Hyundai i20

Hyundai i20 at a glance

The i20 is Hyundai's B-segment five-door hatchback for Europe and India, sitting between the smaller i10 and the Kona and Bayon crossovers. The European car was developed at Hyundai's technical centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and every generation has been built for Europe in Turkey. The brand's background is in Hyundai's history.

First and second generations (2008–2020)

The first i20 made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008. It had a 2,525 mm wheelbase and diesel engines from 55 kW (75 PS) to 94 kW (128 PS); the 85 kW (115 PS) 1.6 CRDi was claimed at 4.3 l/100 km on the European combined cycle. Euro NCAP gave it five stars in 2009, with 88% for adult protection. Cars for Asia came from Sriperumbudur near Chennai, and the European plant in İzmit assembled kits from India at first. Sales in Europe climbed from 785 cars in 2008 to 91,758 in 2015.

The second generation arrived in Europe in November 2014. It grew to about 4 metres long, gained a 326-litre boot and kept a strong diesel line-up. A three-door i20 Coupé and the raised i20 Active, with extra ground clearance, followed in 2015. It scored 85% for adult occupants in its 2015 safety test, and European sales peaked at 100,571 cars in 2017. A 2018 facelift added a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox for the turbo petrol engine.

Third generation (BC3): design, platform and interior

The third i20, revealed online on 19 February 2020 after the Geneva show was cancelled, was the first European Hyundai in the "Sensuous Sportiness" design language. It rides on the Hyundai-Kia K2 platform with 66% high-strength steel. European production began at İzmit in August 2020; the plant builds about 85,000 cars a year, around half of all i20s.

The body is lower and wider than before, with a full-width grille, Z-shaped tail-light graphics joined by a light strip and a contrasting roof. Inside, higher trims have two 10.25-inch screens, one for the instruments and one for infotainment, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging and an optional Bose system with eight speakers and a subwoofer. Lower trims use an 8-inch touchscreen. The longer wheelbase gives more rear legroom than the second generation.

Engines, gearboxes and performance

The 48-volt mild-hybrid system lets the six-speed manual "sail" with the clutch disengaged when the driver lifts off, and Hyundai claimed 3–4% lower fuel use. The UK later dropped the mild hybrid, and by the 2026 model year Italy listed a single 90 CV 1.0 T-GDi. UK figures for the current car are 52.3–55.4 mpg, about 5.1–5.4 l/100 km. See how it ranks in the most economical cars list.

Chassis, dimensions and boot

The i20 has MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, electric power steering and disc brakes on all four wheels, according to the old 1cars text. The boot holds 352 litres, 26 litres more than its predecessor, and 1,165 litres with the seats folded.

The i20 N hot hatch

The i20 N was revealed in October 2020, drawing on Hyundai's World Rally Championship programme with the i20 WRC and the later i20 N Rally1. Its 1.6-litre turbo four produces 150 kW (204 PS) and 275 Nm, driven through a six-speed manual, and the car weighs 1,190 kg. Hyundai ended European production in February 2024 to concentrate its performance work on electric cars, so the N is now a used-only choice in Europe.

Safety, trims and 2026 prices

The third generation received four Euro NCAP stars in 2021, sharing results with the related Bayon crossover. Standard driver aids include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-keeping assist, and higher trims add blind-spot monitoring and navigation-based adaptive cruise control.

For the 2026 model year Italy simplified the range to two trims, as reported in December 2025:

Connectline includes 16-inch alloys, LED lights and a 10.25-inch navigation screen; Prime adds full-LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, automatic climate control and wireless charging.

Rivals and reliability

UK reviewers praise the equipment, the bold styling and the technology but criticise some cheap cabin plastics, the single engine and the dual-clutch gearbox's low-speed behaviour. Hyundai's five-year unlimited-mileage warranty in most of Europe covers the newer cars. Owners of older turbo models should check that the dual-clutch gearbox shifts smoothly and that the 48V system has no warning lights. Compare any two superminis in the 1cars comparison tool.