Used Hyundai i20 cars

With its sharp styling, spacious cabin and low running costs, the Hyundai i20 presents a highly attractive option in a competitive marketplace. It launched in 2008 in both three and five-door guises, and was a big success thanks to its reliability, peppy performance and generous level of standard kit.

Hyundai i20 updates and facelifts

The Mk2 arrived in 2015 with a choice of four trims and a wide range of engine options. It was joined shortly afterwards by the three-door variant, named the i20 Coupé, and the more rugged i20 Active version. But it was with a mid-life refresh in 2018 that this capable supermini really began to shine. A host of new technology was added, including an updated infotainment system and extra safety features, enabling the i20 to remain competitive until the third-generation model launched in 2020.

The Hyundai i20’s appeal is particularly striking when you consider its competition. It’s pitted against favourites such as the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa, as well as sought-after cars like the Kia Rio, Citroën C3 and Peugeot 208. The latest edition offering impressive practicality, a dynamic drive and a contemporary, classy interior. The Mk3 appears on the Auto Express ‘10 Best Superminis to Buy in 2023’ list.

Practicality and style of the car

As a supermini, you’d be forgiven for thinking the Hyundai i20 is only suitable for transporting young families. And while it does that brilliantly, there’s enough cabin space to seat four adults in both the second and third-generation models. Head and legroom in the front are particularly generous, while rear shoulder and knee room are good. It’s only the Mk2’s sloping roof that may restrict headroom for taller adults – but choose a Mk3 and even tall adults can ride comfortably.

The i20 has ISOFIX anchor points on the outer rear seats, enabling you to carry young children safely, and five-door models provide easy access. The glovebox and large door bins in both the front and rear mean all occupants have space to store belongings.

The Mk2 model’s boot is generously sized at 326 litres – that’s more than the Ford Fiesta (292 litres) and Vauxhall Corsa (285 litres) have to offer. This increases to a maximum of 1,042 litres, and 60/40 split rear seats provide flexibility for carrying large or awkwardly shaped loads. The boot floor is also adjustable in most models, making it easier to load heavy items.

Opt for the Mk3 and you’ll get even greater luggage capacity, with the boot offering 352 litres. That beats even the Peugeot 208’s admirable 311 litres. Drop the rear seats and you’ll have 1,165 litres at your disposal, 40 litres more than the Volkswagen Polo. The Hyundai i20 can also tow competently, offering an unbraked capacity of 450kg and a braked capacity of 1,100kg.

Running costs

If all this space wasn’t attractive enough, the Hyundai i20 is wonderfully cost-effective to run. The Mk2 sits in groups 4–12 out of 50 for insurance, and while premiums are higher for the Mk3, no variant exceeds group 16. Road tax depends on the model year you choose, with selected pre-April 2017 iterations incurring annual rates of between £0–35. For a post-2017 edition, you’ll pay the standard £180 per year.

How a used Hyundai i20 drives

When the Mk2 i20 was launched in 2015, it was offered with two petrol engines: a 1.2-litre unit producing either 74bhp or 83bhp and a 1.4-litre option producing 99bhp. The former is ideal for those who primarily drive around town and comes with a five-speed manual gearbox. The latter is better suited to those who venture onto the open road a little more, achieving 0-62mph in 11.6 seconds while returning a respectable combined fuel economy of 51.4mpg.

The 1.0-litre petrol engine offers 99bhp or 118bhp. This option provides peppier performance without compromising fuel economy. It’s the fastest of the bunch, getting from 0-62mph in as little as 10.7 seconds, and comes with six-speed manual transmission as standard. The 99bhp variant is available with seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Two diesels complete the engine range: a 1.1-litre unit with 74bhp and 180Nm of torque, and 1.4-litre unit producing 89bhp. The former is the most efficient, returning up to 88mpg on the combined cycle, while the latter delivers 68.9–72.4mpg. Both are well suited to covering long distances on a regular basis, being designed more for cruising than getting around town quickly.

