• Published On: 28 February 2018
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Small changes on the inside and out make the car nicer.

Introduction

The i20 has been a very popular premium hatchback in India, and it has now finally received an update. The hatchback was first unveiled at the Auto Expo this year. At the time, it felt as if not a lot has changed. Even when we compared the older and newer car side-by-side, it was difficult to find many changes. However, now that we have the car to drive, let’s find out if there are any more differences.

On the outside

The front grille on the older i20 was hexagonal and so is this new one; however this time around is bit curvier. The front bumper also been redesigned to accommodate the new fog light housing. The new car also has air ducts alongside the fog lamps which promise to reduce turbulence and help with aerodynamics. The rear is where there are more updates. The taillight is now redesigned and lights up in a different manner. The tail section has been reworked and there is chunky blacked-out section that adds style. The alloy wheels on the car feature a nice-looking design and remain the same 16-inch size. Optional extras include a blacked-out roof.

On the inside

Like the outside, the inside has received minor tweaks as well. The material on the seat is new and features a different pattern. The steering wheel controls are different, so are the AC vents. This time around the infotainment screen has a matte finish to it improving visibility in direct sunlight. The equipment list on the new i20 remains unchanged; it now has USB charging ports that replace the older points. The screen in this car is really good and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well.

How does it drive?

Hyundai has made no big mechanical changes on the i20 facelift, except for the retuned engine and chassis. The manufacturer says the fuel efficiency has increased by nine perfect. In the diesel car we have been driving, the car felt stronger down low but misses out on some of the top end power. That being said, this is not a sizeable change and driving in city conditions is better. The engine continues to feel refined while having smooth gearshifts.

The i20 now has slightly tweaked suspension and steering as well. The rear is stiffer and the car doesn’t bounce as much as the older model. The steering is now sharper and more responsive to use.

Should I buy one?

In conclusion, this facelifted i20 looks to follow the same recipe as the older one because there was not much wrong with the previous model. One has to consider that Hyundai had given small updates to the older model over the years. The attention the manufacturer has paid to the small changes in terms of dynamics is likeable.