Test Drive – Hyundai i20 CRDi Asta – Cabin and Space

Getting to day 2 with the i20 CRDI, we're going to talk about the boot space first. Being a big hatchback, the boot with its wide loading area makes for easy loading and unloading.

The boot is generous enough to accommodate two large suit cases. If you have additional baggage, just fold down the 60-40 split seats to your requirement. A rear parcel tray is also part of the standard fitment unlike in some other cars. Also noteworthy here is the 5th tire-  ie - the stepney is alloy and is of the same size as the other 4 tires.

Seats are on the firm side with cushions in dark colored fabric that match the brown interiors. Front seats provide ample thigh and lumber support and the driver can adjust for height as well. The rear seats are easy to access but the thigh support is average. Head rests are adjustable at the rear, which is an added bonus.

The i20 was basically designed in Europe for the demanding European customer and hence everything is according to their standards, may that be the seat fabric, dash quality, switches or the fit and finish, which is top notch.

Glass area isn't in the SUV territory, the large rear glass is definitely helping out during reversing. Front windshield is at an angle to give you a good view of the road. What is missing here is a small quarter glass which could have improved clarity during turning.

The overall interior design element of this large cabin is very nice and distinguished. The leg room and head room ample at the front, isn't much at the rear. Head room at the rear is a bit stingy for someone 6ft tall due to the sloping roof line.

Otherwise, Hyundai hasn’t left anything out from the i20 giving maximum equipment and features to the buyer -

1. Climate control
2. Retractable and height adjustable steering.
3. Electric mirrors with retractable (auto folding)
4. Audio controls on the steering.
5. Seat height adjust.
6. Rear wash and wipe with defogger.
7. ABS
8. All wheel disc brakes
9. 2 Airbags
10. Cooled glove box
11. USB and AUX

Today’s verdict -

The Hyundai i20 is loaded with features and the gadgets that would put a mid size segment car to shame. The i20 is first car to be manufactured in India that has a Euro NCAP 5 star safety rating.

Putting that aside, the point to be remembered here is the i20 CRDI is a very well thought out car. Hyundai has positioned this model right from the 5.50lakh price segment for the 1.2 Kappa engine petrol variant to this 1.4 CRDI Asta priced at about 7.94lakhs on-road Mumbai, which basically means Hyundai wants to sell the i20 to a range of customers with different demands.

Later on today, we will discuss another aspect of the i20, so stay tuned!