2018 Hyundai Elite i20 - Test Drive Review

2018 Hyundai Elite I20 Introduction

First launched in India in 2014, the Hyundai Elite i20 makes up for a large proportion of personal vehicles’ sales in India with over 11,000 units being sold each month, which makes it the flagship model of the South Korean auto manufacturer in India. It is no wonder why Hyundai chose the 2018 Auto Expo to globally debut the 2018 Hyundai Elite i20 before its official launch in India in May 2018. The facelifted Hyundai Elite i20 has experienced considerable updates as regards both of its exterior and interior. Furthermore, some alterations have also been done to the engine options; a new CTV unit has also been added to the transmission options just one week after the vehicle’s launch.

The 2018 Hyundai Elite i20 received a considerable update last year.

2018 Hyundai Elite I20 Design

2018 Hyundai Elite I20 Exterior

The Hyundai Elite i20 has been remarkably updated with many exterior alterations. Overall, the hatchback gets a sporty design which can make us mistake it for a European car if the Hyundai badge is removed. To make the vehicle look more appealing, the South Korean auto manufacturer has decided to get rid of the excessive slashes and cuts.

2018 Hyundai Elite I20 Exterior - Front

To be more specific, in the front, the central area is taken by Hyundai’s typical Cascading grille. The bumper has been sharply redesigned while the fog lamps have been reshaped. The vehicle now comes with polishing, swept-back headlights. Positioned next to the headlights are the air curtains which can circulate the airflow to enhance the fuel mileage. The bonnet is decorated with muscular lines; the turn indicators which are properly integrated into the headlamps hide in plain sight.

The 2018 Hyundai Elite i20 front has been equipped with quite a few new features.

2018 Hyundai Elite I20 Exterior - Side profile

On the side profile, the chrome on the door handles are a bit too excessive, but this seems to be a favourite material of the Indian auto buyers. The facelifted model now runs on a brand-new 5-spoke 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels which are one of the most outstanding upgraded exterior features of the vehicle. Unlike the Jazz and the Baleno, the Elite i20 misses out on the MPV-like overtones. The black C-pillar, the door cladding and the shoulder-line slim down the profile. Particularly, the shoulder line connects the front and the taillights together.

Likewise, the side profile has also been upgraded to a large extent.

2018 Hyundai Elite I20 Exterior - Rear

In the rear, the taillights get a new design which makes it look good, especially at night. The license plate has been removed from the rear bumper to the tailgate while the bumper now comes with a dual-tone paint scheme. The ‘CRDI’ or ‘VTVT’ badges have also been removed from the bottom right corner of the boot lid.

2018 Hyundai Elite I20 Exterior - Colour options

The colour options of the Elite i20 has also been updated with the addition of Fiery Red and Passion Orange, both of which are also offered in a two-tone paint scheme. Nevertheless, the two-tone scheme options along with a black cabin with Tangerine Orange/Satin Red highlights are limited to the Asta trim.

Overall, with all the updates, the 2018 Hyundai Elite i20 comes with a much more attractive appearance which is sure to catch anyone’s attention.

Also read - Modified Hyundai Elite i20 With Custom Body Kit Looks Amazing

2018 Hyundai Elite I20 Interior

2018 Hyundai Elite I20 Interior - Colours

 The Hyundai Elite i20’s cabin is offered in several colour options. The first one is the black-and-beige colour theme. An all-black cabin is also available for customers who choose Passion Orange with Black roof, Fiery Red with Black Roof and Polar White with Black roof. Highlights of different colours, Tangerine Orange and Satin Red are also available for the cabin of the Elite i20, depending on the overall colour theme.

2018 Hyundai Elite I20 Interior - Features

Convenience and comfort

While the alterations done to the interior are harder to realize in comparison with the exterior, a closer look will reveal some minor but effective changes to the cabin. For novices, the most recognizable new features to the cabin are the new seat coverings and the rear seat row now get central armrest with cup holders. The headrests, armrest and the premium upholsteries provide a comfortable travelling experience for both the driver and the passengers. Moreover, the contrasting black and beige stitching is also a very interesting combination.

On the other hand, experienced car reviewers can realize much more interesting things.

