2021 Hyundai i20 vs Old Hyundai i20: An In-Depth Comparison

by Harish Kumar | 05/11/2020
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Hyundai has finally launched the 2021 Hyundai i20 in India today. What has been changed and influenced the new-gen i20 compared to the old i20 model. Check out our 2021 Hyundai i20 vs Old Hyundai i20 Comparison below.

2021 Hyundai i20 vs Old Hyundai i20: Introduction

The Hyundai Elite i20 has been one of the best-selling hatchback cars in the Indian market for a long time now with its USPs being good build quality, well-loaded cabin, reliable engines as well as strong brand images. However, the Hyundai i20 is facing the increasing heat in the segment due to the arrivals of new Tata Altroz, Volkswagen Polo facelift or the bad blood with Maruti Baleno. Therefore, it is a must for Hyundai to give the i20 a comprehensive upgrade.

While it’s been almost two years when the first spy shots of the third-gen i20 surfaced to us, Hyundai has finally launched the new-gen i20 hatchback in India. And it comes as no surprise, people start to care about what differentiates the new-gen i20 vs old model. IndianAuto gets an idea of how the new-gen Hyundai i20 compares against the old-gen model. We pit the 2020 Hyundai i20 vs old Hyundai i20 to see the similarities and differences between the cars.

2020 hyundai i20 red front three quarters image 1

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2021 Hyundai i20 vs Old Hyundai i20 Dimensions: Which Is Bigger?

Check out how new-gen Hyundai i20 dimensions measure up against the old-gen model in the table as follows:

Dimensions

2020 Hyundai i20

Old Hyundai i20

Length

 3995 mm

3985 mm

Width

1775 mm

1734 mm

Height

1505 mm

1505 mm

Wheelbase

2580 mm

2570 mm

The 2021 Hyundai i20 measures 10 mm longer, 41 mm wider than the previous-gen model. With the wheelbase of 2580 mm, the new-gen hatchback car features a 10 mm longer wheelbase than the outgoing i20. The height of the new-gen car has remained the same.

2020 hyundai i20 dimensions

To remind you, the current-gen India-spec Hyundai i20 gets a 3,985 mm in length, 1,734 mm in width and 1,505 mm in height along with the wheelbase of 2,570 mm. While both versions are still ducking under the four-metre mark, the slight growth in terms of sizes of the 2020 Hyundai i20 will bode well for the increase in the amount of legroom and boot space compared to the existing model.

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2021 Hyundai i20 vs Old Hyundai i20 Design: Which Is Better Looking?

Exterior Comparison

The 2021 i20 sports a significantly sportier styling design compared with that outgoing Elite i20 version. Following the company’s all-new “Sensuous Sportiness” design language which made its India debut on the Le Fil Rouge Concept at the Auto Expo 2020, the new-gen Hyundai i20 looks more aggressive than its predecessor and we all love this aggression.

2020 hyundai i20 red colour front angle

old-gen hyundai i20 front fascia

The new hatchback car features a new front fascia with a larger signature single-piece cascading grille which gets blacked-out and diamond-pattern mesh treatments. The headlamps setup looks sharper and sexier than the outgoing model and features LED projector treatments alongside a set of LED DRLs. The fog lamps carry forward its triangular shape of the 2020 Elantra and that again looks sportier than the angular fog lamps housing of the current model. The cut and creases on the bonnet are more prominent as you can see, and the lower section on the bumper is also larger than that of the old Hyundai i20.

next-gen hyundai i20 rear three quarters

Chrome trims are added to the side profile of the new Hyundai i20 that looks a little better than the conventional blacked-out windows of the old hatchback. Again, the character lines and creases look much deeper on both sides of the car giving it a bolder look while there're almost no character lines standing out on the sides of the preceding model. And obviously, the lavishly-designed alloy wheels are something that makes the new i20 more impressive over that of the old-gen i20.

hyundai elite i20 rear angle

Some major changes have been made to the rear end of the new Hyundai i20 2020 as well. The outgoing LED taillamps of the old Hyundai i20 makes room for the swanky-looking angular Z-shaped taillights with LED inserts. The chrome strip running to the width of the new-gen i20 that connects the taillights is in line with the global trend, something that the old i20 is given a miss The black skid plate and the well-sculpted bumper are also brought to the next-gen model, making the new Hyundai i20 more enticing to look from the back. Hyundai will offer six single-tone colours including Polar White, Typhoon Silver, Titan Grey, Fiery Red, Starry Night and Metallic Copper and two dual-tone colour options including Polar White-Black Roof and Fiery Red – Black Roof with the new-gen i20.

