By Ian Strachan.
Some manufacturers have pulled out all the stops to offer cars in the electric and hybrid markets. Not Hyundai. While they have a great range of hybrid and battery-powered models, the popular i20 no longer has a mild hybrid option.
An odd decision, you might think. But while other models get the full-electric treatment, the roomy i20 concentrates on the benefits of efficient petrol power – great economy, peppy performance and good value for money.
The sprightly i20 is a smart, well specified, practical little car with all the extras you’d expect on something much bigger, and an enjoyable, drama-free ride. I tested the i20 in Black Edition spec which, despite its name, came in an almost luminous Lucid Lime metallic paint finish. You’re not going to lose this in a car park!
Despite its striking pant finish, this Hyundai looks good, with a crisp, characterful profile, and it performs exceptionally well. The i20 has a three-cylinder 90 bhp 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine. It’s brisk and peppy and pulls well, though it can get a little raucous if worked hard. It has a top speed, where legal, of 112 mph, and a 0-60 mph time of just above 11 seconds. Linked to a pleasant six-speed manual gearbox the engine responds extremely well. Plus you can expect to get close to 50 miles to the gallon.
The i20 handles nicely and feels exceptionally sure footed. In fact the overall ride and handling of this vehicle is very impressive indeed despite a fairly firm suspension set-up.
You get plenty of extras on the i20 Black Line that many manufacturers would charge you extra for, including heated front seats and steering wheel, automatic air conditioning, smart black upholstery and interior trim, and cruise control. You also get good-looking black alloys, rear parking sensors with camera and a good sound system with steering wheel mounted controls. Sound and satellite navigation systems are controlled via a 10.25-inch touchscreen.
The interior is of a very high quality for a smallish car, with comfortable seats for rear passengers and plenty of leg and head room. The boot is respectable and can be increased by folding the rear seats.
The whole car has a solid, quality feel with high body rigidity and good use of materials. Safety equipment includes lane-keeping aid, intelligent speed limit assist, daytime running lights and automatic headlights with a dusk sensor.
The i20 Black Line 1.0T 90ps manual has an on the road price of £22,945. Metallic paint – and it doesn’t have to be lime green – is an extra £650.
This is a very impressive vehicle that can certainly mix it with the best of them and give some more established cars a run for their money. And there’s Hyundai’s five year warranty to go with it.