The first one is the beautifully redesigned dashboard with unique air conditioner vents. The instrument cluster gets a speedometer and an analogue tachometer with the lightening dials which help the driver see the specifications more clearly, even at night.

The 2018 Hyundai Elite i20 has been equipped with a redesigned dashboard.

The central console gets a MID, which is absent in the outgoing model. Below the central air conditioner vents, right at the top of the central console are the audio unit. The engine start/stop button is positioned next to the console. Now, an 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system which is the best unit in the segment supports AVN (Audio Visual Navigation) connectivity has also been equipped in the vehicle. Metal highlights are added to the parking brake, inside door handles and gear knob, which shows that Hyundai has paid great attention to the small details.

The 2018 Hyundai Elite i20 now gets a segment-leading 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

There is also small storage space at the lower end of the console where passengers’ accessories like mobile phones can be kept. Other convenience features are the two 12V power sockets, an AUX and a USB port. All the doors come with door pockets which are not deep enough to store big things. All of these features contribute to the practicality of the vehicle.  

Safety

Hyundai has equipped the Elite 20 with a wide array of safety features; however, disappointingly, they are only available on the higher-spec variants. Specifically, the safety equipment list offered on the high-spec trims includes multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, an electronic rear-view mirror, central locking, rear camera, seatbelts with pretensioners and keyless entry setup. The South Korean automaker is expected to update the safety feature list of the Elite i20 across its lineup to ensure both the driver and the passengers’ safety.

Generally, the 2018 Hyundai Elite i20 has a practical and comfortable cabin with a wide array of top-notch interior features.

2018 Hyundai Elite I20 Specifications

2018 Hyundai Elite I20 Dimensions

The 2018 Hyundai Elite i20 measures 3,985 mm in length, 1,734 in width and 1,505 mm in height. It offers a 2,570 mm wheelbase, a 170 mm ground clearance and a 285-litres boot space

2018 Hyundai Elite I20 Riding and Handling Quality

For the petrol version, the performance is adequate; the smooth shifting 5-speed MT gearbox is satisfactory for average passengers. The continual power circulation provides enough spoke throughout the rev range. Nevertheless, the low-end torque is not sufficient. Moreover, additional attention needs to be paid when the clutch and the throttle are modulated in stop-start traffic to prevent the car from suddenly being stopped.

The driving wheel is quite light, which makes it easy to use in city driving. When the car accelerates, the ESP increases the weight, helping the car delivering a smooth drive even at a triple-digit speed; however, at a lower speed, it is still much more confident, which makes it an ideal vehicle for an average city commuter. Now, with the addition of the 5-speed CVT gearbox, the Hyundai Elite i20 petrol promises to offer all the occupants a comfortable ride without any gearstick jerks.

As regards the diesel version, the performance is satisfactory with the constant power circulation and decreased turbo-lag in comparison with the outgoing version. It offers an excellent city driving with sufficient low-end torque.

Overall, the new Hyundai Elite i20 is a breakthrough as regards riding and handling quality. Addressing broken roads and potholes is simple provided that the low speed is maintained. It proves to serve as a useful hatchback for city everyday city commuters, but not a reliable highway drivers’ companion.

The 2018 Hyundai Elite i20 proves to be a city commuters' companion.

2018 Hyundai Elite i20 Price List

The 2018 Hyundai Elite i20 is priced in the range from Rs 5.51 lakh to Rs 9.12 lakh (petrol version) and from Rs 6.89 lakh to Rs 9.32 lakh (diesel version) (all prices are ex-showroom). In this price range, it competes against the Maruti Baleno, the Honda Jazz and the Volkswagen Polo. Refer to the table below for a detailed price list of the 2018 Hyundai Elite i20 across its variants.

2018 Hyundai Elite i20 Verdict

With almost 12,000 units sold last year, the Hyundai Elite i20 deserves to be the best-selling Hyundai model in India in 2018. The facelift that the vehicle received in May last year further reinforces its position in the teeming Indian hatchback segment in India. Offering an appealing appearance, a practical cabin, excellent riding and handling quality in city driving and particularly an all-new CVT unit, the Hyundai Elite i20 is expected to maintain its enormous popularity with the Indian auto buyers in the future.

Also read - Hyundai Elite I20 Sells More Than Hyundai Grand I10 In 2018

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