Road Test and Review: Hyundai Elite i20
The dictionary defines the word elite as ‘someone who is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of the society.’ Well, in that sense, Hyundai’s premium hatchback i20 has been an elite car since its inception in 2008. With its impressive fluidic design, interior quality and avant-garde features, the i20 redefined the benchmark in the segment. Now, in its second generation, the i20 has been justifiably christened the Elite i20 and let’s find out what makes an already good car even better.
Design
The Elite i20’s exterior represents the latest iteration of what Hyundai calls Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language. However, Hyundai has ditched the rounded fluidic edges for a bold design with sharper character lines. Dominating the front is the signature hexagonal grille, but this time with honeycomb mesh surrounded by chrome accents. The lower bumper is adorned by a plastic mesh strip that neatly connects the fog lamps. The striking design of the swept-back headlamps yields an elegant as well as wider stance at the first glance.
If you thought the LED daytime running lights on the outgoing i20 is a premium feature, you might not be impressed by the fact that the Elite i20 doesn’t offer DRLs.
Side view is more exciting with a rising waistline and sloping roof converging at a matt-finish black c-pillar. The Elite i20’s dynamic appearance is further exaggerated at the rear, thanks to the elongated, wraparound taillights that remind us of some German luxury brands. The dual-tone rear bumper with black insert adds to the sporty appeal and the car will certainly bowl you over with the rear three-quarters view.
Side view is more exciting with a rising waistline and sloping roof converging at a matt-finish black c-pillar. The Elite i20’s dynamic appearance is further exaggerated at the rear, thanks to the elongated, wraparound taillights that remind us of some German luxury brands. The dual-tone rear bumper with black insert adds to the sporty appeal and the car will certainly bowl you over with the rear three-quarters view.
Interior
Sharp lines and symmetric cut-outs create a sophisticated European look inside, too. The dual-tone dashboard oozes great quality and elegance with clear and stylish instruments. The multi-info display has been shifted from the top of the dashboard to the centre console. AC vents too have been redesigned to accord with the rest of the design. The instrument cluster now gets white backlight and its brightness can be adjusted using a knob. The rest of the displays are bright blue and could be distracting at night. Minor but interesting touches such as the piano black finish around the ORVM controls and chrome gearshift surround show how much attention to detail Hyundai has paid to enhance the premiumness of the car.
Sharp lines and symmetric cut-outs create a sophisticated European look inside, too. The dual-tone dashboard oozes great quality and elegance with clear and stylish instruments. The multi-info display has been shifted from the top of the dashboard to the centre console. AC vents too have been redesigned to accord with the rest of the design. The instrument cluster now gets white backlight and its brightness can be adjusted using a knob. The rest of the displays are bright blue and could be distracting at night. Minor but interesting touches such as the piano black finish around the ORVM controls and chrome gearshift surround show how much attention to detail Hyundai has paid to enhance the premiumness of the car.
Space, Comfort and Convenience
The Elite i20 comes with keyless entry and once you approach the car, it unfolds the mirrors and it’s a feel good factor. The wheelbase has been stretched by 45mm and it is felt once you are inside the cabin. Interior space was adequate in the earlier i20s and things have only got better with the latest edition. While a low transmission tunnel ensures there’s enough space for the third occupant, rear AC vents enhance comfort in the second row. Front seats are supportive and driver seat height adjustable, moreover, tilt and telescopic steering column ensures a healthy driving posture.
The Elite i20 comes with keyless entry and once you approach the car, it unfolds the mirrors and it’s a feel good factor. The wheelbase has been stretched by 45mm and it is felt once you are inside the cabin. Interior space was adequate in the earlier i20s and things have only got better with the latest edition. While a low transmission tunnel ensures there’s enough space for the third occupant, rear AC vents enhance comfort in the second row. Front seats are supportive and driver seat height adjustable, moreover, tilt and telescopic steering column ensures a healthy driving posture.
The centre console also houses a multi-information display showing service intervals, digital speedometer, temperature, odo etc, however, it’s a surprise that there’s no average fuel consumption or distance to empty figures available on the screen. The 2-Din audio system with Bluetooth and1GB internal memory offers 8 speakers but the sound quality is not exceptional.
Two power sockets on the centre console help you charge multiple devices at the same time. There are many cup/bottle holders and storage options including an armrest with storage box. The non-sliding armrest is not always useful and rear seat doesn’t have armrest at all.
Two power sockets on the centre console help you charge multiple devices at the same time. There are many cup/bottle holders and storage options including an armrest with storage box. The non-sliding armrest is not always useful and rear seat doesn’t have armrest at all.
The only grouse with the Elite i20’s interior is the lack of a larger infotainment system. The small blue display on the centre console is totally out of place in a premium car, especially when cheaper models these days offer hi-tech infotainment systems with touch screen.
Performance
Performance
Not much has changed under the hood, however, both the 1.2 L VTVT petrol and 1.4L CRDI appear more refined now. Although the petrol engine has improved low and mid-range response and remains more refined than the diesel, the 89bhp U2 CRDI is going to be the buyer’s favourite as before. 220Nm of peak torque makes the diesel variant more fun to drive on highways and minimal turbolag along with linear power delivery makes it easy around town as well. The 1.2L petrol, too, provides an adequate, if not scintillating, performance both in city and highway but you need to wind it up to make swift progress.
The transmissions have been carried over from the outgoing model – 6-speed for diesel and 5-speed for petrol. Soft clutch coupled with butter-smooth gear shifting makes both variants effortless to drive in traffic and long distances alike. Automatic transmission is not available yet. Diesel boasts of an ARAI-certified mileage of 22.54kmpl as against petrol’s 18.6 kmpl.
Ride and Handling
Hyundai has burnt the midnight oil working on the suspension and it is seen in the way the Elite i20 handles. Although not up with the best in class, it now offers a comfortable ride with good body control and plenty of grip around corners. The suspension also absorbs the worst of surfaces with serenity. Noise insulation is certainly praiseworthy, as the car keeps wind and road noise at bay, and the suspension stays quiet over bumps. The brakes feel positive, with good pedal feel and the steering has weight to it at high speed.
Bottom-line
Hyundai i20 has always been a tad pricier than its direct competitors. However, that didn’t stop anyone from falling in love with the styling, cabin quality, ride comfort and the features it offered. As the Elite i20 kicks up all these qualities a notch further without much difference in price, it will be greeted with long lines outside dealerships.
Hyundai i20 has always been a tad pricier than its direct competitors. However, that didn’t stop anyone from falling in love with the styling, cabin quality, ride comfort and the features it offered. As the Elite i20 kicks up all these qualities a notch further without much difference in price, it will be greeted with long lines outside dealerships.
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