The Hyundai i20 is packed with standard features and drives with the kind of appeal we're typically used to in cars that cost a lot more money. Check out this great review of the Hyundai i20, as adapted from Wheels24.
The i20 will comfortably carry four adults and provide a respectable amount of luggage space. The i20 on which the below review is based on the 1.0-litre TGDI Fluid with six-speed manual transmission and two-tone paint. This i20 sells for R338 900 at Hyundai dealers.
The Hyundai i20 has undoubtedly become more avant-garde in terms of styling on the outside. It's a head-turner of note, and during the test period, it was showered with praise by friends, family, and neighbours for its looks. We like the compact nature of the car and its sharp lines and aggressive stance. It looks like a hot hatch, and it has a charm to it that is very alluring.
The Hyundai i20 measures 3995mm in length, 1775mm wide and stands 1505mm from the ground. It offers a ground clearance of 170mm, which is not bad considering it's a classic five-door hatchback vehicle and not a crossover like the Kona. The trunk proves large enough at 311 litres for a weekend getaway's worth of luggage.
Being the range-topping Fluid model, you get all the features you need to ensure a comfortable trip. It has anti-lock brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution, but no traction or stability control systems.
The car's 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder is a gem to experience. It produces 90kW and 170Nm, good enough for zero to 100km/h sprints in 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 190km/h. An average of 9 litres per 100km was achieved during the test cycle because we thoroughly enjoyed the sporty driving characteristics of the i20. We pretty much drove this car like it was a Toyota GR Yaris as it felt terrific in the hands and from the driver's seat and inspired confidence even though it didn't have electronic driving aids to leverage.
We particularly enjoyed the short-throw, six-speed manual transmission and the easy to actuate clutch pedal. In the right gears, you can safely overtake, and if you are gentle with the vehicle, you can use as little as 6.5 litres of unleaded per 100km. The i20 proved so convenient and so much fun to live with that we consider it one of the best alternatives to the class-leading VW Polo right now for less than R350 000.
If you're looking for a family vehicle and have one child, you can easily get away with living with an i20 for many years to come. We'd have the i20 in a heartbeat based on this test.
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