Overall, the 2021 Hyundai i20 looks much prettier and sexier than the outgoing Hyundai i20 and there’s no denying that fact.

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Interior Comparison

Another big talking point for the third-gen Hyundai i20 is its interior. It is much similar to that of the international-spec model, barring the full-colour digital instrument cluster being replaced by Verna’s semi-digital unit. From this, the 2020 Hyundai i20 will make use of many linear design cues on the inside.

2020 hyundai i20 interior

The beige-black theme on the old i20 has been removed, paving the way for a more premium black scheme with coffee-brown accents. The dashboard layout of the 2020 Hyundai i20 also looks posher than the outgoing version.  As such, the outgoing Hyundai i20 flaunts a traditional dashboard as seen in many other hatchback cars in India. The dual centre air vents were mounted above the infotainment display which is flanked by some controls buttons and knobs. Whereas, the 2020 Hyundai i20 endears its appeal with a massive free-standing 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system dominating the centre place. There are multiple horizontal blades and layers running through the dash which takes inspiration of the old-spec Audi Q7 SUV, making a major highlight for the new i20’s interior. The new four-spoke steering looks better than the outgoing three-spoke unit. The seats are completely new and premium, taking up the place of the black-beige fabric seats.

2021 Hyundai i20 vs Old Hyundai i20 Features: Which Is Safer And More Convenient?

Comfort Features Comparison

In its latest avatar, the new Hyundai i20 is loaded to the brim with features and many of which are segment-first, making the i20 the most feature-rich hatchback in the category. The all-new i20 gets a massive 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system for the higher-spec variant. The outgoing i20 makes do with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system for the top-spec trims.

2020 hyundai i20 interior dashboard

The 2021 Hyundai i20 comes with ambient lighting which is also given a miss on the old-gen model. Apart from Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, Hyundai’s BlueLink connectivity technology debuted in the Venue is made available on the new i20 that is also unavailable in the previous-gen model. Other added impressive features on the new Hyundai i20 include a multifunctional steering wheel, wireless charging, smart air purifier with virus protector, automatic climate control, cruise control, a sunroof, Bose premium sound system, puddle lamps and TPMS, among others.

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Still, the previous-gen Hyundai Elite i20 received a very practical interior though. It comes with the black-beige dual-tone interior, comfortable seats, ample under-thigh support, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, multi-functional steering, cruise control, height-adjustable driver’s seat among others.

All in all, the all-new Hyundai i20 seems to play its trump cards on the feature package. It is more convenient and feature-rich than the old i20 to some great extent thanks to the additions of advanced features like in-car connectivity tech, fully-digital instrument cluster and a more modern infotainment system.

Safety Features Comparison

Hyundai has just announced that the new Hyundai i20 makes use of a ‘superstructure’ that boasts of 66% advanced and high-strength steel. With that solid structure, the 2021 Hyundai i20 now becomes a lot safer with a lighter bodyweight and enhanced crashworthiness compared to the older model.

2020 hyundai i20 six airbags

One can’t deny that the previous-gen Hyundai i20 has been quite a safe car with a long list of safety equipment including dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system, reverse parking sensors, front seatbelt reminder, seatbelt pre-tensioners, speed alert, engine immobilizer, etc. as standard across the variants.

2020 hyundai i20 solid structure

The standard safety and security features of the 2020 Hyundai i20 comprises of dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, high-speed warning, cruise control, a rearview camera, seatbelt reminders and speed-sensing door locks. Six airbags, hill-start assist are offered on the higher-spec model.

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2021 Hyundai i20 vs Old Hyundai i20 Engine Specs: Which Is Better In Terms Of Performance?

When comparing the 2021 Hyundai i20 vs old i20, we notice that the powertrain is another massive change made to the new-gen hatchback. The all-new Hyundai i20 comes with multiple powertrain options sourced from its big brother Hyundai Venue.

It comes with three engine options including an 82 BHP/ 114 Nm 1.2-litre naturally- aspirated petrol engine, a 120 BHP and 172 Nm 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 100 PS / 240 Nm 1.5-litre turbo-diesel unit. While the 1.2-litre NA petrol mill comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox option and an iVT (with 5 HP more than manual), the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol gets a 6-speed iMT and a 7-speed DCT unit. The diesel motor comes paired with a 6-speed MT option. The 2021 Hyundai i20 is available in four trim levels, namely Magna, Sportz, Asta and Asta (O).

