The Hyundai i20 aims to be king of all that it surveys in the burgeoning hot hatch market. For Hyundai the Santro has gone on to become one of the stalwarts in the Indian micro car firmament and the i10 has clearly shown the way forward for small hatches of the future. So the agenda for the i20 is clear; to dislodge current market leader, the Maruti Suzuki Swift and also upset the Skoda Fabia…

The i20 belongs to Hyundai’s ‘i’ family of cars that do not share platforms but can share several components, making them highly cost effective to manufacture. Also the development cost is low and is thus reasonably priced for the consumer.

But the task ahead is not easy and there are tumultuous seas the i20 will have to cross before is can head to the top of a burgeoning heap. However before it gets there – it must also pass the rigours of an OverDrive (Feb. ’09) road test…

Design

Hyundai has once again resorted to being inspired by a design language that shouts Diamler or more specifically the Mercedes SLR coupes. It’s stylish and viewed head-on, it makes the i20 look sporty with dynamic aspirations. The tapered wedge rising from the badge on the grille and running along the length of the hood is the strongest visual character of the car. The low slung stance, coupled with the length and width of this car only heightens that dynamic character.
It is one of the longest in its segment and with a 1.7-metre width, also one of the widest. It also has one of the widest wheelbases, wider even than the Getz it replaces, which makes for a wider footprint. Yet another giveaway of the SLR/SLK coupe inspired styling id the strong waist and shoulder line, and the beefed up fenders both of which reinforce the overall character of the i20’s design.

Interiors

The i20 is spacious and that alone is a big draw in this category. The i20 offers quality leg, knee, head and shoulder room. The boot is spacious enough to fit in an entire family’s luggage for a week-long vacation.

Apart from the space, the interiors are well balanced with a stylish instrument console. The console has all the controls for several functions in addition to a contemporary stereo system that also plays music from your iPod or even from a USB stick. The steering wheel is also very smart and in total harmony with the sporty exteriors. There is also a small multi information display unit on the dashboard which is both easy to access and use. Audio controls on the steering wheel are another welcome addition as is the refrigerated glove box.

There are several storage options and cubbyholes available for everyone. Cup and bottle holders are aplenty, as are change and ma pockets. Driver and passengers get airbags though in the higher Asta (O) variant even rear passengers get airbags plus side bags which is a first for a car in this segment. The quality of fit and finish is excellent except for the seat upholstery that feels like a cross between plastic and cloth says OverDrive (Feb. ’09).

Engine

With single minded focus on fuel efficiency, Hyundai has provided the i20 with the 1.2-litre Kappa engine, the very same engine used in the i10. This contemporary 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC engine provided the i10 the spirit it needed to infuse fresh air into the micro car segment. However in the i20, this engine lacks the enthusiasm it exhibits in the i10. This has little to do with the inherent qualities of this engine and everything to do with it powering a much heavier car.

Power ratings are not inadequate, with 80PS of max power peaking at 5200rpm and a large slice of torque is available from as low as 2000rpm which means low speed high gear crawls are manageable. In fact, all characteristics have been tuned to ensure fuel efficiency isnot affected though outright performance has been crucified in the bargain.

What is surprising is that this engine has an under square bore stroke layout which reduces its ability to produce low end torque, is inherently heavier and is prone to frictional losses. That is why Hyundai has enlisted several innovations such as an offset crank which enhances NVH and reduces fictional losses. In addition, optimized piston skirts and reduction in compression height of the piston contribute to reducing the weight of the engine. Even the drive belt has been designed to have ideal tension setting so that it does not require and adjustment and runs quieter and has a longer life span.

The transmission is the same 5-speed manual used in the i10 though several cog ratios are now taller to optimize the torque spread of the engine; ensure smoother and more efficient drivability. The shift throw is not short though it is precise and great attention has been paid to make sure the shift lever falls into the required gate firmly.

Performance

The 1.2-litre Kappa engine is a mellow refined performer with little hint of aggression. The power is delivered sedately and even the gearing dissuades outright performance, so 0-60kmph takes 5.4 seconds and the dash to a 100kmph is covered in 13.36 seconds. But despite the lightweight frugal engine, the gearing and the injection metering, the i20 is not really earth-shatteringly fuel efficient. It manages a healthy 13.8kmpl in the city and stretches that to 18.5kmpl on the highway. With a 45-litre tank and an overall efficiency of nearly 15kmpl – one can get an appreciable 670km range on a full tank.

Ride & Handling

With a motor assisted power steering unit, Hyundai has managed to give the i20 fantastic driveability in the city. But this steering unit is also highly desensitized, evident by the complete lack of feel when pushing this car to its very limits on the highway. There is absolutely little or no communication between the steering wheel and the tyres. For very input at the wheel the resultant output is highly exaggerated and this completely dissuades any sort of spirited driving. The suspension on the other hand is well sorted for Indian conditions and gas filled shock absorbers all around soak up the bumpiness, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride quality.

The Macpherson strut at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear reduces body roll and the 175/70 14” tyres add a few more degrees of comfort in addition to providing fantastic adhesive properties during braking.

Verdict

The i20 is a highly competent car, is short enough to fall under the 4-meter tax saving bracket yet large enough to accommodate five occupants and their luggage without issuing a burp. The interiors are comfortable, there’re enough gadgets and it all looks fairly good and solid. Mechanically the i20 is a very sound car, the 1.2-litre Kappa engine is adequately equipped to handle daily commutes within the city without any stress and is also competent on highways.
The ride quality is good enough though the light steering could do with some better engineering to make it more sensitive to what the tyres are doing. It is a car that slowly but surely grows on you and you soon begin to realize that Hyundai has done a tremendous job. With a Rs. 5.6 lakh sticker price, the Asta variant tested by OverDrive (Feb. 09) comes across as fairly good value for money.

At A Glance

Price: Rs. 5.59 lakh (OTR Mumbai) Engine: 4cyls in-line, 1197cc, multi-point fuel injection, petrol Torque: 112Nm@4000rpm Power: 80PS@5200rpm Fuel Efficiency: City – 13.8kpl, Highway –18.5kpl, kpl overall – 14.97kpl Acceleration: 0-60: 5.42sec, 0-100m: 13.36sec, Top Speed: 158.8kmph Rating: 4/5