Is the current Hyundai i20 as good as its forebears? We find out

The premium hatch segment in India is ablaze with competition. Competing with the likes of the Maruti Baleno and the Tata Altroz, the i20 is Hyundai’s player in the market. Ex-showroom, the Hyundai i20 is priced between Rs. 6.8 lakh and goes up to Rs. 11.18 lakh.

Engine options for the current avatar of the i20 include a 1 litre turbo petrol, a 1.2 litre petrol and a 1.5 litre diesel engine. Of the lot, the 1 litre turbo petrol is the bomb, which is no surprise really. This bundle of explosive internal combustion energy is good for a blistering 119 bhp, which is plenty for a car of this size.

The Hyundai i20 has a wide range of transmissions to choose from as well. Depending on the variant, gearboxes include a 5-speed manual, a CVT, a 6-speed iMT, a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and a 6-speed manual.

On the outside, the i20 boasts of what Hyundai describes as a ‘sensuous sporty design’. To the lay man, that translates as a judicious mix of slashes and angular accents all across the body line to result in a very sharp, modern looking hatch.

Step inside and the sporty theme carries on. Black interiors merge with tastefully applied coloured inserts. Sitting behind the steering wheel – which can be wrapped in leather as an optional extra – is a rather large digital cluster for the driver, which displays engine revs, speed, fuel range, tyre pressures and the like. The interiors seem to cocoon you within them, but for taller occupants however, could feel a bit lacking when it comes to headroom.

In the driver’s seat and behind the wheel, the 1 litre turbo petrol is the most exciting of the lot. It shines brightest when coupled to the iMT, because with the DCT, there is some lag felt at lower revs. With the manual transmission, don’t be surprised if you get tempted to stomp the throttle all the way to the firewall every time when starting off at a signal. And yes, succumbing to that temptation is so very addictive!

The i20 carves corners like a knife cutting through butter. But surprisingly, despite its rather sporty aspirations, the ride quality is quite good. Only the worst potholes overwhelm the i20’s suspension, but then again, those craters can make SUVs tremble!

The i20 has gone through several changes through the years, and it safe to say that with every evolution, it has only got better. The current version is the best there ever has been and this proves that sometimes, even perfection can improve.