Hyundai has brought in the refreshed i20, which gets a few exterior, design-based changes and more kit than its predecessor. The premium hatchback rivals the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Honda Jazz and Volkswagen Polo in the market but has the facelift done enough to keep it abreast of its competition. We do an on-paper comparison to find out:
Exteriors
On the outside, the new i20 sports changes to the grille in line with the one seen on the Verna and Elantra, tweaked bumpers, projector headlamps with chrome inserts, new alloy wheels and a change in the placement of the registration plate housing, from the bumper to the boot lid.
However, the dimensions of the new i20 are the same as the outgoing model. Compared to its rivals, the Hyundai boasts the longest wheelbase, which could translate into more space on the inside. It is also the heaviest out of the lot and comes with the most number of options for its wheels.
The Polo is the smallest car here by a significant margin, while Maruti’s lightweight Heartect platform makes the Baleno the lightest model; the only car to weigh under 1,000kg.
| Dimensions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai i20 | Honda Jazz | Maruti Baleno | Volkswagen Polo | |
| Length | 3985mm | 3955mm | 3995mm | 3971mm |
| Width | 1734mm | 1694mm | 1745mm | 1682mm |
| Height | 1505mm | 1544mm | 1500mm | 1469mm |
| Wheelbase | 2570mm | 2530mm | 2520mm | 2469mm |
| Ground clearance | 170mm | 165mm | 170mm | 165mm |
| Kerb weight | 1080-1200kg (est) | 1007-1150kg | 890-985kg | 1033-1158kg |
| Tyres | 185/70R14, 185/65 R15, 195/55 R16 | 175/70 R14, 175/65 R15 | 185/65 R15, 195/55 R16 | 170/70 R14, 185/60 R15 |
Interiors
Added equipment on the new i20 includes a more advanced 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility on the higher-spec variants. Hyundai’s Auto-Link software, which transmits important vehicle information straight to a linked mobile phone, comes as standard on the top-spec trim. Along with the additional four airbags, larger 16-inch alloy wheels and leather trim on the steering and gear, the top-of-the-line i20 Asta (O) is better equipped than its rival. However, equipment levels on base trims are on-par with competition.
Engines
On paper, neither the petrol or diesel i20 out-power their competition. The Jazz’s 1.2-litre petrol engine is the most powerful, while the Polo’s 1.5-litre diesel engine produces more power and torque than its rivals. However, while the Baleno may not rank on power, its sub-1,000kg kerb weight should help it be faster and more fuel efficient than rivals.
For now, Hyundai isn’t offering an automatic with the facelift though a CVT unit mated to the 1.2-litre petrol is expected later. The previous i20 had a 100hp, 1.4-litre petrol engine paired with a four-speed torque converter transmission. The Jazz and Baleno both offer a CVT automatic on the petrol trim while the Polo (only in GT-spec) gets a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
| Powertrain | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai i20 | Honda Jazz | Maruti Baleno* | Volkswagen Polo* | |
| Fuel | Petrol/Diesel | Petrol/Diesel | Petrol/Diesel | Petrol/Diesel |
| Engine | 1197cc/1396cc | 1199cc/1498cc | 1197cc/1248cc | 1198cc/1498cc |
| Power | 83hp/90hp | 90hp/100hp | 84hp/75hp | 75hp/105hp |
| Torque | 114Nm/220Nm | 110Nm/200Nm | 115Nm/190Nm | 110Nm/250Nm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual/6-speed manual | 5-speed manual, CVT/6-speed manual | 5-speed manual, CVT/5-speed manual | 5-speed manual/5-speed manual |
*VW Polo GT and Maruti Baleno RS models not considered
Pricing
The refreshed i20 was launched with prices starting at Rs 5.34 lakh and going up to Rs 9.16 lakh. While the base petrol trim undercuts all its rivals, the top-spec trims on the i20 are about as costly as rivals. An interesting point to note is that the Baleno’s top-spec petrol-manual option (at Rs 7.36 lakh) is nearly Rs 55,000 less than the i20’s top-spec petrol-manual offering. The Honda is the most pricey of the lot while the Baleno seems to offer the most bang for its buck (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).
| Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai i20 | Honda Jazz | Maruti Baleno* | Volkswagen Polo* | |
| Petrol prices | Rs 5.34-7.91 lakh | Rs 5.99-8.47 lakh | Rs 5.36-8.41 lakh | Rs 5.42-7.24 lakh |
| Diesel prices | Rs 6.73-9.16 lakh | Rs 7.36-9.32 lakh | Rs 6.51-8.50 lakh | Rs 6.93-8.78 lakh |
*VW Polo GT and Maruti Baleno RS models not considered
On paper, it seems like the new i20 is a match for its rivals, offering a significant amount of kit while retaining the qualities (like ride quality and interior finish) that made the previous one so popular. While an in-depth road test and a proper comparison will be necessary, it seems like Hyundai’s success with the i20 should continue, especially when the CVT is introduced on the premium hatchback.
Also see:
Hyundai foresees jump in i20 auto sales with 1.2 CVT
Hyundai i20 facelift: which variant you should buy
2018 Hyundai i20 facelift first look video
New Hyundai i20 facelift price, variants explained