The i20 is a very popular hatchback in India ever since it was launched in the Indian market in 2008. It was the best example of quality, refinement and top-class features at an affordable rate. The i20 raised its benchmark every time it’s facelift came and in 2020 there is the third generation of i20 and the question arises, does it rises its benchmark and becomes the best hatchback?

Interior

The interior is now an all-black one replacing the beige black interior. But, to be very honest the beige interior was much better than this all-black one because the latter gave the cabin an airy feeling. In 2020, i20 the interior looks sporty but the materials used are either shiny or felt hard. The lower part of the dash is hard but the upper portion feels much better. However, they look very shiny. The continuous air vents design inspired by Audi cars Ertiga and Innova Crysta which looks new and fresh. The dashboard is dominated by a 10.25-inch touch screen with free-standing effect. The steering wheel is directly taken from Creta, venue. Talking about seating comfort, the overall contouring of the front seat’s very good and ever seat feels supportive. The under-thigh support is also decent and the recline angle is also good. The cabin very spacious which is a big leap from the earlier generation. The buttons used for climate control newer windows all feel well put together.

Exterior

The new i20 looks striking and has a new character. This doesn’t look as convenient as it earlier generation. The front end is dominated by the frameless black grill, slim projectors’ sharp DRL and pizza shaped fog lamps help to give it a character. Hyundai has played with a lot of cuts and creases and that is quite evident on the i20, they are prominently found on the hood and sideways. Talking about the rear, this gets Z-shaped tail lamps which look distinctive and eye-catchy. The rear bumper is very sporty and the chrome line which connects the tail lamps is very polarising, but I liked it. Thus, the overall styling and low slung stance lead it a sporty appeal.

Features

The i20 and features are best friends forever. In this one, it’s loaded with gizmos that are not even seen on some expensive cars. Talking about exterior features, the i20 get LED projector headlamps, LED tail lamps, keyless entry, auto-folding ORVM, puddle lamps, 16- inch diamond cut alloys rear wiper with washer. The interior front, the new i20 gets the 10.25-inch touch screen, with apple car play Android Auto, blue link connectivity with50 plus connected car features, voice commands, ambient lighting, cruise control, auto AC, segment-first fully digital instrument cluster which is the same on Verna, wireless charger, a 7-speaker Bose sound system, rear AC- vents with a USB charger, a segment-first air purifier and a sunroof.

Safety

As far as safety is, the new i20 gets 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, tire pressure monitoring system, hill assist control. The newer i20 is based on a new platform that comprises of 60% of high-tensile steel for better structural strength.

Drive and performance 

The new i20 gets 3 engine options. Here is the list below

Fuel	Petrol	petrol	Diesel
engine	1.2 petrol kappa	1.0 Turbo	1.5 diesel
power	83ps/88ps	120PS	100ps
transmission	MT/CVT(IVT)	IMT/DCT	6MT

Talking about the 1.2 petrol first, the engine is very refined and you barely can hear it whether at idle or at cruising speeds. The 1.2 produces 83ps with manual and 88ps With IVT, the manual one. The power delivered is very linear but it’s just adequate for this size of the car. If you want a better performance go with 1.0 petrol or 1.5 diesel engine. Now talking about the diesel its power delivery is very impressive and refinement. This car feels much more refined than Altroz diesel. The power delivery is very linear but feels very strong once you start moving, unlike the 1.2 petrol which feels quite lethargic to drive. The gearbox is extremely light and smooth. The steering response is precise, accurate and very light. It feels a boon to drive it in the city.

Ride and Handling

The i20‘s suspension has been stiffened up to give it better handling characteristics. The ride quality is quite good and absorbs everything perfectly without any issue. The handling has also improved drastically which makes it more agile and hot as soggy as the earlier i20.

Verdict

The new i20 has evolved so much that it is more desirable. It has now more features, more rearseat space, better dynamics, and feels tightened to the road. The prices start at 6.7 lakhs for the base Magna 1.2 and go up till 11.32 lakhs for the top-end Asta(o) DCT 1.0 petrol which makes it a bit pricey but I think it is worth because you get top-notch quality and fit finish.