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Hyundai i20 1.4 75PS CRDi Comfort 3dr road test report

1.4 75PS CRDi Comfort 3dr

Following on from its predecessor the Getz, Hyundai’s new i20 supermini was designed in Germany ‘to meet the high expectations of European drivers’. That’s fine, but can the i20 match the standards delivered by Renault, VW et al, or is even this all-new model still little more than a good bargain?

Road Test Reports Says 4 star rating
A front-facing image of the Hyundai i20 1.4 75PS CRDi Comfort 3dr

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TOM SAYS

Performance Performance - 3 stars

Performance probably isn’t a primary consideration for prospective i20 customers, so the i20 comes as a 1.2 petrol manual, a 1.4 petrol manual or CVT auto, or as a 1.4 diesel manual with either 75 or 90 horsepower. I drove the 75PS 1.4 diesel and, referring to my notes, I see that I’ve written ‘Not quick, not sporty’. Of course I wasn’t expecting it to be any kind of rocketship, and at least I stopped short of jotting down either ‘slow’ or ‘gutless’. To be fair, this 1.4 has enough oomph for most of our normal, everyday requirements, but 0-62mph in 16.2secs and a 100mph max is far from startling.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 3 stars

In keeping with this model’s straight line speed, and the likely expectations of its customers, the i20 makes absolutely no pretence at any kind of sportiness. It rides reasonably, even on a nasty expansion-jointed concrete surface but, despite an all-new chassis, its steering and handling both feel a bit mushy, and dated. This isn’t to say the i20 handles inadequately, it doesn’t, but it’s a car that’s happier in and around town at or below the speed limit. Take it for a blast on some winding rural roads and it’s limitations will soon become apparent.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 3 stars

i20 owners shouldn’t expect luxury, but they rightly should be wanting a reasonable level of quality, and on that basis, and based on my short time with the car, they shouldn’t be disappointed. The interior, dash and controls are inoffensively designed, and though some of the interior plastics and materials aren’t exactly top notch, they should last well enough. My only reservations are that the bright, two-tone seat upholstery might not prove too hard wearing, and the hardboard boot floor (covering the spare wheel) is thin and flimsy. Also, neither the now-superceded Getz nor Hyundai as a brand shone at all brightly in the 2008 JD Power customer satisfaction survey.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 5 stars

The i20 press fleet car I drove had ‘ESP standard across the range’ written in big stick-on letters right along both sides. In addition to the Electronic Stability Program there are front, side and curtain airbags fitted as standard to all i20s, as well as active head restraints, front seatbelt pretensioners and the latest-generation ABS. There are also ISOFIX mounting points in the rear, seatbelt reminders for all five occupants plus keyless central locking and an immobiliser. Stop press: ‘The i20 is awarded the maximum five-star score in the first round of Euro NCAP tests using the new rating system.’ So that’s good news too.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 5 stars

The i20 scores well for everyday practicalities. The 40:60 split rear bench seat folds flat, while the roomy 295-litre boot is, according to Hyundai, not bettered by any key rival. Fold the seats flat and there’s 1,060 litres available. The interior comfortably accommodates adult passengers in both front and rear, while large doors create a wide entry aperture. Quick-release memory seats provide easy access to and from the rear, and this system returns the front seats to the originally selected position without the need for readjustment. There are also numerous interior storage spaces including a large, cooled passenger glovebox and two cupholders.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 5 stars

All i20s are equipped with air-conditioning, electric front windows and an aux-in socket. The mid-range, £9,995 Comfort model I drove also comes with 15-inch alloys, full iPod integration, a trip computer and a 6-speaker CD/audio system with steering wheel mounted controls. Fuel is frugally sipped at 64.2mpg (combined), insurance is a lowly group 3E (1-20) or 8 (1-50) and its 116g/km CO2 figure means just £35 road tax. Industry analysts CAP reckon the i20 will retain a greater percentage of its original value after three years than most rivals, plus there’s the reassurance of Hyundai’s transferrable 5yr/unlimited mileage warranty. The i20 isn’t a world-beater on the road, but you really can’t argue with a bargain like this.

Submitted: 08/06/2009 10:45:04

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