Expert Review
4.56/5
The Hyundai i20 is the premium hatchback for buyers who want small-car convenience without the small-car feel. It is spacious enough to double as a compact family sedan alternative, offering a mature cabin, a generous boot, and a level of road presence that rivals entry-level sedans. It is built for urban professionals and small families who value style and comfort over outright sportiness.
The 1.2-litre petrol engine is silky-smooth and perfectly content to waft you through city traffic with minimal fuss. The ride quality is impressively plush for a hatchback, absorbing potholes and broken roads with a maturity that feels a class above. The steering is light for easy manoeuvring, and the cabin is incredibly quiet at city speeds, making it a relaxing place to spend your commute. The rear seat is genuinely spacious, comfortably accommodating two adults with decent knee room.
Who should buy it? Young families upgrading from an entry-level hatchback, company executives looking for a feature-packed commuter, and anyone who wants a premium feel without stepping up to an SUV.
What will bug you? The petrol engine feels strained and noisy when pushed hard on the highway, making overtaking a planned affair rather than an instant one. The CVT automatic (if chosen) has a noticeable rubber-band effect under hard acceleration, and some rivals like the Baleno offer better fuel efficiency in real-world city traffic.
