Performance and peace of mind
HYUNDAI’S five-year unlimited mileage warranty, which is transferable to new owners, gives marvellous peace of mind.
All the Korean car makers have now virtually caught right up with those in Europe and Japan and they’re producing great cars.
The Hyundai i20 is well up with the class-leading Ford Fiesta in almost every way and yet it costs less and comes better equipped as standard.
I have driven both petrol and diesel engines all, apart from the lowliest 70bhp and 75bhp models, offer decent performance.
Between 2012 and the present, there have been 1.1 and 1.4-litre diesels with either 70bhp or 90bhp and petrols range from a 1.0-litre turbo with 100bhp or 120bhp, and a 1.2 with either 75bhp or 85bhp, to a 1.4 with 100bhp.
There are three and fivedoor body styles available and the three-door looks rather like a small coupe.
The 1.2 petrol is by far the biggest seller and it has such a peppy feel that nipping in and out of traffic is a delight.
Earliest versions are capable of 54mpg, which is very impressive and later models are even better with redcuced emissions into the bargain.
It has positive and informative power steering that helps towards good handling and it feels great through corners with plenty of grip and excellent balance.
The ride is composed, soaking up bumps and potholes well above 25-30mph but things are a bit more lumpy under that.
All come with very good equipment compared to rivals at the same money. Most have steering-wheel stereo controls, four electric windows, height adjustment for driver’s seat and height and reach adjustment for the column.
They also have electric mirrors, air conditioning and remote locking, and the upper Premium model gets alloys, parking sensors, audio remote control, climate control and cruise control.
Unusually for a small car, there is good rear legroom allowing one six-footer to sit comfortably behind another, and a good boot.
Pay about £4,800 for a ’12 12-reg i20 Style, or £8,200 for a ’15 15-reg Premium.