Hyundai made a bold choice in only offering one engine for the Mk3 i20. That said, it’s a sprightly 1.0-litre petrol unit, enhanced with 48V mild hybrid technology to boost power and reduce emissions. Available with either 99bhp or 118bhp and 172Nm, it’s got good acceleration and delivers a smooth ride. Choose the 118bhp version for the best acceleration – 0-62mph in 10.1 seconds – and opt for either six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT transmission depending on your preference. Fuel economy can reach an impressive 55.4mpg.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2015 - 2020

Engine	Official NEDC MPG
1.0 T-GDI 100	56.5–62.8 mpg
1.0 T-GDi 100 DCT	56.5 mpg
1.0 T-GDI 120	54.3–58.9 mpg
1.1 CRDi	70.6–88.3 mpg
1.2	68.9 mpg
1.2 75	46.3 mpg
1.2 84	50.4–58.9 mpg
1.4	51.4 mpg
1.4 Automatic	44.1–45.6 mpg
1.4 CRDi	68.9–72.4 mpg

2020 - onwards

Engine	Official WLTP MPG
1.0 T-GDi	53.3–55.4 mpg
1.0 T-GDi 120	53.3 mpg
1.0 T-GDi 120 DCT	53.3 mpg
1.0 T-GDi DCT	53.3–55.4 mpg
i20 N	40.4 mpg

Features you can expect in a Hyundai i20

Interior

The Hyundai i20 strikes the perfect balance between functionality and style. The soft yet durable materials are designed to withstand the challenges of transporting lively kids, while generous equipment levels ensure everyone remains comfy and entertained. As the driver, this supermini affords a clear view of your surroundings thanks to a wide windscreen and large side windows.

Technology

The i20 feels well-constructed and solid. Whether you choose the Mk2 or Mk3, you’ll get plenty of kit as standard, including manual air conditioning, a rearview camera and a touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Choose a Mk3 edition and you’ll also get a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster on all variants.

Operating the infotainment system is easy thanks to the number of options you’re given. You can use either the touchscreen itself or the handy buttons on either side of it. Alternatively, you can control some functions – such as making a call or skipping an audio track – with buttons on the steering wheel, while the Mk3 i20 also gives you the opportunity to use pinch and swipe gestures on Premium trim and above.

Safety

Second and third-generation Hyundai i20 models both scored four stars in their Euro NCAP tests, with the latest version achieving a 76% rating for adult protection and an 82% rating for child protection. All Mk3 models are packed with safety kit, offering six airbags and Hyundai’s SmartSense range of features. Included in this are automatic emergency braking to help you avoid low-speed collisions, intelligent speed warning, which reads traffic signs and displays the current speed limit in the instrument cluster, and eCall, which can notify the emergency services of your location should an accident happen. Additional measures are included on top-spec Ultimate models for added protection.

Trims available on the Hyundai i20

The Mk2 Hyundai i20 (2015-2020) comes in S Connect, SE, Play, Premium Nav and Premium SE Nav, with all trims offering a good level of equipment. Choose a Mk3 (2020 onwards) and the lineup includes four trims:

Hyundai i20 SE Connect

The entry-level SE Connect offers 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, and headlights with high beam assist, which switches between dipped and full beam illumination according to whether there’s any oncoming traffic. Inside is a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, as well as air conditioning, cruise control, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors. Safety features include autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping assist.

Hyundai i20 N Line

The N Line sits separately from the other trims and comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, two-tone paint, N Line body kit and keyless entry. Inside is a 10.25-inch touchscreen with sat nav, as well as climate control.

Hyundai i20 Premium

Premium trim includes the same basic kit as the SE Connect but upgrades the infotainment screen to 10.25 inches and offers sat nav, climate control, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The exterior features 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome accents, privacy glass and LED rear lights.

Hyundai i20 Ultimate

The top-spec Ultimate takes things to a new level with a contrasting Phantom Black Pearl roof, grey dashboard and an eight-speaker Bose sound system. Tech highlights include keyless entry, wireless phone charging, lane follow assist and blind spot collision warning.

Search our stock of used Hyundai i20 cars for sale.