Hyundai i20 1.0 T-GDi 90 PS Tech Line
By Bill McCarthy
I have driven a few i20s over the years, from the entry-level cars to the firecracker i20 N. Time and again, they’ve proved worthy. It’s one of the most rounded superminis on sale.
With the 1.0-litre turbocharged 90 PS petrol engine, it promises low running costs without stripping out equipment. It isn’t a hot hatch – except maybe for the now-departed N – but it’s a genuinely likeable, practical, economical everyday car.
It’s been a familiar sight on the roads for a few years now. There’s a new model on the way but in the meantime, the current car is still worth a look.
Performance and driving
Under the bonnet is a 998cc three-cylinder turbo petrol producing 90 PS.. It drives the front wheels through a six-speed intelligent manual gearbox, which can decouple the engine when coasting to save fuel.
The numbers are modest: 0-62mph in about 11.5 seconds and a 112mph top speed. Yet it feels quicker than that. The rasp of the three-pot engine gives a sporty feel when you floor it, even if the figures don’t bear it out. It’s eager enough around town, the gearbox shifts cleanly, and the light steering makes city driving effortless.
On smooth roads, the i20 feels composed, with a tight turning circle and good visibility. The trade-off is a firm ride, especially over potholes, but it rewards with decent body control. Drive modes adjust throttle response and steering weight, while cruise control makes longer journeys relaxed.
It also proved surprisingly able around the twisting lanes and steep ascents of the Lake District.
The little three-cylinder turbo had enough low-down torque to pull cleanly out of tight bends and up the climbs, while the compact dimensions and light steering made narrow, hedged roads feel easy to place rather than intimidating.
That kind of driving – constant gradients, slow corners and repeated gear changes – made the official economy figure of 47.9mpg was slightlyoptimistic. In my real world this was nearer 45mpg. Still respectable for a petrol supermini.
Interior and equipment
The Tech Line cabin offers plenty, with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and multi-colour ambient lighting make cold mornings far more bearable. The driver’s seat is height-adjustable, and the rear bench splits 60:40. Electric front and rear windows, luggage hooks and a front cup holder add everyday usability.
TThe dual-screen setup is the highlight: a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, cruise control and drive modes are all standard. Parking is easy thanks to front sensors and a rear-view camera, while automatic wipers, wireless charging and USB ports front and rear keep life simple.
There’s also a smart key with engine start button, immobiliser and steering wheel remote controls. A temporary mobility kit, privacy glass and aero wiper blades complete the package. Some plastics are hard to the touch, but the layout is logical and the kit count embarrasses pricier rivals.
Practicality and safety
Boot space is 352 litres, expanding to 1,165 litres with the rear seats folded – among the best in class and enough for a weekly tip run or a weekend away with plenty of baggage. The 60:40 split makes carrying longer items easy and they benefit from a USB-C charging port,
The i20 is well protected, too. Standard safety kit includes lane keep assist, lane follow assist, intelligent speed limit assist, forward collision avoidance, driver and front passenger airbags, side and curtain airbags, ABS, ISOFIX and childproof rear door locks. An eCall system adds peace of mind in an emergency.
Verdict
The i20 isn’t the fastest or most exciting supermini. But it is efficient, practical and well equipped. The firm ride and some cheap interior materials are minor flaws in an otherwise sensible package. With a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, it still makes the current model worth a look offers an impressive package without the premium price tag.
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Factfile
- Hyundai i20 1.0 T-GDi 90 PS Tech Line
- Price: from £24,245
- Mechanical: 90ps, 998cc, 3-cyl turbo petrol, front-wheel drive, 6-speed intelligent manual
- Max speed: 112mph
- 0-62mph: 11.5 seconds
- Combined mpg: 47.9
- Insurance group: 13E
- CO2 emissions: 134g/km
- BiK rating: 32%
- Warranty: 5yrs/unlimited miles
