Hyundai sells the i20 with three engine options - 1.2 liter petrol, 1.4 liter petrol and a 1.4 liter diesel. The 1.2 liter DOHC 16 valve petrol engine is a straight lift from the cheaper Hyundai i10. It is capable of 79 BHP (5,200 rpm) and 112 NM of torque (4,000 rpm). Power is only just about adequate within the city with the power plant feeling refined at lower rpms. Yet, low end torque delivery is not impressive with most reviewers commenting that a frequent downshift from 2nd gear (to 1st) was necessary in moving traffic.
Highway performance is unimpressive, especially with 4 passengers and luggage onboard. The 1.2 liter petrol is best for a sedate driving style and city use only. Owners comment that the light steering, clutch (especially) and gearshift make piloting the i20 a breeze within the city. The engine of choice is the 1.4 liter diesel. This common-rail unit is rated at 89 BHP (4000 rpm), 220 NM torque (1750 - 2750 rpm) and is amongst the most powerful diesel engines available in Indian hatchbacks. The 1.4 CRDi is fast (relative to its diesel competition) and can do the 0 - 100 in 12.7 seconds.
Slight turbo-lag is noticeable; this takes some getting used to in the city, but the lag is lesser than in the Swift diesel. Above 1,800 rpms, the car pulls effortlessly and there is torque throughout the range (wide power band). The 1,800 - 4,200 rpm range is particularly useful. Midrange is quick and maintaining high speeds a reality. The diesel can also revv up to 5,000 rpms, useful for when you need to overtake that truck in the same gear. Overall refinement levels of the diesel are good, though cold idles are a tad noisy. The gear shift has a butter-smooth operation on the 1.2 liter petrol, while some 1.4 diesel owners reported only an above average shift quality.
Convenience seekers were delighted with the 1.4 liter petrol engine that is available exclusively with a 4 speed automatic transmission. The 1.4 liter petrol is rated at 99BHP (5500 rpm) and 136 NM of torque (4200 rpm). The additional power (over the 1.2 petrol) is immediately noticeable, owners report that the automatic gearbox & the 1.4L petrol are well mated. The automatic gearbox has sufficiently smooth gearshifts and offers an extremely suitable option to city slickers. The suspension is set on the firmer side - typical of European cars - yet ride quality is acceptable over most road conditions. However, some owners did mention that the rear seat can get bumpy on uneven roads and that large potholes can catch the i20 out.
As the speedometer needle climbs, ride quality improves and on the highway, ride quality is sufficiently compliant. Grip levels are safe, predictable and will suit most drivers. However, the enthusiast shouldn't expect too much. An over-assisted light steering feels great within the city, albeit lifeless at speed. Body roll is noticeable under hard cornering too. High speed stability is satisfactory, yet the European hatches (like the Fabia or Punto for instance) are in a different league. The i20 is adept at cruising rather than fast cornering. Braking received A+ rating, especially on the 1.4 engine variants (petrol and diesel) which are equipped with 14 inch disc brakes all around.
Highway performance is unimpressive, especially with 4 passengers and luggage onboard. The 1.2 liter petrol is best for a sedate driving style and city use only. Owners comment that the light steering, clutch (especially) and gearshift make piloting the i20 a breeze within the city. The engine of choice is the 1.4 liter diesel. This common-rail unit is rated at 89 BHP (4000 rpm), 220 NM torque (1750 - 2750 rpm) and is amongst the most powerful diesel engines available in Indian hatchbacks. The 1.4 CRDi is fast (relative to its diesel competition) and can do the 0 - 100 in 12.7 seconds.
Slight turbo-lag is noticeable; this takes some getting used to in the city, but the lag is lesser than in the Swift diesel. Above 1,800 rpms, the car pulls effortlessly and there is torque throughout the range (wide power band). The 1,800 - 4,200 rpm range is particularly useful. Midrange is quick and maintaining high speeds a reality. The diesel can also revv up to 5,000 rpms, useful for when you need to overtake that truck in the same gear. Overall refinement levels of the diesel are good, though cold idles are a tad noisy. The gear shift has a butter-smooth operation on the 1.2 liter petrol, while some 1.4 diesel owners reported only an above average shift quality.
Convenience seekers were delighted with the 1.4 liter petrol engine that is available exclusively with a 4 speed automatic transmission. The 1.4 liter petrol is rated at 99BHP (5500 rpm) and 136 NM of torque (4200 rpm). The additional power (over the 1.2 petrol) is immediately noticeable, owners report that the automatic gearbox & the 1.4L petrol are well mated. The automatic gearbox has sufficiently smooth gearshifts and offers an extremely suitable option to city slickers. The suspension is set on the firmer side - typical of European cars - yet ride quality is acceptable over most road conditions. However, some owners did mention that the rear seat can get bumpy on uneven roads and that large potholes can catch the i20 out.
As the speedometer needle climbs, ride quality improves and on the highway, ride quality is sufficiently compliant. Grip levels are safe, predictable and will suit most drivers. However, the enthusiast shouldn't expect too much. An over-assisted light steering feels great within the city, albeit lifeless at speed. Body roll is noticeable under hard cornering too. High speed stability is satisfactory, yet the European hatches (like the Fabia or Punto for instance) are in a different league. The i20 is adept at cruising rather than fast cornering. Braking received A+ rating, especially on the 1.4 engine variants (petrol and diesel) which are equipped with 14 inch disc brakes all around.
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