Model tested: Hyundai i20 1.2 Comfort 5-door
Price: £9,800
Date tested: July 2009
Road tester: Keith CollantineAuto Trader ten point test rating: 82%
The i20 is a major step forward over its predecessor, the Getz, and thanks to the scrappage scheme more of them are finding homes. Keith Collantine drove one to see why so many people are choosing Hyundai.

1. Looks
The i20 is one of the best-looking cars in Hyundai's line-up. The worst thing you can say about the i20 is it's rather plain - particularly our silver test car. I twice strolled straight past our i20 in the car park while looking for it.
7/10

2. Looks inside
If you're expecting a cheap-and-nasty interior you're in for a pleasant surprise. The centre console is well laid out, silver highlights breaking things up. But the gearstick looks and feels cheap.
8/10

3. Practicality
The boot offers 295 litres of storage space with the seats upright. Folding them flat takes this to 1,060 litres.
Head and legroom for rear passengers is decent and the rear bench splits 60:40.
9/10

4. Ride and handling
The i20 is thoroughly average dynamically. Its suspension gives a comfortable ride, it grips nicely and tackles corners without too much body roll.
7/10

5. Performance
Hyundai offers a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines for the i20. Our 1.2 petrol edition packed 78bhp to give a 103mph and 0-62mph in 12.9 seconds.
8/10

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6. Running costs
One of the strongest parts of Hyundai's offering is the five-year warranty. Its repair rates are also competitive, at £65.20 per hour compared with an average of £75.10.
10/10

7. Reliability
Some Hyundai buyers have reported problems with leaky tyre valves; should anything else go wrong, there's that generous warranty to fall back on.
8/10

8. Safety
Hyundai introduced ESP as standard in February; if you order a car make sure it's fitted. All i20s come with active head restraints to minimise whiplash in an accident, and a total of six airbags.
8/10

9. Equipment
Electric front windows, an adjustable steering column and glove box cooling are standard across the range. The radio has a line-in socket while Comfort and Style trims bring USB and iPod connectivity as well, plus a six-speaker stereo, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, electrically heated, adjustable and folding door mirrors, and a trip computer.
9/10

10. X-Factor
The i20 is a cut above the 'budget' market, and excellent value. It may lack that driving magic and it's nothing special to look at, but it's decently equipped, pleasant to drive, roomy and above all cheap to run.
8/10