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

Exterior Design
The I20 Designed in Hyundai's design studios in Russelshim, Germany, it is a safe, conservative design appealing for European tastes and one of the better Hyundai designs with restrained contours and an amazing front end inspired by the Merc SLK. The sides are a bit dull and will pass of as any other European supermini, save for that big character line which gives it a bit of presence. On the rear, it’s the same story with the chunky rear bumper lending some stylistic touch and the big "H" logo acting as a boot opener. I personally feel Maruti Suzuki can pick up some pointer for their new swift from this design.

Build Quality:
Hyundai's I20 is built in India for the world, especially for markets in Europe, where build and finish are of prime importance and the new generation design means that build and finish are on par with the world's best and the body, as with most new generation Hyundai’s, will have that built to last feel and has the ability to withstand the abuse our roads throw it into, but it still is no match for the segment benchmark-the Punto, when it comes to sturdiness.

Chassis Engineering:
The I20 is an entirely new design by the code PB which debuted in fall 2008 at the Paris motor show, and is designed primarily for European markets in mind which means a rigid and stiff chassis aided to improve dynamics with Mc Pherson Strut Gas shock absorber suspension in front and Couple Torsion Beam Axle with Gas shock absorbers at the rear for a smooth ride, helped by telescopic dual effect shockers. However, the steering used is electric (MDPS-Motor Driven Power Steering), a disadvantage as far as the dynamics are concerned as it lacks the feel of the hydraulic unit.

Interior Design:
The I20 do not do badly as far as design goes, but it lacks any flair of the Punto, especially the old school vertical AC vents. However, the audio controls are intuitive and toggle type-very easy to operate. The beige and brown color scheme of the interior looks good but not to everyone's taste. The glove box is deep and the HVAC controls are superb and easy to use. The seat design is flat and lacks any contours for the under thigh support, same goes for the rear seat. The door pads again are like Verna’s, flat and square but of high quality.

Interior Quality:
Yes, it costs more, but it also gives you more bang for your buck. Except for the colors scheme, the interior quality is superb and even some plastics are hardwearing and durable, especially the seat fabric and the upper dashboard panel, which are superbly finished as well as the gear knob, very grippy even though it feels a bit shiny. Nowhere have you got a feeling of cheapness that is present in the Punto.

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