Hyundai Elite i20 review, test drive

 

The i20 diesel comes with the same 1.4-litre, common-rail engine as the previous i20. There’s no change in power (89bhp at 4,000rpm) or torque figures (22.4kgm at 1,750-2,000rpm) either. The six-speed manual gearbox has been carried forward too, albeit with slightly shorter third, fourth and sixth gears to aid drivability. 

 

 

Engine refinement is good with a quiet idle and a subdued clatter being the only sound from the engine bay to keep you company in slow urban commutes. You don’t need to rev the engine very hard to get the best out if it because power comes in nice and early, and this is followed by a gentle surge after 2,000rpm. You’ll also seldom find the need to pass 3,000rpm to get past slower traffic. If you do so, you’ll find the engine quite loud on its climb to its 4,900rpm limiter. 

 

While not the most enthusiastic of performers, the i20 diesel makes a strong case as a car for city driving. Helping in no small measure here are its smooth-shifting gearbox and adequately light clutch. 

 

A light, if somewhat snappy clutch, and easy gearshifts are some of the traits you’ll find in the i20 petrol too. While power and torque outputs are unchanged from the earlier i20, the 82bhp, 1.2-litre motor has been re-tuned for better bottom-end responses. The engine does feel better than before but it’s still not the liveliest at low engine speeds. However, things get progressively better as you rev harder. The i20 petrol builds speed quickly and revs quite readily past 6,000rpm. Just don’t expect it to excite you.