Used Hyundai i20

What to know before buying: Hyundai i20

From 1 forum thread and 3 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The new i20 is praised for its roomy cabin: four adults fit comfortably, while petrol versions offer 352–1,165 litres of luggage space; the 48V hybrid offers 262–1,075 litres.[1]one source
• The new i20 chassis delivers a more stable and engaging drive than before, although some drivers may find the suspension firm.[1]one source
• The refreshed i20 offers SmartSense active-safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane assistance and driver-attention warning.[4]one source
• The new i20's cabin materials trail some rivals, but its equipment level is generous for the class.[1]one source

Typical faults

• A 2012 1.2-litre 86 hp car reportedly had a sticking clutch slave cylinder: the pedal hardened, gears could not be selected, and operation returned after 20–30 minutes.[2]one source

  2012–2012 · 1.2 86 hp

• A 2008/2009 1.2-litre car was reported to drop one cylinder and illuminate the engine warning light when accelerating cold; the symptom disappeared after warm-up.[2]one source

  2008–2009 · 1.2 57 kW

• A 2016 i20 was reported to stall unpredictably while driving—sometimes several times in one day, yet sometimes not at all for a month.[3]one source

  2016–2016

• Owners of 2014 i20s reported weak or intermittent air-conditioning performance; one entry records 14 similar reports.[3]one source

  2014–2014

• A 2019 i20 was reported to develop intermittently heavy steering while driving; replacing the steering motor did not cure that particular car.[3]one source

  2019–2019

Which engine and version to take

• For the new i20, choose the small turbo engine with the 48V mild-hybrid system if lively performance and efficiency matter.[1]one source

What to check at the inspection

• Test a 2012 1.2-litre car after an extended drive: confirm that the clutch pedal does not harden and every gear still engages.[2]one source
• Start a 2008/2009 1.2-litre car completely cold and accelerate gently, watching for the engine warning light and a cylinder dropping out.[2]one source
• On a 2014 car, verify that the air conditioner consistently produces cold air rather than merely blowing ambient air.[3]one source
• During a test drive of a 2019 car, check the steering assistance at different speeds and watch for sudden heaviness.[3]one source
• Check all safety and infotainment equipment: the refreshed i20 may have lane and collision-avoidance assistance, a touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.[4]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]iauto.lv — Hyundai i2 tests, atsauksmes un iespaidi 2022 - Forums · forum
2. [2]dobrymechanik.pl — Hyundai i20 typowe usterki i serwisowanie - 30 porad · press
3. [3]startmycar.com — Hyundai i20 problems and issues - Page 3 · press
4. [4]hyundai.lv — Hyundai i20: viedāks, drošāks un ar atsvaidzinātu dizainu · press

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