Used Hyundai i20 Review (2014-2020) MK2
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Well-equipped
- Comfortable ride
- Spacious interior
- Not the most fun to drive
- Interior may feel dated
- Tough competitors
What's the Hyundai i20 like?
The Hyundai i20 is well up with the class-leading Ford Fiesta in many ways, and yet it costs less when bought used and comes better equipped.
Also, Hyundai’s five-year unlimited mileage warranty, which is transferable to new owners, gives marvellous peace of mind for most cars less than five years old.
The i20 is good-looking and very easy to drive. It also comes with most of the mod cons we expect these days.
There's tough competition in the supermini sector, with not only the Fiesta, but also the very good Škoda Fabia, the Vauxhall Corsa, the Peugeot 208, and the Renault Clio.
Engines
There are i20 models with both petrol and diesel engines, and all apart from the lowliest 70bhp and 75bhp models offer decent to good performance. But of course, if cheap running costs and low insurance rates are most important, these are the models for you.
Between 2012 and 2020, there have been 1.1-litre and 1.4-litre diesels with either 73bhp or 88bhp. The 1.1-litre is very slow, with a 0 to 60mph time of 15.5 seconds, but it will do over 70mpg.
The 1.4-litre is still quite leisurely, getting to 60mph in 11.7 seconds, but again, economy of over 60mpg means huge range on a tankful.
Petrols, from lowest to highest power, start with a 73bhp 1.2-litre that later came with 84bhp. These reach 60mph in 13.2 or 12.4 seconds and are both capable of 47mpg.
Next comes a 1.4-litre with 98bhp, which is willing and peppy. It covers the sprint in 11.2 seconds and will do about 42mpg.
Finally, come a pair of the latest 1.0-litre turbos with either 98bhp or 118 bhp, but these are only available in mid to high spec cars.
The 98bhp model gets to 60mph in 10.4 seconds and will still do 50mpg, while the 118bhp brings the time down to 9.9 seconds and economy to 46mpg.
There are 3 and 5-door body styles available, plus a hiked SUV lookalike, and the 3- door looks rather like a small coupé.
The 1.2-litre petrol is by far the biggest seller and in 84bhp form, it has a decent, peppy feel that makes nipping in and out of traffic a delight.
Driving Experience and Practicality
All have reasonably positive power steering that helps towards good and safe handling, and there's plenty of grip and good balance through corners.
Peter Hayward
This car really scores well in comfort. It’s composed and refined, soaking up bumps and potholes well, albeit with a more lumpy feel at slow speeds in town.
Unusually for a small car, there's good rear legroom allowing one six-footer to sit comfortably behind.
Equipment
All come with very good equipment compared to rivals at the same money. Most have four electric windows, height adjustment, and height and reach adjustment for the column.
They also have electric mirrors, 7-inch touch screen, remote locking, loads of airbags, and traction control. Mid-range SE adds steering wheel stereo controls, alloys, parking sensors, air conditioning, and cruise control.
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Find your Hyundai i20 your way with CarStore
Despite its tough competition, the Hyundai i20 has lots to offer, including a large boot, decent interior space, and excellent levels of equipment, making it a great choice for a variety of needs and responsibilities.
