Hyundai i20 – a User Review – with Actual Pictures
By Shiva Shankar

The much awaited i20 is here. There was of course some confusion in the launch – the scheduled date of 28th was surprisingly postponed to the 29th. The fact that many dealers have not yet received Hyundai i20 stock to display, could not suppress the enthusiasm of people to search for where it was available.

Once you have a look at the i20, it certainly gives an impression as if it’s a big brother of the Getz. The first thing you will notice are the big headlights. Still, there is a clear impression of improvement versus Getz. The curves on the doors are attractive, while the rear portion is dominated by the new shape tail lamp reminding us of the Maruti Swift.

The dashboard looks broad and the console is attractive. The controls and the new added features on the steering wheel make it feel like a truly updated car. The interiors are quite spacious and the seats are comfortable, the leg room is good and it boosts comfort for co-passengers. Unfortunately, but logically, the rear legroom is not as comfortable as the front.

Performance

Wit the newly upgraded Kappa engine, noise and vibration levels have been reduced considerably. With motor driven power steering, the steering is much easier than the Getz (though, the Getz did already have a smooth steering).

With the introduction of ABS with EBD, the car can be expected to give stable and effective braking, the efficiency of which is yet to be tested thoroughly on road. The dual front, side and curtain airbags boost the impression of having a safe surrounding inside the cabin.

All in all, the price range of 4.8 to around 6.2 lacs seems to be worth considering for what it offers.

The i20 truly justifies the courage of Hyundai to launch such an ambitious model in a time of a Global Economic Meltdown affecting many automobile manufacturers.

Hopefully, this car can pull us out of the rut! If only the banks cooperate.

Click here to see more pictures of the Hyundai i20