Hyundai i20 2015 Review

The Indian-built i20 has clambered quickly to the top of the sales charts since replacing the much-loved Getz in 2010. It's offered in three- and five-door body styles, and features a 1.4-litre petrol engine across the line-up, offered with a choice of six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.

Inside there's room for four adults (five at a pinch), and compared to its rivals the balance between passenger and cargo accommodation is commendable. The i20 offers 295 litres of boot space (with the seats up, to window height), giving it nine litres more than the Toyota Yaris, and an impressive 45-litre advantage over the new Mazda2. Like both rivals the i20 also features a 60:40 split-fold rear bench.

In terms of styling the interior is basic, but clean. The cabin may be dressed with hard-touch plastics, but is well lit and provides an easy reach to all the essentials. It really is a jump-in-and-go kind of car.

The cloth-trimmed seats are adequately comfortable, though we'd have preferred a little more lumbar support. There's a decent range of adjustment, however, and the steering column is fitted with both tilt and reach adjustment.

Infotainment sees the i20 cover-off all of the basics, with Bluetooth (phone and audio) and CD/MP3/WMA/USB connectivity joining a four-speaker AM/FM tuner, all presented via a simple dot-matrix display. The Bluetooth connectivity did take a little while to set up, and the lack of steering wheel-mounted controls is a letdown.

The i20 also comes with a one-touch power window on the driver’s side, electric mirrors, remote central locking, a basic trip computer and manual air-conditioning. But omits face-level vents in the rear and cruise control, which is a big deal considering how three or four clicks over the limit can result in a speeding ticket.

On the road, the i20 does what it sets out to do. It won't win any races, but provides adequate power for city and freeway driving. The 1396cc twin cam engine revs happily enough once in gear, but is rather raucous in doing so. The four-speed auto is also a little strident, making constrained progress at times as the engine struggles to fill the 'gaps' of its wider ratios.

Where many competitors, including cousin Kia, now offer a six-speed automatic, the Hyundai's four-speed unit feels out of date. It's a fact highlighted by the i20's mediocre fuel economy, which on test averaged 7.4L/100km – a fair increase on the 5.9L/100km (ADR Combined) claim.

On the plus side the engine noise does subside quickly at cruising speeds, leaving a quiet cabin in its wake. The higher profile (175/70-series) rubber on the Active grade's 14-inch steel wheels really helps here. It's one of those points many small-car buyers tend to overlook, but is one that becomes really important if you're planning longer trips, or have sleepy children in the back seat.

It's funny that in spite of the higher profile rubber that the i20's ride is a little firm over rougher surfaces. The trade-off of course is fantastic manoeuvrability, with strut/torsion beam suspension and electric-assisted steering providing agile turn-in and a good sense of control.

The i20 offers a tight turning circle of 10.4m which although larger than the new Mazda2 (9.8m) is still sufficient for squeezing into tight spots. The Active grade i20 does not offer parking sensors or a rear-view camera.

With disc brakes all-round (many competitors still offer a disc/drum combination), front, side and curtain airbags, plus anti-lock brakes and stability control the i20 has safety covered. The i20 scored a five-star ANCAP result when tested in 2011.

Like all new Hyundai passenger vehicles, the i20 arrives with a five-year / unlimited kilometre warranty, the availability of a 10-year roadside service program and lifetime capped-price servicing (set at $270 for the first annual service).

On balance the i20 is well worth considering. It might be a relatively basic offering, but is one that ticks all the 'fuss-free' boxes those shopping the segment demand. Whether that's enough to keep buyers interested in the face of a stack of newcomers, however, remains to be seen.

Also consider:
>> Honda Jazz (from $16,990 driveaway)
>> Mazda2 (from $16,990 driveaway)
>> Volkswagen Polo (from $15,990 driveaway)