There are three specs to choose from, SE, Sport and Sport Nav, with all cars offering a decent level of kit. In fact, the spec sheet is so generous, the only options on the entry-level SE are metallic paint and fixed price servicing! That means all cars get LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth connectivity, 16-inch alloy wheels and cruise control. Top-of-the-range Sport Nav cars add sat-nav, DAB radio and a reversing camera.
IN STYLING :
The Hyundai i20 Coupe gets two less doors than the standard hatchback, but exactly the same wheelbase. From the front the two cars are identical, but from the side, the sloping roofline and blacked-out C-pillar gives it a sleeker, more stylish appearance. At the back there are a pair of slimmer taillights and some sharp creases in the bumper for a sportier finish.
It’s easy to see the appeal for younger drivers. It looks great, and much like the five-door, interior quality is up there with the best. The flashes of orange match the exterior hue, and the clear, clutter-free dials are simple and easy to read.
IN DRIVING :
Available with an 83bhp 1.2-litre petrol or 89bhp 1.4-litre diesel, Hyundai bosses have slimmed down the i20 engine range for this three-door ‘coupe’, insisting its target audience isn’t concerned with speed or performance – choosing instead to focus on fuel economy and insurance costs.
But along with all the sensible stuff, it’s becoming increasingly important for these humble superminis to also be fun to drive. To all intents and purposes the i20 Coupe feels almost exactly the same as the five-door. That’s no bad thing, with the comfortable suspension setup feeling nicely damped around town and surprisingly composed on the motorway. There’s very little body roll and the steering feels direct. The engine is the car’s downfall, feeling a little lethargic unless you completely wring its neck.
IN RELIABILITY :
IN RELIABILITY :
Safety is a big concern for younger drivers and, of course, their parents. Six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist and tyre pressure monitoring are all included, as is a space saver spare wheel.
Hyundai came a disappointing 21st out of 32 manufacturers in the 2015 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey – down three places from 2014. However, with poor scores for ease of driving and ride quality, the i20 should help bump the brand up next year.
Technically, the Hyundai i20 Coupe gets a bigger boot than the five-door hatchback. However, because all Coupes get a space-saver spare wheel as standard, the 336-litre boot drops to 311 litres – trailing the standard hatch’s by 15 litres. Fold the seats and the Coupe reveals 986 litres, compared to the five-door’s 1,042 load area.
However, in reality, if practicality is of major concern, you’ll be far better off with the five-door car. The extra doors make accessing the rear seats much easier, and the higher roofline means space in the back is more generous. That’s not to say it’s small in the Coupe – you’ll comfortably fit two average sized adults behind a similarly-sized driver.
Three-door Hyundai i20 Coupe is good value and looks great
In Good : Style, Equipment, Price
In Bad : Lacklustre engines, not as practical as the five-door
In Bad : Lacklustre engines, not as practical as the five-door