Hyundai i20 1.0 T-GDi 120 CV 7DCT, very urban-friendly

Hyundai continues to renew its models at record speed, as proven by this new Hyundai i20, which we first saw at the end of last year and which is now already available at the brand’s dealership network. Among the many novelties, beyond the design, is the electrification of the range (with an ECO label) and the complete equipment (with many features unusual in a city car).

Do you like the Hyundai i20 and want to know our opinion of it?How does it perform in its petrol version 1.0 T-GDi 120 CV? We tell you in this review of the new Hyundai i20 2021, with the 120 CV petrol engine and the 7-speed DCT dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Design: more dynamic, more character and completely renewed

The exterior design of the new Hyundai i20 stands out for its much more pronounced and sporty lines, from the front to the rear, with the distinctive light bar running across the whole tailgate and ending in slim headlights.

It is lower, wider and has a longer wheelbase, compared with the previous generation. At the front, the headlights stand out, with LED technology depending on the equipment level, and a muscular bonnet that gives it a sporty character. On the side profile, the 17-inch alloy wheels and the two-tone roof finish (equipment specific to the “Tecno” trim level) stand out strongly.

The two-tone tailgate does not go unnoticed, but it integrates perfectly with the car’s avant-garde lines.

Inside, we find a completely renewed interior. The feeling is one of spaciousness, both in the front and rear seats (above what is normal in the segment, especially the rear seats). The instrumentation is digital, with several modes depending on the driving style, and with a novel cube-shaped design (which takes some getting used to, but is very eye-catching).

The huge touchscreen of the multimedia system lets us control the navigation, sound system, radio and more. That said, to switch off the driver assistance systems you have to “dig” through the screen instead of using a physical button, which in my opinion reduces convenience. The multimedia system works correctly, representing an evolution over the previous generation.

The driving position is correct; it takes a while to get comfortable, because the seat sits slightly low (somewhat unusual in the era of SUVs), but in the long run it is a comfortable seat that holds the body well.

The rear seats have enough space for two adults, although with three passengers it will be a squeeze in width. They also have a USB charging socket for mobile devices.

The boot is adequate, with a capacity of 352 litres.

Engine and performance: frugal 120 CV

In terms of dynamics, we tested the most powerful petrol option, a one-litre three-cylinder engine producing 120 CV (there is a 100 CV version, more than enough to move this i20). The engine performs outstandingly, despite being a three-cylinder. Moreover, this three-cylinder petrol engine has a 48V micro-hybrid system, which allows it to carry the ECO label.

It revs quickly, has plenty of power (200 Nm of torque) and, thanks to the car’s lightness, moves with great ease. It is an engine that responds from just over 1,500 rpm, delivering its power all the way up to 6,000 rpm.

Combined with the seven-speed 7DCT dual-clutch gearbox, it offers great smoothness. Shifts are quick (nothing to envy from other German dual-clutch gearboxes) and the synchronisation between engine and gearbox is immediate. The automatic transmission is recommended for those seeking comfort in urban environments or a touch of sportiness.

Handling: dynamic and very composed

It is not an i20 N, but this city car is great fun to drive, with an extremely well-balanced chassis setup. Its low weight (1,190 kg) and the width of the body invite you to enjoy a winding road with genuinely effective handling.

The engine, despite having “only” 120 CV, responds forcefully in Sport mode, and the i20 follows steering inputs obediently.

In urban traffic it is an agile car, practical in its dimensions and very easy to manoeuvre or park. On the open road the only drawback is the interior insulation, which could be better, but is in line with the segment.

Consumption

On our usual test route, average consumption on the open road was 5.9 litres per 100 km. This figure can drop if we are careful with the accelerator pedal, reaching as low as 5.2 litres per 100 km.

Finally, in urban driving, consumption rises to 7.3 litres per 100 km.

Equipment: everything, as standard

Our test unit, in Tecno finish, includes everything we could need in a car. It is clear the brand has stepped up its game when it comes to connectivity, and the good sound from the standard speakers stands out as well.

Among the new driver assistance systems, which are entirely novel in this segment, the following stand out:

• Cruise control with navigation-based assistance: which, based on map data, adjusts speed for junctions or bends, reducing it automatically for greater safety.
• Rear automatic braking assist: which, if it detects traffic when reversing or any danger that could lead to a possible collision, can bring the car to a complete stop.
• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection: in the event of a possible frontal collision it can brake the car to avoid or mitigate it, detecting pedestrians and cyclists.

In addition to the systems already seen across the Hyundai range, such as lane departure warning (with steering intervention), blind-spot warning in the mirrors, parking assistant, traffic sign recognition with assistance, automatic high beams, among others.

Opinion on the Hyundai i20 and prices

The new Hyundai i20 is available from 11,790 euros with the 84 CV petrol engine, while our unit is priced at around 18,000 euros. Summing up this test , without a doubt, this Hyundai i20 is a very fun, agile, spacious and well-equipped car. It must be acknowledged that it puts its European rivals under serious pressure, for many reasons, in addition to a design with personality.

Photos | Test team

Technical specifications of this car

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