New Hyundai i20 review: more style, more substance

Look at it… the new Hyundai i20 is far more eye-catching than its predecessor, isn’t it? I have to admit that it made a more favourable impression in person than it did in the photographs.

The third generation of Hyundai’s South Korean supermini abandons its predecessor’s restrained, horizontal look in favour of considerably more dynamic, sporting and… interesting lines. Hyundai calls this “Sensuous Sportiness”, using pronounced creases, sharp angles and more striking graphic details - take the “Z” motif in the rear light clusters, for instance. It is undoubtedly a more dynamic, busier design, yet it avoids excessive flourishes or stylistic fussiness.

This look is reinforced by better-resolved proportions: it is lower and wider than before. That impression is heightened both by the generously sized wheels on the test car (215/45 R17) and its black roof - a two-tone body is optional on Style models and standard on the Style Plus - which makes it appear lower than it actually is.

More style inside, too

The focus on dynamic styling also carries into the cabin, which is visually more expressive than that of its predecessor and creates a better initial impression. Helping matters is the highly defined 10.25-inch digital instrument panel - although I am not a fan of the “instruments” design in Comfort driving mode - matched by an infotainment display of the same size and resolution, which is more responsive and pleasant to use than earlier versions.

Once settled into the driver’s seat - which is on the firm side, yet comfortable and offers reasonable support - you begin to feel the surfaces around you and realise that they are all hard-touch plastics, not always especially pleasant. Yes, this is a supermini, but the Peugeot 208, for example, uses materials that are more appealing to both the eye and touch. An exception is the steering wheel, trimmed in pleasing synthetic leather: its diameter and thickness are well judged, and it feels very good in the hands.

Moving to the second row reveals a generous amount of room, both for legroom and headroom. However, the closeness of your head to the point where the door meets the roof is not always particularly comfortable. The central tunnel is only slightly raised, which helps if three people need to sit in the rear - it is not the ideal car for this, but the middle passenger will certainly complain less than they would in rival models.

The new Hyundai i20 also has one of the segment’s largest boots, offering 352 l of capacity. Access is somewhat compromised, however, if heavier, bulkier items need loading, as the opening sits higher than the boot floor.

Sporting looks, sporting dynamics?

A definitive answer will have to wait a little longer. This first dynamic encounter with the new Hyundai i20 was brief and took place in rather trying weather conditions… it never stopped raining - leaving neither the time nor the space to explore this subject properly.

Even so, the first impressions are very positive. It does not immediately convince or entertain in the way a Ford Fiesta does, but the new Hyundai i20 travels along a road competently without ever becoming dull. It encourages you to drive it, feels agile, and its front axle responds promptly to inputs; only more communicative steering is missing, as it really needs it.

Given the very wet tarmac, it even surprised with how well it resisted understeer at a brisker pace. And when it did eventually give way, it always did so progressively, because the accelerator was being stamped on rather than pressed.

Its damping certainly leans towards the firmer side - a Renault Clio, for instance, deals with imperfections better without sacrificing any dynamic ability - although I am not sure the suspension set-up deserves all the blame. Once again, the large wheels may be contributing to this.

If one aspect stood out above all others, it was the braking. It is as though Hyundai’s engineers have removed every trace of play or softness from the pedal action. The initial response is strong and sharp without being abrupt, and it is easy to modulate - inspiring enormous confidence and security.

Hyundai i20 1.0 T-GDI: only 100 hp? It feels like more

Another positive is this test car’s powertrain: the 100 hp 1.0 T-GDI paired with the 7DCT, Hyundai’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. They suit each other extremely well, with the 7DCT seeming always to know the ideal gear to select. That is true in Comfort or Eco mode - where the accelerator becomes… anaemic - because its operation is less convincing in Sport.

In this setting, flatten the accelerator on a straight and it will change gear almost at the rev limiter, which is rather entertaining. But during more spirited driving, without going overboard, this appetite for higher revs can sometimes make it hold a lower gear than ideal, keeping engine speeds unnecessarily high without delivering quicker, smoother or even more enjoyable progress.

The accelerator calibration in Sport mode is another area for improvement. The right-hand pedal is undeniably more sensitive, but its response is less progressive, making it seem as though all the engine’s “firepower” is available within the first few degrees of pedal travel.

The 1.0 T-GDi is an old acquaintance, but I must admit it has never seemed in such good health as it does in this version. It is neither the most refined engine nor the one with the finest voice - always hoarse and industrial-sounding - but it has energy to spare, particularly through the mid-range, and even feels as if it produces more than the stated 100 hp.

It has enough pulling power to sustain higher cruising speeds, including on motorways, where the new i20 demonstrated impressive stability.

If there is one criticism to level at the new model while under way, it concerns refinement. Encounter rougher tarmac and tyre noise rises beyond the desirable level. Yes, it is a supermini, but some rivals are quieter, such as the Peugeot 208.

What else does the Hyundai i20 offer?

The example tested was a Style, bringing treats such as automatic air conditioning, stylish - and large - 17-inch alloy wheels and, as an option, a two-tone body. These join other features fitted to every new i20, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus active safety equipment such as autonomous emergency braking and the lane-keeping assist system (LKA).

As we mentioned when prices were announced, the new Hyundai i20 is actually cheaper than its predecessor in equivalent versions, despite including more and better equipment. For this Hyundai i20 1.0 T-GDI Style 7DCT, prices start at 19,400 euros, a highly competitive figure given everything it offers.