Hyundai I20 CRDi India

Positives:
New chassis design feels nimble for city and easy to drive.
Punchy and efficient CRDi engine.
Improved turbo response as compared to Ritz and Punto.
Very refined and silent diesel.
Lots of equipment and attention to detail on model asta.
Safety kit on offer on ASTA (o).
Standard ABS and rear discs on all models.
5-star NCAP rating.
Best fit and finish.
Best in class interior and boot space.
Service backup of Hyundai.

Negatives
Very expensive for a Hyundai hatch.
Quite questionable high speed stability
Artificial steering feel of MDPS
14" tyres are low on grip as compared to punto's 15 inchers.
Expected high maintenance cost

Interior practicality
The I 20 has lots of cupholders, which are deep, deep sized glovebox and twin seat back pockets with added flexibility of 60:40 split seat. The magazine holders are again decent and the parcel tray feels solid.

Space and comfort:
The I20 is spacious and comfortable car with very comfortable front seats providing decent under thigh support and wide enough for all human frames. It is always easy to find an ideal driving position due to tilt/ telescopic steering and seat height adjustment.
The rear seat is again superbly comfortable, if a bit low, and sitting 3 abreast is not much of a problem. However, the squabs are a bit flat and can get tiring at long distances.

Boot Space:
I 20 has the most spacious and decently designed boot at 300 litres, coupled with low loading area makes loading and unloading easy.

Engine and performance:
Hyundai missile-the i 20 Crdi which has 1396 cc of powerhouse putting 90ps@4000 rpm and brutal torque of 224Nm@1750-2750 rpm with a VGT. Coupled with the car's weight of 1140 KG (source-Hyundai i20 international site) it is a brilliant performer. Hyundai have worked hard with VM motori of Italy (the CRDi engine's designers) to reduce the turbo lag and it shows. Compared to Verna, the lag is very less and it feels only till 1000 rpm. Shift into 2nd, go over 1800 rpm and all hell breaks loose as you feel the G-forces while speeding on this machine. Though no road rocket like the Getz, this engine has a wide power band and can keep up at 30 kmph even with the 5th gear engaged without any jerks, a secret of its lightweight all alloy construction and flat torque curve.

Gear Box:
The I 20 has an improved sleek gearbox with close ratios for lower gears and high ratios for 4th and 5th gear, to improve performance. Shift action is smooth but not quite in the league of the Jazz or the fabia, moreover the reverse gear feels awkward to operate due to its forward shift mechanism.

Driver appeal:
Considering the factors like dashboard design, interior ergonomics, quality and ease of use of controls, its a close call between the I 20 and Punto, with the punto loosing out a bit due to cramped pedals.

List price (On Road) Delhi, Petrol
Hyundai i20 1.2 Magna: 5,24,947
Hyundai i20 1.2 Asta: 6,10,349
Hyundai i20 1.2 Asta (with the option pack): 6,33,834
Hyundai i20 1.4 Asta (AT): 7,92,832
Hyundai i20 1.4 Asta AT (O) with sunroof: 8,36,783