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Hyundai I20 Problems

Are you having problems with your Hyundai I20? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Hyundai I20 issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the Hyundai I20 in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

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Best second-hand hatchbacks?

An older i30 should be fine, and far better value than a Corolla that everyone chases. You also should check out a more recent Hyundai i20 or Kia Rio. They are smaller but still good cars and would have some factory warranty.

Best small car for city driving?

You're not alone feeling the stress of choosing a new car. Toyota's Yaris is the safe choice but you should test drive the Suzuki Swift, since it also gets The Tick. Bargain hard on your favourite.

Best options for used first car?

The cars you have been looking at are all good, sound and safe ones that have no serious issues to be concerned about and would give you reliable service for many years to come. Note that all of them are from Asia; I would suggest that you rule out anything from Europe. Another to consider would be the Mitsubishi Lancer.

Used Hyundai i20 review: 2010-2014

Competent rather than thrilling, the i20 is a popular town commuter car.

With our cities becoming more and more clogged with traffic it's not surprising that smaller cars, such as the Hyundai i20, are gaining favour with buyers

Hyundai launched the i20 in 2010, following in the small car tracks of the Excel and Getz, and its primary role was in the city as an A-to-B car for commuters.

The range kicked off with the Active, which could be had in three and five-door hatch versions, the mid-ranger was the Elite five-door and the top model was the five-door Premium.

For a small car the i20 could accommodate four adults in reasonable comfort, though the front passenger might cede some legroom.

It also had decent boot space for the size of car and split-folding rear seats increased the space for carrying bigger items.

The standard engine was a 1.4-litre four-cylinder and the Premium had a 1.6-litre job, which could also be optioned into the mid-range Elite.

Most buyers opted for the 1.4, which performed manfully against most models in the class but was pushing into the wind against the leaders in the segment.

Transmission choices were a five-speed manual gearbox and four-speed automatic, the latter being the more popular.

The manual was replaced by a more user-friendly six-speeder in 2012 but buyers in general stuck with the auto, even though its wide gear spacing wasn't terribly well suited to the small engine.

On the road, the i20 handled well and the ride was comfortable. It was competent rather than thrilling.

All models had electronic stability control but the first i20 Actives were rated at four stars by ANCAP as they lacked the side and curtain airbags of the five-star Elite and Premium. That changed in October 2010 when the Active matched the safety features of the other models and was upgraded to five stars.

Few owners have anything but praise for their i20s. There are some complaints but those suggest build issues rather than abiding flaws that should put potential buyers off.

The i20, clearly built as a town commuter car, can be found wanting a little on the open road. Driven with that limitation in mind, it can still do the job on a long-distance jaunt.

It's worth checking the history of any second-hand i20 as plenty of them were used as renters. That shouldn't rule them out completely but you need to check these examples more carefully than one from a private seller.

Checking the car's service history is also very important. At the cheap end of the market, some buyers are inclined to push the envelope when it comes to service in the hope of saving a few bucks along the way.

It's not a good strategy as skipping services is risking damage that could end up being more expensive than the missed services. Walk away if you suspect a car has been neglected — there are plenty more out there that have been lovingly maintained by caring owners. Recommended service intervals are 12 months/15,000km.

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Best fuel efficient small sedan?

Mazda2, from a classy brand and great against its size and price rivals; Hyundai i20, great value and probably still with some of the factory warranty; Volkswagen Polo, not necessarily to buy but to provide a quality benchmark for the others.

Family cars... small car, hatch and sedan?

A Hyundai i20 for the daughter, because it's cheap and reliable; a Mazda3 for the mother, because its a great secondhand buy and ideal for her needs; and Holden Commodore for the father, because it's a great drive and the V6 is surprisingly economical.

Ford Fiesta - $8K budget woe

The prices we quote are a guide, but you should be able to find a 2012 Ford Fiesta for $8000 on the private market. A 2012 Hyundai i20 would be a smidgeon cheaper at $7500. Continue looking and haggle hard when you find a car that suits.

Small car with good resale value?

It sounds as if you are Yaris fans but the Mazda2 gets The Tick and is best in the class. The i20 will give you better value and, with a five-year factory warranty, it's holding its value well on the second-hand scene.

Is AEB worth it?

If safety is important you should order it and be prepared to wait because it is worthwhile. Don't let the dealer try to get you to buy something in stock instead.

First car advice | small get-around car

You should not be obsessed by one brand, even though Mazda makes good cars, because companies such as Hyundai are excellent and have better warranty. I'd suggest you get some extra in the kitty and go for a new Hyundai i20 or i30.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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