Sets new standards

Hyundai i20 (2020-2023) Models Covered: 5dr supermini [1.0/1.6T-GDi] Introduction

Here’s a rather different kind of Hyundai i20. This third generation version was different in terms of style and sophistication, with mild hybrid engine tech and the kind of media and safety features you’d usually expect to find on a much larger car. At the same time though, quite a few recognisably sensible character traits from previous models still remained. It’s now reasonable these days to expect much more of a supermini and in many respects, this car can now really deliver on that brief. Here, we look at the 2020-2023-era pre-facelift versions of this car.

The History

Hyundai might have established itself as a sensible budget brand but these days, the company has much higher aspirations than that. Even its most sensible models now have more than a modicum of style, technology and just a bit of a ‘want one’ factor. For proof of that, check out this one, the brand’s third generation i20 supermini.

There’s no getting around it; in its previous two ‘PB’ and ‘GB’-series incarnations, respectively launched in 2009 and 2015, the i20 was rather dull. There’s certainly a market for that, as evidenced by the fact that over 100,000 examples of the second generation version were sold in Europe – and even more than that in India, the car’s biggest market. Customers here though, tend to require a little more character from their supermini selection. Something it was going to take more than an expensive World Rally Championship programme for the old MK2 model to deliver. This replacement ‘BC3’-series design though, had higher aspirations.

There was a much sharper look and buyers got a more spacious cabin, plus all the volume variants had 48-volt mild hybrid engine tech. In addition, mindful of the fact that almost half of all sales of its larger i30 family hatch were of seriously sporty variants, Hyundai went all out to make sure those bases were covered here. ‘N Line’ models offered a warm hatch vibe and at the top of the range, there was a full-fat i20 N shopping rocket version that went gunning for the Fiesta ST.

On top of that, there was a clever new Intelligent Manual Transmission system, stronger standards of safety and big car-style media provision. A sporty ‘N Line’ trim arrived in 2021, as did the aforementioned potent 1.6-litre turbo i20 N hot hatch. The MK3 i20 sold in this form until mid-2023, when it was lightly facelifted. It’s the pre-facelift models we look at here.

What You Get

This third generation i20 looked nothing like either of its predecessors – and was all the better for it. Particularly in profile, a perspective which delivers a wedge-shaped look, complete with slashes, contrasting colour and a rather unique swept-up design around the C and D-pillars.

Inside it’s certainly a step forward from the cheap-feeling, rather basic cabins that have characterised this model line in the past. The sculptural fascia design helps, with its smart horizontal blades that stretch across the dash; and Hyundai was the first supermini maker to standardise a digital instrument cluster right across the range, this 10.25inch screen offering coloured virtual dials and a customisable centre section. The Centre Console Display it’s paired with will be either 8-inches or 10.25-inches in size, depending on the trim level you’ve selected, the larger monitor bringing something of a ‘big car’ feel to this ambitious little supermini, with its Bluelink telematics and Hyundai LIVE traffic services.

What To Look For

Generally, most MK3 i20 customers we surveyed seemed very happy with their cars. Check all the media tech on your test drive – and the workings of the navigation system (if fitted) to see if it’s been kept up to date. Check the touchscreens and Bluetooth connectivity. Check all the electrical functions too. And insist on a fully stamped-up service history. Just one recall was recorded for this pre-facelift MK3 model; an issue that the vehicle VIN information might not be registering correctly in the eCall unit. A reset and update of the unit is required to fix this problem; make sure this has been done at a dealer visit.

On The Road

Set off in this third generation i20 and the first thing you notice is that everything’s so light and easy-touse. Primarily the electric steering but also, if you’ve opted for the stick shift, the clutch and gear shift action too.

Even better, this car is easier to see out of, front and rear, than just about any supermini we can think of, which of course makes things simple in the city and perfect for parking. On top of that, the willing little 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol unit you have to have in mainstream versions of this model goes about its business with plenty of pulling power and a cheerful three cylinder thrum.

To be frank, the benefits of the added 48-volt technology are difficult to discern, both on the move and on the balance sheet; this 100PS unit’s WLTP returns – 55.4mpg and 115g/km – weren’t that much improved from before. And some of the improvement that were delivered may have actually come from the added ‘iMT’ ‘Intelligent Manual Transmission’, which de-couples the engine from the gearbox after the driver releases the accelerator and allows the car to coast for greater economy.

A 7DCT automatic was available as an alternative. Hyundai also offered a wild i20 N hot hatch version of this model, which has a range of drive modes and uses a 1.6litre four cylinder turbo petrol unit capable of 62mph in just 6.7s en route to 143mph. But it did at least prove that Hyundai was serious about more sophisticated engineering for this i20. A decent step forward was certainly made in that regard with this third generation model.

Overall

Ultimately, one statistic tells you a lot about this i20: 88% of existing owners buy another, a figure almost double that of typical rivals in this segment. Evidently then, people like it once they’ve tried it. And after living with one, you can see why. Certainly it’s hard to think of a supermini that would be easier to fit into your life than this one. Few others are more practical, better built or as easy to drive.