BMW I3 vs Hyundai I20
What's the difference?

BMW I3

—

2020 price

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Hyundai I20

$27,950 - $32,888

2022 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Summary

2020 BMW I3

2022 Hyundai I20

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Turbo 4, 1.6L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

270 km

6.9L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Dynamics
Powertrain
Practicality

Dislikes

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

Firm ride
Flaky launch control
Turning circle

2020 BMW I3 Summary

It’s easy to forget BMW was paddling into the growing electric vehicle wave when it was only a gentle swell. It took off early with the i3 city car, which believe it or not has been in the Aussie new car market for six years.

While the German maker has long been developing the concept of electrified powertrains in existing models, the i3 was the result of a dramatically different approach, showcasing the use of exotic materials and innovative packaging.

Like its i8 supercar sibling, the i3 won’t be replaced with a new-generation version, but BMW says it will continue to develop this high-tech hatch before it departs, and we spent a week in the sporty i3s to see how it stands up in 2020.

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2022 Hyundai I20 Summary

Start occupying the top step of the World Rally Championship podium and the brand benefits are huge. Just ask Audi, Ford, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and the many others which have done exactly that to great effect over the years.

And Hyundai’s most recent foray into the WRC has focused on the compact i20, and here we have that rally weapon’s civilian offspring, the much-anticipated i20 N.

It’s a lightweight, high-tech, city-sized, hot hatch designed to steer you away from Ford’s Fiesta ST or VW’s Polo GTI, and add even more lustre to Hyundai’s N performance badge.

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Deep dive comparison

2020 BMW I3 2022 Hyundai I20

Verdict

Yes, it’s pricey for a small hatch, but this little BMW is a city car like no other. The i3s is tailor made for the urban environment, and six years on retains the quirkiness and charisma that stood it apart at launch, and it can still hold its head high among the current EV crop.

Verdict

The i20 N hatch is so much fun, and not in a special occasion kind of way. It’s an affordable, compact performance car that’ll put a smile on your face no matter where or when you drive it. The Fiesta ST and Polo GTI have a worthy new playmate. I love it!

BMW I3 vs Hyundai I20 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW I3 vs Hyundai I20
What's the difference?