First registered – 16/05/2019

The Previous generations of Hyundai i20 have driven neatly enough but rarely got within striking distance of the more entertaining cars in their class. It’s all changed this time around though, because the latest i20 is now a genuinely very fun little car to drive, and much closer in spirit to its other rivals that has traditionally led the way in this class. The 1.0 three-cylinder turbo petrol unit develops 99bhp. The engine and gearbox are pleasant to use in their own right, the engine pulling strongly from relatively few revs and happy to pull higher gears at relatively low speeds, which is great for economy which will return you a magnificent 62.8 mpg in return. The i20 an easy and safe car to drive, with good grip levels and predictable handling.

From a styling point of view, nothing radical. Hyundai’s signature ‘cascading’ front grille takes the place of the similarly-shaped old one, while the bumper is subtly revised to boost aerodynamic efficiency , Alloy wheels, reversing camera , Around the back there’s a new rear bumper as a result of the number plate migrating upwards onto the boot lid, and the tail light graphics have changed.

Inside, there’s a good driving position with excellent visibility, and the dashboard is logically laid out and simple to use. The i20 feels solidly built and fairly plush relative to its main rivals, with good use of soft-touch plastics. A big highlight of the i20 is its seven-inch infotainment display. It’s both intuitive and has excellent graphics to it as well which also comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. Space in the front is truly excellent, while rear seat passengers get plenty of leg room and a good amount of space across the car. Added to that, boot space is one of the biggest in the class, with easy access and a height-adjustable floor on higher trims.

The latest i20 has certainly been improved with its smart-looking grille and excellent safety kit – offered as standard on specification. It’s practical and good to drive, and does everything that most supermini buyers are expecting from their car.