Summary
The Hyundai i20 is a small, supermini-class, five-door hatchback. The current model was launched in early 2020, arriving in the UK late in the year.
Unlike some rivals, the i20 is only available in one body style (five-door hatch) and with one engine (a 1.0-litre mild hybrid petrol unit). A high-performance model called the i20 N arrived in 2021 and we have a separate page here for that model.
As of November 2022, the new i20 holds an Expert Rating of 62%, based on 19 reviews that we have analysed to date.
The Hyundai i20 has received praise for being a significant improvement over the previous model. Reviewers have particularly noted its styling and interior quality, although it’s still not considered to be on a par with rivals like the SEAT Ibiza and Ford Fiesta.
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: petrol
Price: From £19,035 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2020
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“While the standout styling might not be to all tastes and the cabin is let down by mixed materials and a lack of colour, the Hyundai i20 hits the mark in almost all other respects, from its entertaining chassis and sweet-spinning three-cylinder engine to practicality, equipment and running costs.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Hyundai i20 is a serious contender like never before. The cabin is disappointingly dull but this is also a car with an entertaining, accomplished chassis, a smooth and efficient powertrain, solid in-car tech and some appealing finance offers.”
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Auto Trader
Score: 7 / 10
“Hyundai has improved the quality for this new i20 and it is very well equipped with plenty of tech, which offsets the relatively high purchase price.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The ambition and new-found confidence driving the Hyundai i20 forwards is tentatively but plainly growing.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual Premium
Score: 7 / 10
“Sharp new looks, mild-hybrid engines and long standard kit list aim to make Hyundai’s supermini shine in a seriously congested class.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual
Score: 8 / 10
“Cash prices look scary but keen finance deals and predicted rock-solid residuals mean the monthlies aren’t too bad. Add the tech experience, the best-in-class safety systems and five-year warranty, and the Hyundai i20 is a hugely appealing supermini for very sensible people.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual
Score: 8 / 10
“The third-generation Hyundai i20 is another hit from Hyundai, bringing a great combination of efficiency, a good driving experience and impressive interior. It doesn’t quite wipe the floor with its rivals and go to the top of this class, but it’s a solid all-rounder that doesn’t really disappoint in any area.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Hyundai i20 is more fun than before and lots of tech has been added as standard”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
“Where the Hyundai i20 might surprise you most is on twisty roads. The firm suspension results in little lean and a lot of grip – though the steering does feel disconnected. It’s fun, but not quite so much as the Ford Fiesta.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SE Connect
“Improved and more striking looks, decent interior space and good emissions all count in the i20’s favour, although a surprisingly harsh ride quality is a negative point.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SE Connect
Score: 8 / 10
“The Hyundai i20 is one of the surprise cars of the year, a car that turned out to be far better than expected.”
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Fleetworld
Score: 8 / 10
“There is no doubt the new Hyundai i20 is up against tough opposition in the supermini class, but the car is talented enough to stand out.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Ten years is a long time in the car world and the Hyundai i20 is a small car that shows you just how far things have come, thanks to an equipment list that would match a top-of-the-range saloon from a decade ago.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“There’s nothing massively wrong with how the Hyundai i20 goes about its business but then, aside from its rear-seat space, there’s nothing astonishingly good either, making it hard to recommend against near-perfect rivals like the Volkswagen Polo.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Small Hyundai crammed with tech”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual SE Connect
Score: 6 / 10
“While the Hyundai i20 has been given some eye-catching new looks, beneath the skin it remains somewhat middle-of-the-road; decent in some areas, but a bit disappointing in others. In the face of plush-feeling rivals such as the Renault Clio, SEAT Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo, that’s a hard sell.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“A big improvement over the old car, in that you might actually remember it. The new Hyundai i20 looks the part and drives nicely. Moreover, the n1.0-litre engine and high-tech manual transmission are impressive and the level of kit on offer is very good.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Hyundai i20 is a solid all-rounder with the ability to please many potential buyers. It’s roomy, reasonably well equipped, has a nicely fashioned interior, should hold its value well and offers good performance and economy.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Hyundai i20 is competent in many areas and benefits from a five-year warranty, but it doesn’t really stand out among some very tough competition. Its main attributes are a spacious interior, lively acceleration and entertaining cornering. However, a harsh ride, small boot and thirst for fuel are significant downsides.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: September 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 76%
Child protection: 82%
Vulnerable road users: 76%
Safety assist: 67%
The Hyundai i20 has not specifically been crash tested by Euro NCAP, but has been awarded a four-star safety rating based on the crash test results of the similar Bayon SUV/crossover.
Eco rating
No eco rating
The Hyundai i20 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.
As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic before resuming later in the year.
Security rating
Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research
Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Pass
Date: March 2020
Model tested: Premium MPI
Reliability rating
As of November 2022, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Hyundai i20 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the i20, we’ll publish the score here.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Hyundai i20, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C3 | Dacia Sandero | Ford Fiesta | Honda Jazz | Kia Rio | Mazda 2 | MG 3 | Mini hatch | Mitsubishi Mirage | Nissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | Renault Clio | SEAT Ibiza | Skoda Fabia | Suzuki Swift | Toyota Yaris | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Polo
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