You can now have it with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission but no diesel units
Almost four years after its world debut, the second-generation Hyundai i20 gets a well-deserved mid-life makeover. The Korean supermini receives styling tweaks as well as new connectivity and safety features meant to keep it relevant in the highly competitive B-segment.
Looks-wise, the i20 three-door and five-door hatches, including the high-riding Active version, bring a more smart design thanks to exterior updates that include Hyundai's Cascading Grille, redesigned bumpers, as well as refreshed light units with a dark background. Those with a keen eye for details will also notice that the tailgate has been reworked to integrate the license plate, and that new 15- and 16-inch alloys have been added.
Furthermore, the i20 five-door offers more personalization options thanks to the available Phantom Black two-tone roof combined with one of eight exterior colors (three of which are new).
Hyundai has worked on the i20's interior as well, giving it a new 7-inch Display Audio infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as an optional 7-inch interface that integrates all navigation, media and connectivity features. The facelifted i20 also offers a USB charger.
Moving on to the technical part, the 2018 Hyundai i20 offers a choice of two gasoline engines — that's it, no more diesel engines. There's the Kappa 1.0-liter T-GDI unit available in two states of tune (100 hp and 120 hp), and a Kappa 1.2-liter engine also offering two power outputs (74 hp and 84 hp).
The 100-hp turbo engine comes with a standard five-speed manual or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission — a first for the i20 range. The 120-hp version offers a six-speed manual gearbox only.
Additionally, all i20 models now get the Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system as standard for lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and the 1.0 T-GDI comes with a built-in particulate filter. There are no more diesel engines on offer, with Hyundai saying that its focus on efficient gasoline engines is a response to market demands.
There are significant updates on the safety front, with the facelifted i20 getting the Hyundai SmartSense suite of active safety and drivers assistance system. The standard and optional features include Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) city and interurban, Driver Attention Alert (DAA), and High Beam Assist (HBA).
READ MORE: Our review of the 2017 Hyundai i30 1.5 T-GDI