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Hyundai i20 in depth

The i20 provides sensible and good value motoring. We take a look at all of the little details that could make or break the deal.

Derek Fung
Derek loves nothing more than punching a remote location into a GPS, queuing up some music and heading out on a long drive, so it's a good thing he's in charge of CNET Australia's Car Tech channel.
Derek Fung
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Choices

The i20 provides sensible and good value motoring. We take a look at all of the little details that could make or break the deal.

The i20 is available in three grades: Active (pictured in this gallery), Elite and Premium.

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Door count

There's a choice of three-door and five-door hatchbacks, but only if you're willing to live with the base-level Active trim.

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Fashion sense

The i20 predates the company's "fluidic design" style, so it's neither as dramatic nor as handsome as the ix35 or the i45.

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Engine options

A 74kW/136Nm 1.4-litre petrol engine is standard on the Active. The Elite and the Premium have a more powerful 91kW/156Nm 1.6-litre engine under the hood.

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Driven to distraction

The chrome on the automatic shifter catches and reflects sunlight as if it's auditioning for a spot in a solar array.

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Sensible

It's not terribly exciting, but the i20 features a logically laid out cabin and dash.

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Optimistic

Speeds of 220km/h seem unlikely, unless there's an infinitely long stretch of downhill road.

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Sound off

The sound system features analog radio, a CD player, Bluetooth for hands-free and streaming and USB and auxiliary jacks.

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Air it

Air conditioning is standard throughout the i20 range, but only the Premium is fitted with climate control.

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Texas fold 'em

All i20s feature wing mirrors that fold electronically at the touch of a button.

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Button-free zone

Steering wheel audio controls rank up there with sliced bread, but in the i20 range you'll only find them on the Elite and Premium models. Those models also feature leather-wrapped steering wheels.

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Music collection

The USB port can read flash memory sticks. iPods and iPhones can also be connected, and a special cable is no longer required.

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Hidey hole

A nice covered storage bin lives underneath the air con controls.

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Chilly bin

The glovebox contains a nook for the owner's manual, and is chilled.

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Wound up

Electric windows and mirrors are standard on all i20s.

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A vision thing

Vision out of the car is good. Parking sensors are a dealer-fit option on all i20s.

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Trippy

If you're keen on fuel economy stats, you'll need to upgrade to either the Elite or Premium models.

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Unarmed

Only the range-topping Premium model features an armrest for the driver.

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Tread lightly

There's nothing as fancy as xenon headlights to be had on the i20 range. You do get front fog lights on the Premium and the Elite, though.

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Wheelie

15-inch steel wheels are standard on the Active. Alloy wheels, of 15- and 16-inch diameter, respectively, are found on the Elite and the Premium.

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Back space

Leg room can be a bit tight if someone tall is sitting up front.

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Lift

It's quite as cool as the VW badge that doubles as a boot latch and handle.

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Booty call

The boot can hold 295-litres of stuff, but the lip is high.

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Expansion

Boot space can be expanded by utilising the split-fold rear seats, which don't lie anywhere near flat.

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Fully sized

Under the floor is a full-size spare wheel.

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