About the Hyundai i20
AI-generatedThe Hyundai i20 is a popular supermini that has been a strong contender in the UK market since its launch in 2009. Now in its third generation (2020-present), the i20 offers a blend of practicality, modern styling, and excellent value for money. It competes directly with rivals like the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, and Volkswagen Polo, standing out with its generous standard equipment, industry-leading warranty, and competitive pricing. Available with a range of efficient petrol engines and a well-appointed interior, the i20 appeals to first-time buyers, small families, and urban drivers. The second generation (2014-2020) represented a significant step forward in quality and refinement, while the current third generation brought bold styling and advanced technology. With its five-year unlimited mileage warranty, the i20 provides peace of mind that many rivals cannot match, making it an increasingly attractive choice in the competitive supermini segment.
Known Issues
Known Issues
Second Generation (2014-2020)
2014-2020
- Dual-clutch automatic gearbox can suffer from jerky operation and hesitation, particularly in stop-start traffic
- Some early models experienced issues with the electric power steering, causing warning lights and loss of assistance
- Clutch wear on manual transmissions can be premature on higher-mileage examples, particularly 1.0-litre T-GDi models
- Infotainment system can freeze or become unresponsive, requiring software updates
- Door lock mechanisms can fail, causing central locking issues
Third Generation (2020-present)
2020-present
- Some owners report rattles from the dashboard and interior trim on early production models
- Touchscreen system can experience occasional lag or connectivity issues with smartphones
- Paint quality concerns with some owners noting chips and scratches appearing easily
- 1.0-litre T-GDi engine can exhibit a slight rattling noise on cold starts, which is generally considered normal
Photo by Hyundai Motor Group on Pexels
Running Costs
Running Costs
Annual Fuel
£1,200-£1,600
Insurance Group
8-18
Average Service
£250-£350
Cost Calculator
Typical Prices
£14,500 - £18,500
£11,000 - £14,500
£8,500 - £11,500
£4,000 - £6,500
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Industry-leading five-year unlimited mileage warranty provides excellent peace of mind
- Generous standard equipment levels across all trim levels
- Competitive pricing and strong value for money
- Modern, distinctive styling, particularly on third-generation models
- Low running costs with efficient petrol engines
- Spacious interior for the class with good rear legroom
- User-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Photo by Gift Habeshaw 🇪🇹 on Pexels
Best & Worst Years
Best & Worst Years
Best Years
- 2021 - Third-generation model with refined design, improved technology, and resolved early teething issues. Benefits from full remaining warranty coverage.
- 2018 - Facelifted second-generation model with updated styling, improved infotainment, and most gearbox issues resolved. Good value in the used market.
- 2023 - Mature third-generation offering with all software updates applied, excellent safety equipment, and still covered by the comprehensive five-year warranty.
Worst Years
- 2015 - Early second-generation model prone to dual-clutch gearbox issues and electric power steering failures. Many were subject to recalls.
- 2009 - First model year of the i20 with typical new-model teething troubles and less refined than later first-generation cars. Now very old and potential maintenance costs increasing.
- 2014 - Launch year for second generation with early production quality issues and initial gearbox problems before improvements were made.
Buying Checklist
Engine5 items
- Check for oil leaks around the engine bay, particularly valve cover gasket
- Listen for unusual rattling noises on cold starts (slight noise normal on 1.0 T-GDi)
- Ensure engine starts smoothly without hesitation
- Check coolant level and condition - low levels may indicate head gasket issues
- Verify service history shows regular oil changes at correct intervals
Did You Know?
Did You Know?
The Hyundai i20 N is the brand's first-ever hot hatch in the supermini segment, producing 204PS and competing directly with the Ford Fiesta ST.
The third-generation i20 was designed at Hyundai's European Design Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, specifically for European tastes.
Hyundai's five-year unlimited mileage warranty is one of the most comprehensive in the industry, transferable to subsequent owners if sold within the warranty period.
The i20 has won multiple awards including 'Best Small Car' at the What Car? Awards and consistently scores highly in owner satisfaction surveys.
Alternatives to Consider
Ford Fiesta
7/10More engaging to drive with better handling, stronger residuals, and larger boot. Industry benchmark for superminis but potentially more expensive to buy.
Volkswagen Polo
7/10Higher quality interior materials, more premium feel, and strong residual values. More expensive to buy but holds value better long-term.
Skoda Fabia
Offers more interior space and boot capacity with VW Group quality. Excellent value for money with similar reliability to the Polo.
Owner Tips
- 1Avoid dual-clutch automatic gearbox models from 2014-2017 unless service history confirms software updates have been applied.
- 2Check for power steering warning lights on test drives, particularly on 2014-2016 models, and ensure recall work has been completed.
- 3Maintain the five-year warranty by having all services completed at Hyundai dealers or approved repairers using genuine parts.
- 4Inspect clutch condition carefully on manual transmissions, especially on 1.0 T-GDi models, as premature wear can be costly.
- 5Budget for a timing belt change at 4 years or 40,000 miles on first-generation models (2008-2014) to prevent expensive engine damage.
- 6Keep infotainment software updated through Hyundai dealers to prevent freezing and connectivity issues.
- 7Check for interior rattles on third-generation models and address under warranty if present.
- 8Choose petrol models over diesel as they're more reliable, cheaper to service, and better suited to typical supermini usage patterns.
Check a specific Hyundai i20
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