Hyundai i20 (2015-2021) Buyer’s Guide
Shopping for a used 2nd-gen Hyundai i20? Let’s take a look at the derivatives available in South Africa, what you might pay for a pre-owned good example and this popular Korean hatchback’s strengths and weaknesses…
The original Hyundai i20 hatchback served as a replacement (of sorts) for the much-loved Getz, a vehicle that helped put the Korean company firmly on the map here in South Africa. The spiritual successor to the Getz also turned out to be mighty popular with local buyers.
The 2nd-gen Hyundai i20 was more refined and smoother riding than its predecessor, while boasting improved perceived build quality in the cabin. Its styling – penned in Germany and based on the brand’s “Fluidic Sculpture 2.0” design philosophy – represented a significant step forward for the nameplate.
Though not quite as strong a seller as its forebear (of which an impressive 68 631 new units were retailed in Mzansi), the 2nd-gen i20 was nevertheless a popular choice in our market; it routinely placed 3rd behind the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta in the B-segment hatchback sales race.
When all was said and done, 38 081 units of the Indian-built IB-series model – which was slightly different to the Turkey-produced GB-series sold in Europe – were registered in South Africa (according to Hyundai Automotive SA’s figures), meaning there’s plenty of stock available on the used market today.
Hyundai i20 model line-up in South Africa
Making its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 2014, the 2nd-gen Hyundai i20 touched down in SA just a few months later. At launch in February 2015, the 3-strong local line-up featured a pair of 4-cylinder petrol engine options, a trio of transmissions and 2 trim levels (plus 8 exterior colour choices):
- i20 1.2 Motion 5MT (61 kW/115 Nm)
- i20 1.4 Fluid 6MT (74 kW/133 Nm)
- i20 1.4 Fluid 4AT (74 kW/133 Nm)
By September of that year, Hyundai Automotive SA had added a new 1.4 Sport derivative to its range. Originally dubbed the “N-Sport” (and initially even wearing the “N” badge that’s now reserved for the Korean automaker’s high-performance models), the 1.4 Sport was a locally conceived warm hatch distinguished by its body kit, lowered suspension, 17-inch alloys, stainless-steel free-flow exhaust and UniChip ECU piggyback system. The latter pushed peak outputs to 85 kW and 160 Nm of torque.
The 5-door hatchback line-up expanded again in January 2017, when a more affordable automatic in the form of the 1.4 Motion 4AT slotted into the middle of the range. Before that, a manual-equipped 1.2 Fluid derivative had also quietly arrived, with the local portfolio thus comprising 6 variants at this stage.
A mid-cycle update followed in May 2018, when the i20 was handed customary styling tweaks – inside and out. The front end scored a redesigned grille and bumper, while the rear gained revised taillamps, a new tailgate (now integrating the number plate) and an updated bumper. There was also a fresh 16-inch alloy-wheel design for Fluid derivatives.
Inside, Hyundai rolled out a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (buyers could unlock satellite navigation by purchasing an optional SD memory card for R2 500) to replace the old basic audio set-up, while the dashboard and centre console were treated to minor design changes.
Though the engine line-up was unaltered, the 1.4 Sport derivative fell away at this point, replaced by a 1.4 Active – a hatchback-based crossover with SUV-inspired styling. This front-wheel-drive variant was offered exclusively in manual guise and had 170 mm of ground clearance (20 mm more than standard).
The 1.4 Active also gained derivative-specific features such as a unique grille (and foglamps), black plastic body cladding, silver-painted “skid plates”, roof rails and colourful trim in the cabin. Curiously, though, the Active-badged derivative retained the pre-facelift version’s tailgate and taillamps.
The IB-series i20 soldiered on in South Africa until around May 2021, when the BI3-series 3rd-gen i20, which would have arrived earlier had it not been for the COVID-19 pandemic, finally replaced it.
What are the strengths of a Hyundai i20?
Generous interior space: Even though the 2nd-gen Hyundai i20 was 10 mm shorter from nose to tail than the original i20, it offered more cabin space than its predecessor. The wheelbase grew 45 mm to 2 570 mm while the vehicle was 24 mm wider, too. As a result, the front row’s leg-, head- and shoulder-room measurements improved, while the already roomy (for the segment) rear was largely unchanged.
Meanwhile, the luggage compartment shrunk slightly – by just a unit – to a still-impressive 294 litres (a figure that strangely fell further to 285 litres at the facelift), despite having to house a full-size spare wheel. As an aside, it’s interesting to note all derivatives in the range benefitted from tilt-and-telescopic reach adjustment on the steering column, while the driver’s seat likewise adjusted for height.
Proven powertrains: The 2nd-gen i20 inherited its naturally aspirated Kappa petrol engines from the original model, albeit with a few tweaks (peak outputs for both the 1.2 and 1.4 fell slightly, probably in a bid to improve efficiency). The chain-driven motors and the transmissions were already well-proven, which meant there was no new or untested powertrain technology to go wrong in this generation.
Lengthy warranty: When the i20 was launched in South Africa, a 5-year/150 000 km warranty was included in the purchase price. However, from 1 February 2016, the Seoul-based automaker’s local distributor extended this standard plan to 7 years or 200 000 km by incorporating an additional 2-year/50 000 km powertrain warranty. That means later model-year examples on the used market today will still enjoy significant cover, provided their previous owners have not voided their warranties.
What are the disadvantages of a Hyundai i20?
