Hyundai i20 2018 first drive

A fresher-faced, better-equipped version of Hyundai’s entry in the hotly contested supermini segment.

The Hyundai i20 has been around in its current guise since 2014, but with the Seat Ibiza now established as front runner, and the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta not far behind, Hyundai is aiming to stay within reaching distance of the podium with a few much-needed mid-life nips and tucks.

Major mechanical changes? Aside from the option of a new automatic gearbox, not very many. Opt for the 99bhp 1.0-litre T-GDi engine and you can now choose between a five-speed manual ‘box or a seven-speed dual-clutcher.

The 74bhp and 83bhp atmospheric 1.2-litre petrols both come mated to a five-speed manual transmission, while the more potent 118bhp turbo has a six-speed gearbox. Everything gets auto start-stop as standard in the name of fuel efficiency.

Hyundai’s SafetySense suite of driver aids now comes as standard on all but the most basic trim level, while even entry-level S models get an upgraded infotainment system.

Otherwise, the main differences are visual. This new i20 gains the cascading front grille first seen on the Hyundai Kona SUV and Hyundai i30 hatchback, redesigned rear bumper, and new look tail lights.

Subtly different from the old one, but different enough to keep pace with rival superminis - just about. At launch, the UK will miss out on an optional two-tone black roof that does a better job of disguising the window pillars.

Interior materials are mostly unchanged, and so are still outclassed by the Volkswagen Polo, but the 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system is a major improvement over the basic smartphone dock and dot matrix radio display found on the outgoing car.

Shortcut buttons for jumping between functions are less distracting than handing all duties over to the touchscreen. It comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, although sat-nav is reserved for Premium Nav and Premium Nav SE-spec cars.

SE models and up also get lane keep assist and forward collision avoidance safety aids. The former isn’t nearly as nagging or aggressive as we’ve experienced in superminis from other manufacturers, and so much less likely to be turned off by irritated drivers.

The outgoing i20 came in five-door, three-door and Active variants, but the latter two sell in lower numbers in the UK and Hyundai has yet to confirm if we’ll get either. We’ve focused on the five-door model here, in 118bhp, 6-speed manual and 98bhp, 7-speed automatic varieties.