Given the fact that the outgoing i20 diesel has been discontinued from the lineup ahead of the stringent BSVI norms, the previous Hyundai i20 was available with a single petrol mill on boards. From this, the 2021 Hyundai i20 with the engine and gearboxes option of the successful Hyundai Venue is more tempting and more powerful than the outgoing model.

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2021 Hyundai i20 vs Old Hyundai i20 Top Speed: Which Is Faster?

We are yet to know the top speed of the next-gen Hyundai i20 now. The old-gen Hyundai i20 claims to reach a top speed of around 154 kmph and the acceleration (from 0 – 100 kmph) of 11.5 seconds. Further info will be updated soon.

Specs

2021 Hyundai i20

Old Hyundai i20

Top Speed

-

154 kmph

Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h

-

11.5 seconds

2021 Hyundai i20 vs Old Hyundai i20 Mileage: Which Is More Fuel Efficient?

The existing Hyundai i20 has an ARAI-rated fuel efficiency figure of 18.6 kmpl (petrol-MT) and a 17.4 kmpl (petrol-AT). Details on the new-gen i20's mileage figures have been revealed as well. Here’s how efficient is the 2021 Hyundai i20 compared with old Hyundai i20 model:

Specs

2021 Hyundai i20

Old Hyundai i20

Fuel Type

Petrol | Diesel

Petrol

Fuel Tank Capacity

45 litres

45 litres

Fuel Economy

20.35 kmpl (petrol MT)

19.65 kmpl (petrol CVT)

20.25 kmpl (turbo-petrol iMT, DCT)

25.2 kmpl (Diesel)

18.6 kmpl (MT)

17.4 kmpl (AT)

Needless to say, the 2020 Hyundai i20 is a lot more frugal than the old i20 model. When taking the equivalent petrol-MT variants into consideration, the new Hyundai i20 is delivering a higher claimed mileage figure of 21 kmpl as against 18.6 kmpl of the older version. Whereas, the diesel-powered Hyundai i20 is also the most fuel-efficient diesel hatchback in India with a claimed fuel economy rating of 25.2 kmpl.

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2021 Hyundai i20 vs Old Hyundai i20 Road Price: Which Is Cheaper?

With the massive upgrades in place, the 2021 Hyundai i20 is pricier than the older-gen i20 by a margin. The old Hyundai i20 was on sale at the price range of Rs 6.57 – 8.33 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The all-new 2021 Hyundai i20 nơw sits in the price bracket of Rs 6.79 - 11.17 lakh (ex-showroom). Check out the new car prices of 2021 Hyundai i20 in the table below:

2021 Hyundai i20     Magna  Sportz  Asta Asta (O) 
 1.2L Petrol  5MT   Rs 6.79 lakh  Rs 7.59 lakh  Rs 8.69 lakh  Rs 9.19 lakh
   IVT    Rs 8.59 lakh  Rs 9.69 lakh  
  1.0L Turbo-petrol  iMT   Rs 8.79 lakh  Rs 9.89 lakh  
   7DCT      Rs 10.66 lakh  Rs 11.17 lakh
  1.5L Diesel  6MT  Rs 8.19 lakh  Rs 8.99 lakh    Rs 10.59 lakh
 

Hyundai i20: Other Competitors

The Hyundai Elite i20 is rivalling the likes of Maruti Baleno, Honda Jazz, Volkswagen Polo and the recently-launched Tata Altroz, etc. in the competition of the hatchback segment.

Other Competitors

Compare with Hyundai i20

Tata Altroz

 Hyundai i20 vs Tata Altroz

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

 Hyundai i20 vs Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Maruti Baleno

 Hyundai i20 vs Maruti Baleno

Maruti S-Cross

 Hyundai i20 vs Maruti S-Cross

2021 Hyundai i20 vs Old Hyundai i20 Verdict: Which Model Is Worth Buying?

The previous-gen Hyundai i20 was totally a joy to drive. However, it seemed to lack some factors that help it dethrone the sales of the current segment-leader Maruti Suzuki Baleno. With the new-gen i20, Hyundai aims to take the no.1 position from the Maruti. The 2021 Hyundai i20 seems to have everything on point, stylish exterior, superior interior with a super-long list of features and good engine-gearbox options along with high fuel mileage– a very convincing car at a good price point. Even with the jacked-up price range, the 2021 Hyundai i20 is expected to be very competitive, at least for the entry-level models, compared to the old i20 itself or the rivals in the segment.

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