Hyundai i20 (2022) Review

Looking for a compact car that blends practicality, technology, and performance? The Hyundai i20 2022 is one to consider. Competing with the likes of the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo, this hatchback brings a well-rounded package to the table, offering modern features, a spacious interior, and efficient performance. Let’s dive into what makes the i20 stand out in its class.

Its blend of comfort, space, and efficiency makes it a standout choice in the small car segment.

Power and Performance

Under the hood, the 2022 Hyundai i20 is powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine paired with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. This combination produces around 100 PS of power, giving the i20 a respectable 0-62 mph time of just over 11 seconds. While that might not make it the fastest in its category, the mild hybrid system ensures smooth acceleration and efficient fuel usage.

One key feature is the dual-clutch automatic transmission, which delivers smooth and natural gear changes. There’s a slight hesitation when pulling away from a stop, likely due to the dual-clutch setup, but once moving, it shifts seamlessly. For daily driving—whether in the city or on the motorway—the i20 handles with ease. The steering is responsive, and the suspension strikes a nice balance between comfort and control, absorbing bumps while keeping body roll in check.

Fuel efficiency is another strong point. In real-world conditions, the i20 achieves around 46.9 mpg, with official ratings just over 50 mpg, making it an economical choice for both short commutes and long journeys.

Interior and Cabin Comfort

Despite its compact size, the Hyundai i20 offers a surprisingly roomy interior. The cabin design prioritizes functionality, with a clean layout that avoids clutter. While some materials—especially the hard plastics—could feel more premium, the i20’s cabin is built to be durable and practical.

The physical buttons and rocker switches for essential controls are a welcome touch, making it easy to adjust settings without navigating through the infotainment screen. Storage solutions include a decent-sized glove box, cup holders, and small cubbies, making the most of the available space.

The front seats are comfortable, and the rear legroom is among the best in this class. Even taller passengers will find ample space, with enough headroom to accommodate two six-footers in the back. While the middle rear seat may not be ideal for long trips, it’s perfectly fine for shorter journeys.

The 352-liter boot offers generous storage for a hatchback, though the hybrid system takes away some of the underfloor storage. Still, it’s enough space for day-to-day needs and the occasional road trip.

Infotainment and Technology

The Hyundai i20 shines when it comes to tech. In the Ultimate trim, the car is equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is responsive, bright, and easy to use. The system includes navigation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, making it easy to integrate your smartphone. Even in lower trims, an 8-inch display is available, ensuring that connectivity isn’t compromised.

While the infotainment is a strong point, the sound system falls slightly short. It’s perfectly serviceable, but the audio quality lacks the depth and clarity you might expect at this price point. That said, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise well-equipped car.

Driving Experience

Driving the Hyundai i20 is a pleasure, especially in urban environments where its compact size and nimble handling shine. The steering feels well-weighted and precise, and the car is easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The suspension is tuned to offer a comfortable ride, absorbing most bumps while still providing a level of firmness that keeps the car composed through corners.

On the motorway, the i20 holds its own, feeling stable and comfortable even at higher speeds. The mild-hybrid system aids in improving performance, particularly when overtaking or changing lanes, making the i20 feel capable despite its smaller engine.

Where it slightly falters is in initial acceleration from a standstill, where the dual-clutch transmission takes a moment to engage fully. However, once the car is moving, it delivers smooth and efficient power, making it suitable for both city driving and longer trips.

Space and Practicality

One of the i20’s standout features is its spacious interior. For a car in this class, it offers more room than expected, both in the front and back. The rear seats provide excellent legroom, rivaling some of the larger cars in the segment. Even the boot is impressive for a hatchback, with 352 litres of space—more than enough for shopping, luggage, or gear for a weekend getaway.

Additionally, Hyundai has managed to balance space without compromising on practicality. The cabin is dotted with handy storage compartments, and the seats are comfortable enough for long journeys.

Value for Money

While the Hyundai i20 isn’t the cheapest option in its class, it does provide excellent value for money. Its price positions it alongside rivals like the VW Polo and Ford Fiesta, but it stands out with its five-year warranty—something few competitors offer. This long warranty gives peace of mind and contributes to the i20’s strong resale value, making it a smart long-term investment.

When you factor in the car’s practicality, fuel efficiency, and advanced tech features, it becomes clear that the i20 offers a lot for the price. It may not be the flashiest or fastest car in its segment, but it excels where it counts: in delivering reliable, comfortable, and efficient driving.

Final Thoughts

The Hyundai i20 2022 proves to be a strong contender in the competitive small hatchback market. With its roomy interior, modern tech, and efficient performance, it checks all the right boxes for those in need of a versatile and practical car. While it has a few minor shortcomings—like the sound system and some hard plastics—it makes up for them with its solid driving dynamics, advanced infotainment, and excellent value.

Whether you’re after a dependable daily driver or a versatile second car for the household, the Hyundai i20 is worth a closer look. Its blend of comfort, space, and efficiency makes it a standout choice in the small car segment.

To find out the latest lease prices for a Hyundai i20, Click here.