Summary
The Hyundai i20 is a small, supermini-class, five-door hatchback. The current model was launched in early 2020, arriving in the UK late in the year.
Unlike some rivals, the i20 is only available in one body style (five-door hatch) and with one engine (a 1.0-litre mild hybrid petrol unit). A high-performance model called the i20 N arrived in 2021 and we have a separate page here for that model.
The i20 has received praise for being a significant improvement over the previous model. Reviewers have particularly noted its styling and interior quality, although it’s still not considered to be on a par with rivals like the SEAT Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo.
As of January 2025, the Hyundai i20 holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 70%. It scores highly for running costs and low CO2 emissions, while its safety reliability and reliability record are also good.
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: petrol
Price: From £19,035 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2020
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s not flawless, but the latest Hyundai i20 is the firm’s most competitive entrant into the supermini market yet.” (Paul Adam, Shane Wilkinson)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Hyundai i20 is a serious contender like never before. The cabin is disappointingly dull but this is also a car with an entertaining, accomplished chassis, a smooth and efficient powertrain, solid in-car tech and some appealing finance offers.”
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Auto Trader
Score: 7 / 10
“Hyundai has improved the quality for this new i20 and it is very well equipped with plenty of tech, which offsets the relatively high purchase price.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual
Score: 8 / 10
“Cash prices look scary but keen finance deals and predicted rock-solid residuals mean the monthlies aren’t too bad. Add the tech experience, the best-in-class safety systems and five-year warranty, and the Hyundai i20 is a hugely appealing supermini for very sensible people.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual
Score: 8 / 10
“The third-generation Hyundai i20 is another hit from Hyundai, bringing a great combination of efficiency, a good driving experience and impressive interior. It doesn’t quite wipe the floor with its rivals and go to the top of this class, but it’s a solid all-rounder that doesn’t really disappoint in any area.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The latest i20 is well-equipped, stylish and is worth considering for supermini buyers.” (Ben Custard)
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Hyundai i20 is still a supremely sensible and practical car, but it feels firm over bumps and there’s only one engine option.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SE Connect
“Improved and more striking looks, decent interior space and good emissions all count in the i20’s favour, although a surprisingly harsh ride quality is a negative point.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SE Connect
Score: 8 / 10
“The Hyundai i20 is one of the surprise cars of the year, a car that turned out to be far better than expected.”
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Fleetworld
Score: 8 / 10
“There is no doubt the new Hyundai i20 is up against tough opposition in the supermini class, but the car is talented enough to stand out.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Ten years is a long time in the car world and the Hyundai i20 is a small car that shows you just how far things have come, thanks to an equipment list that would match a top-of-the-range saloon from a decade ago.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“There’s nothing massively wrong with how the Hyundai i20 goes about its business but then, aside from its rear-seat space, there’s nothing astonishingly good either, making it hard to recommend against near-perfect rivals like the Volkswagen Polo.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Small Hyundai crammed with tech”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual SE Connect
Score: 6 / 10
“While the Hyundai i20 has been given some eye-catching new looks, beneath the skin it remains somewhat middle-of-the-road; decent in some areas, but a bit disappointing in others. In the face of plush-feeling rivals such as the Renault Clio, SEAT Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo, that’s a hard sell.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“A big improvement over the old car, in that you might actually remember it. The new Hyundai i20 looks the part and drives nicely. Moreover, the n1.0-litre engine and high-tech manual transmission are impressive and the level of kit on offer is very good.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: September 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 76%
Child protection: 82%
Vulnerable road users: 76%
Safety assist: 67%
The Hyundai i20 has not specifically been crash tested by Euro NCAP, but has been awarded a four-star safety rating based on the crash test results of the similar Bayon SUV/crossover.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2025, the Hyundai i20 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 44
Average repair cost: £325.20
Last updated: January 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Hyundai i20 family has a good reliability record, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to all i20 models from the current generation, as well as previous models (before 2020).
The most common problem are reported by workshops for the i20 is the braking system. Fortunately, the average repair price is about £200. Gearbox repairs have been the most expensive to date, averaging nearly £800 to fix, but these are thankfully rare.
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 54 mpg | B | 46 – 55 mpg | B – C |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 119 g/km | A | 115 – 141 g/km | A – B |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 14 | A | 6 – 16 | A – A |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £170 | A |
Year 2 | £459 | A |
Year 3 | £739 | A |
Year 4 | £931 | A |
Year 5 | £1,218 | A |
Overall | £3,517 | A |
The Hyundai i20 is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Servicing and insurance bills should be cheap, while fuel consumption is also very good for day-to-day driving.
Security rating
Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research
Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Pass
Date: March 2020
Model tested: Premium MPI
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Hyundai i20, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C3 | Dacia Sandero | Ford Fiesta | Honda Jazz | Kia Rio | Mazda 2 | MG 3 | Mini hatch | Mitsubishi Mirage | Nissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | Renault Clio | SEAT Ibiza | Skoda Fabia | Suzuki Swift | Toyota Yaris | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Polo
Buy a Hyundai i20
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Hyundai i20, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more
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Lease a Hyundai i20
If you’re looking to lease a new Hyundai i20, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal
Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Select Car Leasing. Find out more
Subscribe to a Hyundai i20
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Car subscriptions from DriveFuze.
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