Hyundai ix20 review (2010-2019)
The Hyundai ix20 is a clever piece of design. It manages to contain the sort of cabin space you’d usually see in a car from the class above, like a Ford Focus. Yet it puts it a footprint the size of the Hyundai i20 supermini. So if you need good space and small costs, it’s worth a look. Find out what we think in our road-tested Hyundai ix20 review.
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Pros
- Plenty of headroom
- Economical engines
- Reliability track record
Cons
- Not the most exciting design
- Interior feels dated
Interior
Our rating: 7/10
You might be buying a Hyundai ix20 because you need the space and flexibility it offers.
Thankfully, Hyundai knows this so has given the ix20 an interior that looks and feels reasonably special.
The instrument cluster itself is comparatively conventional. It features a couple of clear circular dials for the rev counter and speedometer, with a digital display between them that shows your fuel level, the coolant temperature, plus subsidiary information.
To the left, on top of the dash, is a small digital display for the clock.
Tech and features
Below this (on some earlier models) is the audio system, made up of a radio and CD player.
On later versions, this unit has been replaced by a touchscreen infotainment setup that operates the full audio system.
You can also change various systems using this screen. Look out for this, as we feel it’s a great addition to the interior.
Beneath this is an unusual-looking ventilation control system with a couple of ‘stacked’ dials that change the temperature and fan speed.
These dials are surrounded by a cluster of buttons that control the airflow around the vehicle.
Under this, ahead of the gear lever, sits a small storage area that also houses a couple of USB sockets and a 12v power outlet.
Performance
Our rating: 7/10
Engines and power
Early cars came with the option of a 1.4-litre or 1.6-litre petrol engine, or a 1.4 turbodiesel. As Hyundai slimmed down the range later in the vehicle’s life, only the 1.6 petrol was available.
The 1.4 diesel is the star of the range, because it gives the car loads of low-down pulling power for when all 5 seats are occupied, and at the same time displays a keenness to avoid refuelling stops.
Handling and ride comfort
All the controls are light and positive, which makes driving the ix20 around town exceptionally easy. The gearshift is light, the steering is quick, and the pedals are easy.
Hyundai has also managed to tune the suspension so it deals with everything the UK roads can throw at it, but without being so soft that the car pitches and rolls like a ship in a storm.
Practicality
Our rating: 8/10
If a car is going to succeed at providing the flexibility and usability of an MPV in the footprint of a supermini, then the designers have to get the grey matter working overtime to make everything work.
Rear seats
The good news is that Hyundai’s boffins clearly put in a few overtime shifts on the ix20. That high roofline means loads of headroom for everyone, and there’s plenty of legroom for those up front.
The good news further back is that the rear seats can be slid backwards and forwards, which allows you to prioritise leg space or boot capacity as required.
Boot space
The boot becomes huge when you fold down the rear seats flat. It’s more than big enough for a weekly shop or a couple of weeks’ holiday luggage.
Running costs
Our rating: 8/10
Fuel economy
As mentioned, the 1.4-litre diesel is the star engine, and it should manage an average of 65.7mpg. If petrol is your fuel of choice, the 1.4 is still sweet and should manage an average of 50.4mpg, which is good for a petrol car.
Reliability
The ix20 has a five-star rating from crash test body Euro NCAP, which helps towards its lower insurance ratings – it starts in group 7 and rises to group 13.
The verdict
Interior
7/10
Performance
7/10
Practicality
8/10
Running costs
8/10
The Hyundai ix20 is an unassuming car that’s a whole lot more talented than people give it credit for.
Those inoffensive looks shroud an interior that’s properly clever in the way it blends space with little touches that give it genuine flexibility.
The driving experience is easy and stress-free, and the large glass area gives a tremendous view out. The ix20 also comes with the sort of standard kit that makes daily life easier, such as air-conditioning.
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