Pictorial Review of Hyundai i20 diesel – exteriors
Everyone talks about the first mover advantage, but they forget the fact the last mover understand customers easily and takes advantage of that. Hyundai could have learnt a thing or two from Ritz,Jazz and Punto. Especially the pricing!
Hyundai one of the early entrant into the premium hatch segment with its getz failed to stamp its presence there. The runaway success of swift just blew it. But in the second round Hyundai made a strong comeback with its i20. To suit the indian small car norms, Hyundai equipped the i20 with puny 1.2L kappa engine. Though i20 kappa sold more than Hyundai expected, it is underpowered. Now with every car makers lined-up cars to lure the buyers. Hyundai packs the i20 with a punch – 1.4L CRDi and 1.4L gamma petrol engine. Read on to find our findings about this hot hatch.
Hyundai i20 Diesel: Its not italian, but its not a czech either. Dominated by flowing lines all over the car, korean engineers have given a swanky styling to i20. Carrying forward the i-series styling, i20 sports large teardrop headlamps and a minuscule grille. Two strong character lines run across the car. Though its not funky or sporty as some of its peers, i20 sports a mature styling which segment buyers would appreciate. The new CRDi badge at the rear tells you are running an oil burner.
Pictures of Hyundai i20 diesel
Hyundai i20 Diesel: Under the hood is a new CRDi engine, developing class leading 90bhp of peak power at 4000rpm and max torque of 224Nm between 1750 to 2750 rpm. The oil burner is refined and yet again proves modern day diesel engine are as good as any gasoline engine. The engine is mated with a five speed gearbox. The gearbox sports a reverse gear locking system.
Hyundai i20 Diesel: The 1.4L CRDi pulls the machine effortlessly. It zips around town easily. Its fastest too though it is heavy. Rev the motor to 1800 – 2000 rpm, the turbo spools and open the flood gates. It zooms past 140kmph easily and nab the throttle further 160kmph is easily reachable. She never fizzles out though the response is not electric. Even when its rev hard, it never felt stressed. But more than the motor, what impressed us most is the slick gearbox. Coupled with the silky smooth clutch the i20’s transmission setup is a feature that the owners can boast about. Even the sporty riders would love this. The gear ratios are perfectly spaced but you have to work on gears to pull the machine to zip through traffic (blame the taller gearing).
Hyundai i20 Diesel: Handling is not the i20’s best trait infact its the least. Though the car remains stable at corners, the super soft lifeless steering and soft suspension hampers the free style driving. Straight line stability is decent but again push it over 120kmph it becomes unsettled. Sporty drivers can better stay away. However the four wheel disc brakes ensures stopping is progressive but quick. It rides on larger profile 185/65 R14 tyres and the ground clearance is adequate to glide over the bad roads.
Hyundai i20 Diesel: When other carmakers boast about ABS, Hyundai offers 5 star safety for the i20 owners. i20 comes with safety features that even an D-segment sedan would shy to face off. As many as six airbags to protect the occupants, impact sensing door unlock to ensure quick and safe escape, ABS with EBD, seat belt reminder and rear disc brakes. i20 was awarded 5-star rating in euro NCAP which means you are safe in i20, even in dangerous Indian roads.
Hyundai i20 Diesel: available in seven attractive body colours – crystal white, black diamond,sleek silver,silky beige, sparkle blue,berry red and dark grey metallic.
