Hyundai i20 1.4 CRDi Style 5dr Pre-Model Car Review - February 2012

The steering is a little heavy at times, but on the road the i20 has plenty of grip and even in the corners the handling is stable and predictable, even if it is a little dull. There is a little body lean when going around a corner at pace, but on the whole the driving experience is tame and muted for the most part. The driving position is quite good for a small car, and the visibility is good. Those drivers who are quite tall may find the driving position a little too high, and the dials are easy to read but are functional rather than stylish.

In terms of the engine performance, the 1.4 CRDi diesel engine is more focused on efficiency rather than speed, and this means that the acceleration from 0-62mph is a sluggish 13.5 seconds. However, once the i20 is rolling the top speed of 108mph is perfectly fine, and the cabin feels quite refined and quiet even when driving on the motorway.

The Hyundai's looks aren't going to be winning any design awards, but they do share many design features with the most popular cars in the class. The large intake below the narrow grille is typical of modern hatchbacks, and the eye shaped headlights are also a common feature in these cars. The overall image of the i20 is that it does look a lot like a Ford Fiesta, and the fact that the alloy wheels do come as standard in this model means that the i20 is stylish enough so that drivers won't feel self conscious about the vehicle.

In terms of equipment, this top of the range version of the i20 does bring a few more luxurious features into the car, including climate control and a power folding mirror. Leather seats are also an unusual luxury in a small car, and the Bluetooth connectivity is also a welcome inclusion. This is still a small car, but the level of equipment is really quite impressive.

The i20 is not among the smallest cars so it can actually make use of the back seats, and four people would be able to travel quite comfortably. The boot space is not massive but it can accommodate a few cases or other items of luggage.

The security equipment is fairly standard for a car of this size, although not having the option of an alarm may deter some people from areas with high levels of car crime. The i20 has also been awarded a five star award from the Euro NCAP test, and comes with a range of airbags to look after the driver and passengers. ESP, ABS and traction control are all installed to help the driver stay in control of the car at all times, even in poor weather conditions.

This is always the most difficult to judge, especially when looking at the top of the range examples of small cars. The list price of £13,895 is comparable with a number of larger cars, so for people who value space and practicality over luxury, this particular version of the i20 may not be the one for them.

The superb diesel engine is able to deliver a whopping average 67.3mpg, which is among the best in the class, and the five year warranty and five year roadside breakdown assistance is also an excellent package. The insurance group is low, and the resale values are all quite good, so the i20 is quite an attractive option.