Hyundai i20 2012-2014 Magna 1.4 CRDi (Diesel)

i20 2012-2014 Magna 1.4 CRDi (Diesel) Review

Hyundai i20 is the premium hatchback launched by Hyundai- the South Korean carmaker in the year 2008. The i10 series by the company has been a great success in the Indian market, i10 was among the most selling hatchback at its time and attracted a whole lot of Indian population. The same results were not obtained from the i20 hatchback but still this car has maintained its position because it was fresh take and had almost everything buyers wanted. Since 2008 this car has not been given any change and this was the high time that company looked back towards this i-series hatch. Finally the 2012 i20 came in the market in the March 2012 and was available in 12 different variants with both the petrol and diesel engine options. This new gen i20 follows the same fluidic design which all the new Hyundai models have. Hyundai i20 Magna 1.4 CRDi (diesel) is the mid range version of the i20 and is positioned just above the base diesel variant. The variant sports a powerful and sturdy 1.4 liter of CRDi diesel engine, which is capable of producing 88.8bhp of peak power accompanied with crest torque of 219.7Nm. The engine is very frugal and has been mated with six speed manual transmission, which further allows the engine to deliver a splendid mileage of 21.9 km per liter. The new Hyundai i20 Magna 1.4 CRDi (Diesel) variant also accompanies many comfort features, which enhance the overall riding and driving experience for the consumer. The high standard fabric upholstered used for seats is impressive, while the body colored ORVMs, rear parcel tray, foldable key, power windows, driver seat belt reminder, glove box cooling, reverse sensors and luggage lamp further add more charm to the hatchback.

Exterior

The exterior of the car is quite amazing and fills in the gaps which the earlier version of this car lags. Hyundai has designed this car with the European influence, following the recent trend that started with their new design philosophy. There are number of long and large curves running through the car at all the sides- front, rear and side. The side of the car has a bold crease that raises towards the end. Not only this the car has body colored door handles, front and rear bumpers and side mirrors which make it look a bit sportier. The front has a curvy headlamps enclosing the single strip chrome grille with the Hyundai Crest embossed in the center. The main attraction in the front would be the diamond shaped fog lamps which provide better driving conditions in case of extreme weather. The rear end has a newly designed tail light to increase the beauty of the car.

Interior

The Korean designers have given this car brown and beige color interior with some black on the dashboard and the leather steering wheel further enhances the beauty. There is Blue LED illumination in the interior which gives it a luxurious look. The instrument gauge cluster is designed very beautifully and has three small dials, the middle one is the temperature gauge while there are two two fuel level indicators places on the either side of the temperature gauge. The center console has a digital multi-function display which displays the time, date, distance covered, current audio track, fuel efficiency and ambient temperature. It can be turned off with the button called 'Dark' . The center console features two knobs for the air-conditioning unit and a centrally integrated audio system located above it, and points for USB and other auxiliary inputs below it; adjacent to the cigarette lighter with the vertical vents on both sides. The center console also has an indicator and warning for seat belts for all five passengers. The gear knob has a combination of black, chrome and brown, with a slot ahead of the lever to place your mobile phone and two cup holders followed by one for bottles behind the knob. The glove box is illuminated and chilled, which is a nice touch.

Engine and Performance

The car is powered by a 16V U2 CRDi diesel engine that provides a displacement of 1396cc which is the amount of fuel the engine can burn in one complete cycle of the all the cylinders together. It has DOHC valve configuration with CRDI fuel supply system. The engine can produce a maximum power of 88.8bhp at the rate of 4000rpm and can generate a maximum power of 219.7Nm for a range between 1500-2750rpm. The engine mated with a six speed manual transmission. The main factor is the mileage which has totally attracted the hatchback buyers, the car delivers a mileage of 18.4kmpl in the city driving conditions and can deliver a mileage of 21.9kmpl on the highways . The fuel tank capacity of the car is 45 liters which allows you to drive a distance of 855kms once full tank. The engine is powerful enough to provide an acceleration of 0-100kmph in 14.5 seconds and can take the car to a top speed of 157kmph .

Braking and Handling

For Effective braking the car has in it disc brakes both in the front and rear. As this the mid range version so it lacks the features like ABS with EBD and brake assist. The handling the car has in it power steering with Tilt and Telescopic steering column . The steering wheel provides a turning radius of 5.2m. The suspension system in the car is McPherson Strut with Gas shock absorbers in the front and couple torsion beam axle with Gas shock absorbers at the rear, the shock absorbers are gas filled with dual telescopic acting type, this reduces the inconvenience caused because of the shocks, vibrations and bumpers.

Safety Features

The safety features in the car are standard and are as follows Child safety locks, Anti Theft alarm, Day and night rear view mirror, Halogen headlamps which adjust the intensity of the light according to the condition, rear seat belts, seat belt warning, door ajar warning, side and front impact beams, adjustable seats, key less entry – it is a feature that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicles door and trunk without using a key . It also has the feature like engine immobilizer and centrally mounted fuel tank.

Comfort Features

It has all the standard comfort features that one can expect for the mid range hatchback. The comfort features in the car are Power steering, front and rear power windows which allows you to open or close the window with a single touch of the button. The basic ones are low fuel warning light, accessory power outlet, trunk light, vanity mirror, rear reading lamp and rear seat headrest. It also has a feature of seat lumbar support which allows you to increase the pressure at the back of the seat to get more comfort.

Pros

Mileage, looks

Cons

safety and comfort features