on structural rigidity as well as the digital safety net make for a vehicle that puts the safety of its passengers above all - without the typical performance and efficiency trade-offs.
Value: High end feature set at an aggressive price point
With an ex-showroom price between ₹ 7.04 lakh and ₹ 11.25 lakh for its top-end variants, the i20 further cements itself as a premium consideration in the hatchback space.
And while that pricing sits just above mass-market alternatives, the extensive list of features and the driving experience easily justifies the higher price it commands to those that wish an a bit more pizzazz.
Model Range The variation structure, in line with Hyundai’s existing naming convention, includes the entry-level Era, Magna, Sportz, and Asta.
The Asta (O) is the top-end variant and comes equipped with almost all features. A multi-tone exterior costs a little more than its mono-tone counterparts.
Hyundai offers the standard warranty on this car, which is good for 3 years or 100,000 kilometres, which should help ease a new owner’s mind. Extended warranty possibilities exist for those buying for extended ownership.
Competing In a Fiercly Contested Category
The premium hatchback space that i20 operates in isn’t losing any heat, and the war for the market share is still very much between other strong contenders, say Maruti Suzuki Baleno at one end and Tata Altroz and Toyota Glanza at the other.
All the three rivals carry unique strong suits Baleno Lifespan and after sales service, Altroz Safety with 5-star crash test rating and meticulously built structure and the Glanza whose lineage says “Toyota rebranded – Durable”.
In this scenario, the i20 carves itself a neat little space by providing the most well-rounded feature list, especially when it comes to technology and comfort features. It also wins the hearts of buyers looking for design sophistication that challenges whitegood homogeneity.
Market share (of the premium segment) has been good too, the i20 averaging about 50,000 units every year.
This makes sense for anyone who has been following Hyundai’s trajectory: being the world’s third-biggest automaker, according to Inside Line, by offering a compelling package rather than simply flashy brand.
Ownership Experience: More Than a Purchase
The ownership package offered will go beyond the purchase, as Hyundai’s monumental service network would offer hassle-free maintenance across the length and breadth of the country.
Service pricing is relatively competitive in the segment, with service intervals set at 10,000km for regular maintenance.
As it stand, finish and quality isn’t bad at all and if previous i20s are anything to go by, the car is likely to be durable in the long-term provided it’s looked after.
AdTech Ad In addition, component sharing from other Hyundai models means parts supply for the aging vehicle should remain available.
Resale values are another high point, with the i20 historically holding its value as well as many rivals. This used car market strength mitigates the total cost of ownership for anyone that is accustomed to change their car within a few years.
New Hyundai i20: Setting New Benchmarks in its Class
The new-generation Hyundai i20 - succeeds in that it continues where its predecessors left off and corrects where they went wrong. It is a finely judged blend of style, technology, comfort and efficiency that raises develop¬ment standards and establishes new ones in the premium hatchback segment.
Although it places higher up on the price range compared to first-level models, the i20 deserves the more premium pricing thanks to real advantages and features that add to the ownership experience.
Featuring a high-end design, a complete package of features and refined driving capabilities, it comprises what truly feels like a premium product and not just one that is expensive.
For those in the market for a hatchback that offers more than mere transportation at a time when everyone wants to own their dream car, the new Hyundai i20 does make a strong case.
It is proof that useful, affordable transportation does not have to be dull or lacking in sophistication and technology — a philosophy that still seduces practical-minded buyers today in this ever-crowded market segment.
In a world where crossovers and SUVs too often dominate the limelight, the i20 is a powerful argument for the continued importance of well-executed hatchbacks.
By mixing the inherent efficiency and navigable ease of the body style with amenities and refinement you don’t always associate with smaller vehicles, it becomes a package that offers the best of both worlds – practical but aspirational, compact but comfortable, affordable but sophisticated.