The new Hyundai i20 may not be perfect, but it’s sure to sell like a treat. Its small, cute and on par with the brand’s recently improved standards and value for money philosophy.

The Korean automaker juggernaut have just launched their third model to the Australian market for this year, and like its next of kin (the i30), the i20 will certainly forge itself as a strong competitor in its segment. The Australian light car segement is a tough one; the i20 will join 17 other brands and several variants, including the Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Swift, Honda Jazz and Mazda 2.

Like its competitors, the i20 delivers those big-car features in a small package. Built in India, the new model precedes Hyundai’s contemporary design philosophy of “Fluidic Sculpture”. Nonetheless, the external aesthetic resonates strong character lines, spanning from bonnet to rear and characterises a sense of contemporary ‘cool’. The styling also incorporates a fresh front grille and black air dam treatment; a step up from the likes of the i30.

The i20 is offered in 3 model specs – Active, Elite, and Premium. All of these are jam-packed with features. The standards include an air-conditioned glove box, keyless entry, central locking, alarm, Electric Folding side mirrors/windows, USB, full iPod compatibility, speed sensing automatic door locking which Hyundai calls HALO (Hyundai Active Locking Operation). Pretty impressive given the RRP of $14,990.

Fortunately, the cheap price tag doesn’t equate to impaired safety. Standard safety features include ABS brakes and EBD, ESC Stability Control, Traction Control System across the range. Driver and Front passenger airbags are offered at the entry level (Active) variant, while the Elite and Premium trims come fitted with additional Front-side and curtain airbags. If Hyundai had it their way the entire lineup would come fitted with all six airbags as standard, but factory limitations and the looming launch date impeded this possibility.

The interior trim and switchgear is aesthetically pleasant and well positioned. The seats feature leather accents and come complete with a driver’s side leather armrest. The higher trims offer comfortably sculpted seats, but the entry level ‘Active’ variant seats aren’t as accommodating or comfortable. The i20 gives its drivers plenty to boast about, but it does disappoint with its hard plastics that characterise the dashboard and door trim.

In terms of the drive, a 1.4-litre petrol engine or 1.6-litre petrol engine are offered. The 1.4-litre engine is fitted to all ‘Active’ models (73.5 kW and 136Nm of torque = not the quickest drive). Initial acceleration from a standstill is good but a little leadfooted behaviour is required to keep up the moderate pace. Albeit the lacklustre powertrain, the i20 sports really low fuel consumption (just 6.0-litres/100km for manual, 6.4-litres for auto).

Hyundai Automotive Group do in fact build an i20 CRDi powered by a 1.4-litre diesel, producing 67kW and 224Nm of torque, which would certainly be warmly welcomes addition to the lineup.

The i20 doesn’t let down in terms of handling. It tackles corners with agility, even with considerable speed and there is no body roll. The steering is pristinely accurate too. The suspension is firm and at times sloppy in terms of compliance, but never harsh. This is a let-down considering the i30′s impeccable suspension setup.

Overall – the i20 looks good, handles well and epitomises the brand’s value for money philosophy.

New i20 range – Manufacturer’s List Price:
i20 Active 1.4-litre petrol manual 3-door $14,990
i20 Active 1.4-litre petrol automatic 3-door $16,990
i20 Active 1.4-litre petrol manual 5-door $15,990
i20 Active 1.4-litre petrol automatic 3-door $17,990
i20 Elite 1.6-litre petrol manual 5-door $18,490
i20 Elite 1.6-litre petrol automatic 5-door $20,490
i20 Premium 1.6-litre petrol manual 5-door $21,490
i20 Premium 1.6-litre petrol automatic 5-door $23,490
Optional metallic/mica paint $320.00