Hyundai I20 Facelift 2018 Full Review – All You Need To Know.

At the Auto-Expo 2018, Hyundai launched the the facelift of the i20-Elite i20. And today we’re testing it. Should You buy it? Is it similar to the previous i20? Can we call it a proper facelift? Lots of and lots of questions. So let’s find out their answers!

What is it?

Elite i20, is the facelift of a very popular premium hatchback i20. There was a lot of anticipation from it and when the wraps came off it the first impression was- it’s not that much changed. Even afterwards, when we saw photos of the old and new car side by side, it was a tricky game to ‘spot the difference’. But now we have the hatch with us for some closer inspection. So now we can see the differences.

Outside Looks

I20 Outdoors

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At first glance, it’s hard to spot a difference from the front. The facelift has somewhat similar grille like the previous car has but it’s a bit curvier now and is easy to miss. The same applies to bumper as well- it is slightly more sculpted to fit the new triangular fog lamps, and the functional air ducts beside them that are said to reduce turbulence in the wheel wells and aid aerodynamic efficiency. The headlamps now feature projector elements and LED daytime running lamps. The rear of the i20 looks much better updated and because of that, you’ll easily differentiate it with the previous car. Thanks to the new tail-lamp graphics that light up in a horizontal line. They’re neat and not bad at all. But we prefer the old style that was adorable and similar to what you get on the Verna, Elantra and Tucson. There’s also a slightly changed tailgate and a thick blacked out section in the bumper that really adds i20 like feel. You can opt for a black coloured roof, and there’s a new set of 16-inch alloy wheels, which look good.

Interiors

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Again, on the inside, the changes are not easily visible. The fabric on the seats now has a new pattern called the hounds-tooth pattern, which is cool and adds retro touch to the car. Some of the switches and controls on the steering wheel and dashboard are new too, the Air-con vents have been redesigned and the touchscreen has a matte finish so it’s easier to see in it in sunlight. In equipments, it’s still the same high standard as before, except one of the 12v charging port, which has been replaced with a USB charging outlet. The touchscreen is one of the best from Hyundai with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and has a simple, clean and easy-to-use interface. At the rear of the hatchback, you now get ISOFIX mounting points, and a fold-down armrest- a segment first.

What’s it like to drive?

Now since it’s a facelift you can’t expect much changes from it and especially from it’s engines. There has been a bit of re-tuning to both the engine and the chassis. According to Hyundai it has achieved a nine percent increase in fuel economy due to a slightly tuning of the motor and those aero ducts in the front bumper.

The bottom end of the car feels a bit stronger but the punch at the top end is missing. The change is not too rigorous, and if you drive mainly in the city like i do, you’ll appreciate the improved low-end responses. What remains unchanged on the motor is its smooth nature and the light and easy gear shift action.

To make this hatch more driver friendly, Hyundai has also try to mend a bit the suspension and the steering. Hyundai stiffened the rear suspension a little bit. You can feel that too when the car crosses a large speed-breaker. The car isn’t that bouncy now. They’ve also tuned the steering and reduced the slack at the centre position to make it feel a bit more engaging than before. Frankly, this is still no driver’s car, but it’s good to see Hyundai is trying to improve things on the current-gen car.

Should I buy one?

So this is is the new i20 facelift. It has got some changes but it is a quite tricky game to spot the difference. Yes there are changes but minimal ones. The chassis are re-tuned too. The change is not too drastic, and that’s why the facelift doesn’t feel as much of a change as most facelifts do. The interior quality was already pretty much at the top of the class and now it’s better. What is much appreciated is the small but effective attention that’s been paid to dynamics. So yes, the i20 hasn’t changed all that much that was expected with the facelift. But why do i care, because i didn’t really need one.

If you’re going to buy one then a complete list is here!

The new i20 offers a total of five variants – the Era, Magna Executive, Sports, Asta and the top of the line Asta (O). Below is the equipment and safety that is on offer in each variant.

Hyundai I20 Facelift ERA (Petrol/Diesel) Rs 5.34-6.73 lakh

• 5-speed MT/6-speed MT
• Dual front airbags
• ABS
• Speed-sensing door locks
• Engine Immobilizer
• Gear-shift indicator
• Manual climate control
• Body-coloured bumpers
• Steel wheels
• Power windows for the front, only

Hyundai I20 Facelift MAGNA EXECUTIVE (Petrol/Diesel) Rs 6.00-7.31 lakh

• Body-coloured door mirrors
• Wheel covers for steel wheels
• Audio player with front and rear speakers
• Front tweeters
• AUX and USB ports
• Rear power windows
• Cooled glovebox
• Rear AC vents
• Electrically adjustable ORVM

Hyundai I20 Facelift SPORTZ (Petrol/Diesel) Rs 6.59-7.83 lakh

• Front fog lamps
• Keyless entry
• Follow-me-home headlamps
• Rear defogger
• DRLs near fog lamps
• Turn indicators on ORVMs
• Electric folding ORVMs
• Rear parcel tray
• Height adjust for driver’s seat
• Front and rear tweeters
• Bluetooth telephony
• Steering-mounted controls
• Hyundai iblue remote application

Hyundai I20 Facelift ASTA (Petrol/Diesel) Rs 7.12-8.36 lakh

• Rear camera with reverse parking sensors
• 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 15-inch alloy wheels (16-inch wheels on the dual-tone variant)
• Adjustable rear headrests
• Sliding armrest
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto , MirrorLink
• Arkamys audio system
• USB charger
• Voice commands
• Automatic climate control
• Telescopic steering adjust

Hyundai I20 Facelift ASTA (O) (Petrol/Diesel) Rs 7.91-9.16 lakh

• Side and curtain airbags
• Automatic headlamps
• Keyless entry
• ISOFIX child seat mounts
• Height-adjustable seat belts for driver and passenger
• LED DRL with projector headlamps
• Cornering lights
• Chrome door handles
• 16-inch wheels
• Leather-wrapped steering with gear knob
• Steering position reminder with service reminder
• Rear wiper with washer

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