2018 Hyundai Elite i20 Review: A Round-Up After First Drive

2018 Hyundai Elite i20 in India: Foreword

The 2018 i20’s nearly-unaltered facade makes you confuse itself with the older model

The truth is a facelift doesn’t necessarily entail a complete head-to-toe transformation especially when it comes to exterior; no, that is not the case, and my advice to all of you folks is never make any assumption. What I’m trying to get at here is that a car buyer’s concern should lie more with the vehicle’s performance on road and the convenience to be experienced in the cabin during the drive. Well! This perfectly recaps the situation of the 2018 Hyundai Elite i20 whose presentation doesn’t scream much of change and leave more spotlight to the update of the content. This article will talk in detail about that and help you come up with the decision of whether the car suits you or not when you’re finished reading.

2018 Hyundai Elite i20 Exterior Review: The Familiar-looking Vessel

The larger cascading grille being surmounted by Hyundai badge lends a bold feel to the front end

As mentioned above about the little change in the appearance of the Elite i20, we will focus more on the main modifications that really improve the car’s performance. Of all those several items, the projector headlamps sure stand out with the swept-back frames, LED DRL and strips of positioning-cornering lamps, whose solid impression is a notch levelled up with the addition of the hexagonal grille of cascade design. Divert your notice to the side and be greeted by the pristine set of laser-cut 16-inch alloy wheels. But that’s not all, Hyundai did consider your itch for facelifting and take a step further to indulge its clients by making the paint palette more colourful with a trio of dual tones: Polar white/black; Fiery red/ black; Passion orange/black. 

The sporty pair of wrap-around tail lamps does a good job of making the back end look sleeker and more fluid

The sporty pair of wrap-around tail lamps does do a good job of making the back end look sleeker and more fluid. Whereas, being in no position to boast, the 285-litre boot space can be expanded up to 1,042 litres with the back seat row being folded down. Furthermore, it goes in pair with an internal lamp which is activated by the opening of the boot lid, being a great help in locating or arranging stuff in places without sufficient illumination. Still, the overall contour of the former model is retained, featuring the aerodynamics-enhancing design which reduces air turbulence, hence has driver’s handling boosted up and increases fuel efficiency.

Standing at a volume of 285 litres, the humble boot space of the old car was retained and is added to the 2018 design

2018 Hyundai Elite i20 Interior Review: Upgraded Inside

 We feel that it would be quite a few heads better if the manufacturer had decided to go for leathery for the seat covering

Now getting to the real juicy bits. Apart from the same dashboard layout which is carried over from the predecessor, everything else receives its own share of upgrading to some extent. The old upholstery is replaced by comfortable on-spot covering, though we feel that it would be quite a few tads better if the manufacturer decided to go for leathery. 

Ergonomics largely benefits from the revised dimensions, allowing passenger, esp. driver right postures and preventing fatigue

The redesigned dimensions lead to more than enough of shoulder/leg/head room, meaning no disturbance to privacy on both seat rows.  

In this version of Elite i20, we have the steering wheel being adjustable thanks to the incorporated manual tilt and telescopic steering column, allowing the driver to change position to their preference – avoiding weariness from being kept in the same posture for a long time. The instrument cluster received an inbuilt multi-info display screen with customization. Regarding recreational feature, the up-to-date 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system offers you access to Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and the smart AVN system which will definitely reform how you run your car. 

And if you ask what is it the car gets to combat this summer, the answer is the combo of FATC and cluster ionizer. The full auto air conditioning system is in charge of maintaining the desired temperature which is set before; on the other hand, the cluster ionizer gets the inside air clean and fresh again by produce and release ions into the cabin. Other convenience features can be named as the cooled glove box, driver’s adjustable seat, seat pocket, sunglass holder, centre console storage, armrest integrated with storage box, etc.

For the safety of customers, the manufacturer goes by an uncompromising and non-negotiating principle. Dual front airbags together with ABS appear on all variants (top-spec models get 6 airbags). Headlights work automatically based on the daylight strength (on when the sun sets, off during the day). The list keeps going with reverse parking camera with sensors, smart pedal, auto power window with pinch guard and speed-sensing auto door lock.

2018 Hyundai Elite i20 Engine & Performance

Update to this part will have to wait in a few months

The engines of the preceding i20 have made its way to the current model. Update to this part will have to wait in a few months as rumour said. That being said, the 1.4 CRDi diesel motor is always viewed as a cutting-edge which Hyundai has to offer. It delivers 90 ps of peak power @ 4000 rpm with a max torque of 22.4 kg.m @ 1500 rpm and comes in pair with the 6-speed manual gearbox. 

Another option is the 1.2 MPi dual VTVT petrol unit, which generates 83 ps of max power @ 6000 rpm and 11.7 kg.m of max torque @ 4000 rpm; it is mated to the 5-speed manual transmission.

In this drive test, we got our hand on the diesel one. During the journey, an improvement in suspension can be clearly felt when we drove the car on bumpy roads and had it tackle the rough terrain smoothly, though body lean is to be expected whenever you make a turn. 

2018 Hyundai Elite i20 Color: How many Options?

Hyundai Elite i20 2018 is available with 8 colour options including:

• Star Dust

• Fiery Red Dual Tone

• Fiery Red

• Passion Orange

• Sleek Silver

• Mariana Blue

• Polar White Dual Tone

• Polar White

All colour options of Hyundai Elite i20 2018

2018 Hyundai Elite i20 Price: Is it affordable?

2018 Hyundai Elite i20 Detail Specs & Dimensions

2018 Hyundai Elite i20: Sign off

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