Hyundai i20 (2020 – present) | Expert Rating
Summary
The Hyundai i20 is a small, supermini-class, five-door hatchback. The current model was launched in early 2020, arriving in the UK late in the year.
Unlike some rivals, the i20 is only available in one body style (five-door hatch) and with one engine (a 1.0-litre mild hybrid petrol unit). A high-performance model called the i20 N arrived in 2021 and we have a separate page here for that model.
The i20 has received praise for being a significant improvement over the previous model. Reviewers have particularly noted its styling and interior quality, although it’s still not considered to be on a par with rivals like the SEAT Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo.
The Top Gear team argues that the i20 “is as good to drive as any in its class” now that the Ford Fiesta is retired, while Alex Ingram of Auto Express praises the hatchback for its “impressive practicality and a high level of standard equipment.”
That said, Parkers’ Luke Wilkinson concludes that the car’s “cheap-feeling interior prohibits it from being a class-leading model, while Carwow’s Mario Christou comments that the i20’s “bland interior and lack of a hybrid option might put you off.”
As of September 2026, the Hyundai i20 holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 66%. It scores highly for running costs and low CO2 emissions, while its safety reliability and reliability record are also good.
i20 highlights
- Well-equipped as standard
- Neat handling and easy to drive
- Relatively spacious cabin and boot
i20 lowlights
- Some cheap interior materials
- Limited engine options
- Rather sluggish infotainment
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: petrol
Price: From £20,010 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2020
Last updated: Summer 2023
Replacement due: Spring 2027
Image gallery
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Adult protection: 76%
Child protection: 82%
Vulnerable road users: 76%
Safety assist: 67%
The Hyundai i20 has not specifically been assessed by Euro NCAP, but has been awarded a four-star safety rating based on the test results of the similar Bayon SUV/crossover.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 1.0-litre petrol automatic
Clean Air Index: 6.7 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 6.8 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 4.7 / 10
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score |
| Petrol models | 52 mpg | B |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 124 g/km | B |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 13 | A |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £176 | B |
| Year 2 | £475 | B |
| Year 3 | £764 | B |
| Year 4 | £964 | B |
| Year 5 | £1,259 | B |
| Overall | £3,638 | B |
The Hyundai i20 is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Servicing and insurance bills should be cheap, while fuel consumption is also very good for day-to-day driving.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 47
Average repair cost: £323.16
Last updated: April 2025
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Hyundai i20 family has a good reliability record, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to all i20 models from the current generation, as well as previous models (before 2020).
The most common problem are reported by workshops for the i20 is the braking system. Fortunately, the average repair price is about £200. Gearbox repairs have been the most expensive to date, averaging nearly £800 to fix, but these are thankfully rare.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the Hyundai i20
| New car warranty duration | 5 years |
| New car warranty mileage | Unlimited miles |
| Battery warranty duration | 0 years |
| Battery warranty mileage | 0 miles |
Hyundai’s new car warranty is better than average, and better than rival brands in a similar price bracket as the i20.
The duration is five years, with no limit on mileage.
Warranty on a used Hyundai i20
- If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ Hyundai i20 from an official Hyundai dealership, you will get a minimum two-year warranty included, and if the vehicle is under five years old, it retains the balance of the original new car warranty.
- If you are buying a used Hyundai i20 from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
- If you are buying a used Hyundai i20 from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.
If you’re looking to buy any used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Hyundai i20
Date: 20/05/2024
Recall number: R/2024/171
Model types: All
Build dates: 28/03/2023 to 15/01/2024
Number of vehicles affected: 770
Defect: On affected vehicles they may experience a transmission malfunction resulting in a loss of drive.
Remedy: On all affected vehicles the transmission control unit software will be updated.
Date: 22/02/2021
Recall number: R/2021/014
Model types: All
Build dates: 24/08/2020 to 07/12/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 1,879
Defect: The vehicle VIN information may not be registered correctly within the eCall unit.
Remedy: Register the VIN information within the vehicle by resetting the E-call unit and updating.
As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been two DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Hyundai i20 to address different issues. However, recall information is updated regularly, so this may have changed.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Hyundai dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used i20, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Hyundai i20, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C3 | Dacia Sandero | Ford Fiesta | Honda Jazz | Kia Rio | Mazda 2 | MG 3 | Mini hatch | Mitsubishi Mirage | Nissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | Renault Clio | SEAT Ibiza | Skoda Fabia | Suzuki Swift | Toyota Yaris | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Polo
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