Hyundai i20

The heart of the Hyundai i20 2025 is its 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine, a familiar unit that’s been tuned for efficiency and ease. With the 5-speed manual, it churns out 83 PS and 115 Nm of torque, while the IVT automatic bumps that up slightly to 88 PS, keeping the torque steady. 

Driving it feels smooth and composed—there’s no neck-snapping acceleration here, but it’s got enough grunt for daily commutes and the occasional highway jaunt. We found it responsive in city traffic, with light steering that makes weaving through chaos a breeze. On open roads, it holds its own, though overtaking requires a bit of planning as the engine starts to strain under heavy throttle.

The i20 2025 strikes a decent balance between comfort and control, though it’s not without quirks. Its suspension—McPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear—leans toward firmness, which means you’ll feel potholes and speed bumps more than you might in a softer-riding rival. In the city, it can get a bit jiggly over rough patches, but it smooths out nicely at higher speeds, making highway cruises pleasantly stable. 

We enjoyed how planted it feels on twisty roads, with minimal body roll thanks to that taut setup. The steering is light and precise, perfect for tight parking spots, though it lacks the feedback some enthusiasts might crave. At 170 mm, the ground clearance handles India’s unpredictable roads well, rarely scraping over obstacles. It’s not a corner-carving hot hatch (leave that to the N Line), but it’s a confident handler for everyday needs.

Fuel economy is a strong suit—ARAI claims 16 kmpl for the manual and 20 kmpl for the IVT, though real-world figures hover around 14-15 kmpl in the city and 17-18 kmpl on highways, depending on your driving style. Compared to hybrid rivals, it’s not the thriftiness champ, but it’s competitive among petrol-only hatchbacks. 

The catch? There’s no turbo petrol or diesel option anymore, and the sporty i20 N Line’s 1.0L turbo (120 PS) is a separate beast with its own pricing (starting at ₹9.99 lakh). We miss the variety, but the current setup keeps things simple and reliable, with a refined hum that doesn’t intrude into the cabin.

Step inside, and the i20 2025 feels like a step above the average hatchback. The cabin is spacious, with a driver-focused dashboard that’s both functional and premium-ish. The 10.25-inch touchscreen (on higher variants) dominates the center, flanked by sleek AC vents and a digital instrument cluster that’s easy on the eyes. 

Materials are a mixed bag—soft-touch surfaces up top blend with harder plastics lower down, but it’s well-built and feels durable. We love the front seats’ cushioning, perfect for long drives, though rear under-thigh support could be better. Legroom and headroom are generous, even for taller passengers, and the 311-litre boot swallows luggage with ease.

Features like wireless charging, a Bose 7-speaker system, and an electric sunroof (voice-activated on top trims) add a luxe touch, while rear AC vents and USB-C ports keep everyone happy. The ambient lighting in 64 colors is a neat party trick, though it’s more gimmick than game-changer. It’s not flawless—base variants feel sparse, and the lack of a rear armrest stings—but it’s a cozy, tech-savvy space overall.

The i20 2025 is a head-turner, no doubt about it. Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design language gives it a sleek, aggressive stance—low, wide, and dripping with character. The front grille, with its parametric jewel pattern, pairs with sharp LED headlights to create a bold face, while the sculpted bonnet adds a touch of dynamism. From the side, the creased lines and 16-inch alloy wheels (on higher trims) give it a muscular look, and the sloping roofline keeps it sporty without sacrificing practicality. 

The rear, with connected LED taillights and a subtle spoiler, wraps up the package neatly. Available in eight shades, including Fiery Red with Abyss Black and Atlas White, it’s got options to match any personality. We think it’s one of the sharper designs in the segment, though the 2025 update doesn’t stray far from the 2020 blueprint—just a few subtle tweaks to keep it fresh

Safety is a priority for the i20 2025, and it delivers a solid package. Standard across all variants are six airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX mounts, while higher trims add hill-start assist, electronic stability control, and a tyre pressure monitor.

 The 3-star Global NCAP rating from 2021 (for the pre-facelift model) isn’t class-leading, but the sturdy build and comprehensive features inspire confidence. We appreciate the driver aids like the rearview camera and parking sensors, though adaptive cruise control is conspicuously absent—a miss when rivals offer it. It’s a safe bet for families, even if it doesn’t top the charts.

The i20 2025 faces a crowded field. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno brings better fuel efficiency and a lower price tag, while the Tata Altroz offers a 5-star safety rating and a diesel option. Toyota’s Glanza mirrors the Baleno with added brand reliability, and the Citroen C3 tempts with quirky style and a softer ride. 

The i20 holds its own with superior features and a premium feel, but it’s pricier than some and lacks powertrain variety. We think it’s a strong contender, though not the undisputed king—your priorities will decide the winner here.

• Maruti Baleno – Better fuel efficiency, more rear space, but lacks premium interior quality.
• Toyota Glanza – Essentially a rebadged Baleno with Toyota’s service network.
• Tata Altroz – Strong build quality and 5-star safety rating, but lacks a smooth automatic transmission. Also, fit and finish is not its forte. 

The Hyundai i20 2025 is a polished, stylish hatchback that nails the basics while sprinkling in some premium flair. It’s not perfect—limited engine options and a firm ride might deter some—but it’s a compelling choice for those who value design, tech, and a solid all-round package. 

We’d recommend it to urban buyers who want a bit of pizzazz without breaking the bank, though mileage buffs or safety sticklers might look elsewhere. It’s close to the top of its class, just not quite at the pinnacle.

DT = Dual-tone color options cost a slight premium.

• Best Value Variant – Sportz Manual (₹8.42 lakh) – Gets most features without being too expensive.
• Best for Comfort & Convenience – Asta Opt IVT (₹11.10 lakh) – Offers automatic transmission + premium features.
• Not for – Buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency (Baleno/Glanza are better) or 5-star safety (Altroz is stronger).