Hyundai i20 1.0 Kappa review, test drive

Hyundai is mulling the introduction of an all-new 1.0-litre petrol engine in its i20 hatchback. Here's what it feels like from behind the wheel.

Published on Feb 11, 2016 01:14:00 PM

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Hyundai i20 1.0 Kappa review, test drive

The 1.0-litre has a five- rather than a six-speed manual ‘box, whose second cog will see you past 100kph, while at 113kph in fifth, the engine’s only spinning at 2500rpm. The long gearing will often see you using a lower gear than expected – second around corners rather than a third.

Given the engine note is lower than a motor with one additional cylinder would be, sometimes it feels even leggier than that. The gearshift itself is easy, although in the same way as the six-speed, it’s sometimes easy to drop it into third instead of first when you’re stationary, but if you’re positive, it responds amiably.

Dynamically, similar applies. Our test i20 rode on 15-inch wheels with 65 aspect ratio tyres, so the ride was pretty controlled. Our last i20 test was a while ago and we felt it was a bit sharp over some imperfections. Obviously this is far from a back-to-back test, but it didn’t occur to any testers to complain about harshness this time. Body control is reasonable too. However, the steering is not as agile as we would have liked.

Should I buy one?

The Hyundai i20 is already quite a popular buy here in India. It was also our Car of the Year in 2015. The addition of the 1.0-litre unit will bring more power and punch to the comfortable and well-equipped premium hatchback and that should only serve to strengthen its case. Although no India launch date has been announced as yet, when it does come to India, the Hyundai i20 1.0 will rival the likes of the Maruti Baleno RS, which will be powered by a 1.0-litre Boosterjet motor from Suzuki and is slated to arrive in Indian showrooms later this year. Now, that will be a hatchback duel to watch out for.

Matt Prior (Autocar UK)