Buying a used Hyundai i20: what to look out for

Apart from its striking design, the i20 stands out for its roomy cabin, refined engines and lengthy features list. We help you select a used example.

Published On May 25, 2024 08:00:00 AM

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Fit/finish is good but the black interior colour scheme may not appeal to all.

GOOD FOR: Spacious interior, Feature-rich

LOOK OUT FOR: DCT overheating, Touchscreen

Ever since its introduction, the Hyundai i20 has been at the forefront of the premium hatchback segment in India. This third-gen model, which is new from the ground up, was launched in November 2020 and is worth considering as a used buy if you don’t want a compact SUV but still want a spacious and feature-loaded car. Here’s what you need to know when looking for one.

Hyundai i20 powertrain options

The third-gen i20 is available with two petrols and one diesel engine option. The 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol makes 83hp and 115Nm, and the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol produces 120hp and 172Nm.

Punchy 120hp, turbo-petrol engine can be had with either a 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT.

In terms of gearboxes, the 1.2 comes with the option of both a 5-speed manual and a CVT automatic gearbox (latter gets 5hp more than the MT). The 1.0-litre comes with a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox or a 6-speed iMT (clutch-less manual) gearbox. The diesel engine, meanwhile, is a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder unit that makes 100hp and 240Nm, and comes paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox only.

The ARAI claimed fuel efficiency for the 1.2-litre petrol engine is 20.35kpl with the manual and 19.65kpl with the CVT, while the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol has a claimed 20.25kpl with the DCT gearbox and 20kpl with the iMT. The 1.5-litre diesel manual has a claimed fuel efficiency figure of 25.2kpl.

If your usage is majorly in the city, opt for the base 1.2 petrol as it offers a good balance between price and usability, and it can also be had with a smooth CVT auto. The turbo-petrol is the one to go for if you want more performance from your hatch. The diesel, meanwhile, will make sense for those who do a lot of running.

Hyundai i20 trims and features

At launch, the i20 was offered in four trims – Magna, Sportz, Asta and Asta (O). In terms of features, the top-spec Asta (O) trim gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Hyundai’s ‘BlueLink’ connected car features, a digital instrument cluster, a 7-speaker Bose sound system, sunroof, a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting, auto climate control and more. Safety kit on the Asta (O) includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management and hill start assist, to name a few.

It’s easily identifiable by the unique Z-shaped lights; alloys also look sporty.

If budget permits, go for the top-spec version as you get all the bells and whistles like the sunroof. However, even the mid-spec Sportz is decently equipped and gets kit like a smaller 8-inch touchscreen. Also worth noting, Hyundai launched a facelifted version in late-2023 bringing in some feature additions, minor styling tweaks and losing the diesel and turbo-petrol engine.

Hyundai i20 maintainence

The i20 has proven to be a reliable car and is backed up by Hyundai’s established service network across the country. Spare parts are also readily available. Also worth knowing, the i20 has a service interval of 1 year or every 10,000km.

What to look out for in a used Hyundai i20?

DCT overheating

Hyundai models with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and DCT combination are known to throw up a gearbox overheating warning when driven in bumper to bumper traffic for an extended period. This is not a serious issue but it’s something to be wary about. Before purchasing, take a test drive and ensure that the gearbox shifts smoothly and isn’t jerky.

Touchscreen

A few owners have faced issues with the touchscreen infotainment system freezing and crashing. Make sure that the system is up to date with the latest software, and also play around with the system and check if all functions work as intended.

Fuel pump

Some owners have reported trouble with the turbo-petrol’s fuel pump so ensure the car you’re looking at starts without any hesitation as this is a sign of a fuel pump issue. Since direct injection engines are sensitive to fuel quality, it may be a case of bad fuel that’s leading to the failures.

Also worth knowing

Hyundai offers the i20 with a standard warranty of 3 years/1,00,00 km and buyers could even opt for an extended warranty. This is a great way to ensure your peace of mind, so it may be worth shelling out extra for an example that has a valid warranty package.

Second hand Hyundai i20 price and resale value

Depending on which version you’re looking at, expect to spend anywhere between Rs 5 lakh-9 lakh on a used i20. The model isn’t old, so asking prices are on the higher side but there is always scope for negotiation. Regardless, don’t spend over Rs 9 lakh as you’d just be better off buying a new one instead.

Hyundai i20 factfile
Years produced	2020-2023
Price when new	From Rs 6.80 lakh (ex-showroom, India)
Engine	4 cyl, 1197cc, petrol/3 cyl, 998cc, turbo petrol/4 cyl, 1493cc, diesel
Power	83(88,1.2 CVT)/120/100hp
Torque	115/172/240Nm
Ground clearance	170mm
Boot space	311 litres