KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The prices of the Hyundai i20 start at Rs 7.04 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
- Available only with a 1.2-litre 83 PS petrol engine, available with a 5-speed manual or CVT
- Currently, the i20 is rated as one of the most premium hatchbacks on sale in India
The third-generation Hyundai i20 has been on sale for almost four years, with the premium hatchback getting its first minor facelift in 2023. It was the i20 that pioneered the segment of premium hatchbacks in India, which gave it a first-mover advantage. However, since then, the game has evolved much, and while the arena of premium hatchbacks now only has a handful of players, the i20 is still going. We take a look at all the things that make the Hyundai i20 still very much relevant and some kinks in its armour: Moreover, make sure to join our 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel, specifically curated for the latest news and insights from the automotive space.
Also Read: Hyundai Alcazar: Old Vs New - Key Differences
2024 Hyundai i20 Pros
Looks stylish inside-out
The Hyundai i20 has always been a show-stealer, and with the current facelifted form of the third-generation version, the premium hatchback's appeal has only improved. With this model, the i20 became much sharper than the previous versions, with aggressive creases over the body panels and angular lights and elements.
Competition check: The Hyundai i20's rivalsTata Altroz, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, and Toyota Glanzaalso look great, but the i20 is clearly the sharpest-looking of the lot.
Loaded with features
The Hyundai i20 is credited with making hatchbacks desirable with a premium, segment-best equipment list, and the current version is no different. In its higher-spec versions, the Hyundai i20 has goodies like a sunroof, wireless charger, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment, a fully digital instrument console, a 7-speaker BOSE audio system, and more.
Competition check: The hatchback closest to the Hyundai i20's equipment list is the Tata Altroz, which received a host of new features with its recent update.
Spacious cabin
Among all the premium hatchbacks on sale, including the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza, and Tata Altroz, the Hyundai measures the longest and widest while having the segment-best wheelbase. This results in a spacious cabin, where the rear seats are good enough to accommodate taller people with generous knee, leg, and shoulder room.
Competition check: All the premium hatchbacks offer generous space for both front and rear passengers, with the i20 leading the pack by a marginal difference.
Feels Premium
The Hyundai i20 changed the perception that hatchbacks are designed and built at a cost. Even in this third-generation version, the Hyundai i20 impresses with its high-quality fit and finish levels, which can put cars from one or even two segments above to shame. While the panel gaps on the outside are minimal and consistent, the choice of materials used for the seats, dashboard, door panels, and switches feels top-notch.
Competition check: Hyundais have always had the edge in offering better quality materials over other mainstream brands, such as Tata and Maruti Suzuki.
2024 Hyundai i20 Cons
Lack of diesel engine option
The breed of diesel hatchbacks is anyway on the verge of extinction. However, considering that the i20 was previously offered with a diesel engine and there are still buyers who prefer a diesel-powered i20, not offering a diesel engine in the i20 now is a big miss. Hyundai is still selling a good chunk of Venue and Creta in their diesel versions, so the i20 diesel could have given Hyundai more volumes.
Competition check: Currently, only the Tata Altroz is offered with a diesel engine option in hatchback form.
Expensive higher variants
The Hyundai i20 has always had the reputation of being the most expensive mass-market hatchback, and with the current version, it has gone one level up. The higher variantsAsta and Asta (O)are equipped with the most feel-good features and are expensive, with their prices overlapping with those of compact SUVs' mid-spec variants.
Competition check: All the other premium hatchbacks sold in India are priced less than the Hyundai i20.
Lesser boot space than its rivals
While the Hyundai i20 offers class-leading cabin space, it does fall short on boot space compared to other premium hatchbacks on sale. The current version of the Hyundai i20 claims a boot space of 311 litres, which is less than its rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Baleno (318 litres), Toyota Glanza (318 litres), and Tata Altroz (345 litres).
Competition check: At 311 litres, the boot space of the Hyundai i20 is the least among all premium hatchbacks.
Verdict
The Hyundai i20 might be the priciest among all mainstream hatchbacks. However, due to its premium fit and finish levels, class-leading features list and spacious and comfortable cabin, the feel-good quotient justifies the premium.