Disappointing safety spec: Though ABS with EBD was standard, the IB-series i20 lacked a few safety features. For instance, it was never offered locally with electronic stability control nor ISOfix child-seat anchors, while only dual front airbags were included (all derivatives featured solid rear discs rather than drums, though) and the middle rear passenger had to make do with a lap belt. Disappointingly, Hyundai didn’t take use the opportunity of the facelift to add any safety kit. Of course, models in Europe were far better equipped in this department, which saw the i20 score 4 stars from Euro NCAP in 2015.
Fairly lacklustre engines: The i20’s engines were well-proven (and uncomplicated), but they lacked low-down grunt – a fact particularly apparent at altitude – compared with the turbocharged units utilised by some of the model’s competitors. The 1.2-litre mill, which made its peak torque at a high 4 000 rpm, laboured to perform brisk overtaking manoeuvres at highway speeds, while the 1.4-litre powerplant’s maximum twisting force arrived at 3 500 rpm. Interestingly, more tractable forced-induction mills were offered in Europe, but these didn’t even make it to South Africa, likely due to cost considerations.
Peeling paint: We’ve seen several i20 units – most of which were finished in Polar White – suffer from flaking and peeling paint, sometimes referred to as paint delamination. The issue wasn’t restricted to a single area of the body, as we’ve noted the problem on the tailgate (the area below the screen is most commonly affected), the roof (often right above the windscreen) and even the bonnet. Though Hyundai Automotive SA didn’t ever publicly acknowledge this as a factory fault, we have heard of multiple instances of the company covering repairs, or at least contributing to the cost thereof.
How much is a used Hyundai i20 in South Africa?
To reiterate, the i20’s warranty was extended from 5 years/150 000 km to 7 years/200 000 km early in 2016. The 1.2-litre variants included a 2-year/30 000 km service plan, while the 1.4-litre versions scored a slightly more generous 3-year/60 000 km plan (with intervals of 15 000 km in each case).
Of the used 2nd-gen Hyundai i20 listings on Cars.co.za at the time of writing, 66% featured the 1.2-litre engine (with the remaining 34% using the 1.4-litre motor), while 86% were specified with a manual gearbox. Fascinatingly, 1.4 Sport derivatives made up just 2% of all listings and 1.4 Active variants accounted for only 6%. The most popular trim level was the entry-level Motion at 65%.
Mileages varied from just 7 242 km (on a 2018 1.4 Fluid 4AT) to 239 082 km (on a 2019 1.2 Motion). Despite issues around paint delamination for this colour, white was the most common hue at 42% of all listings, followed by silver (25%) and red (11%).
- Below R125 000: There were limited options below this mark, with most being early model-year examples. Listed mileages weren’t nearly as high as we were expecting, with more than half displaying less than 100 000 km on their respective odometers.
- From R125 000 to R200 000: This was the most densely populated pricing bracket at the time of writing, though only just (the R200k-to-R250k category was right on its tail). We found plenty of facelifted examples in this space, including the majority of the 1.4 Sport versions listed on our site. The most common model years here were 2018 and 2019.
- From R200 000 to R250 000: Buyers on the hunt for a 1.4 Active would likely find themselves shopping in this section, which furthermore featured almost exclusively facelifted examples of the model. Every single example here was listed with under 100 000 km on its odometer.
- R250 000 and up: Most of the listings above the R250 000 mark were from the 2020 and 2021 model years, though the 1.2-litre engine still dominated. The most expensive i20 we would unearth was a 2020 1.4 Active with 14 000 km on the clock, priced at R299 950.
Which Hyundai i20 should I buy?
So, which derivative is the pick of the bunch? Well, we’d opt for the 1.4-litre motor paired with the 6-speed manual gearbox since this combination delivered the best driving experience. Note, however, that the 1.4’s claimed consumption (at 6.5 L/100 km) was slightly higher than that of the 1.2-litre engine (and its 5-speed manual cog-swapper), which came in at 5.9 L/100 km.
Should your budget allow, we’d furthermore suggest narrowing your search to examples of the facelifted model, which benefited from items such as a far more modern infotainment system and, in some cases, extra standard kit (at the mid-cycle update, the 1.4 Fluid, for example, gained automatic headlights, a centre armrest, LED daytime running lights and leather trim for the ‘wheel and gear knob). Buyers who narrow their search to facelifted examples would likely also score the balance of that 7-year warranty.
And the trim level? Well, since the base Motion grade did without items such as alloy rims, foglights, rear-passenger air vents, rear electric windows and rear parking sensors, we’d point to the Fluid- or Active (if the latter’s packaging appeals to your sense of style) specification as offering the most value.
That brings us neatly to the post-facelift i20 1.4 Fluid 6MT as our recommended buy.
Is the Hyundai i20 a good used buy?
In addition to the strong-selling locally built Volkswagen Polo and Cologne-produced 6th- and 7th-gen Ford Fiesta, the IB-series (2nd-gen) Hyundai i20 had to contend with the likes of the 4th-gen Kia Rio hatchback, the XP130-series Toyota Yaris, the Renault Clio IV, the X15-gen Opel Corsa, the 3rd-gen Mazda2 and the 3rd iteration of the Honda Jazz (a generation that was likewise sourced from India).
When new, the Hyundai i20 offered excellent value for money and the same goes for this model on the used market. If you’re not fussed about the lack of electronic stability control (across the range) and general lack of under-bonnet verve, well-cared-for examples of this B-segment hatchback can deliver a wonderful mix of practical packaging, comfortable ride quality and the potential for long-term reliability.
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