Hyundai ix20 MPV (2010 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

The Hyundai ix20 adopts the manufacturer’s new ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language, which made its debut last year on the ix35. In its own words the ix20 is a ‘liberating alternative to the conventional, boxy compact MPV’. It shares its tall shape and short dimensions with its sister car, the Kia Venga. But its sleeker front styling and aggressive rippling headlights make it a more attractive package. With a relatively tall roofline, long wheelbase and a wide, sporty stance, it looks substantial without looking bulky.

Our rating: 4

2. Interior

On the inside, the feeling of space is impressive. The elevated driving position and high roofline give the impression of a far larger car, as well as great visibility thanks to the large windscreen and extra glass in the front pillars. The centre console is swamped by buttons and switches but everything is well laid out and feels sturdy. Although the hard plastics lack the finish of the Vauxhall Meriva, that’s easily forgiven when you take into account the huge price difference. The front seats are comfortable but they’re not as adjustable as some rivals.

Our rating: 3

3. Practicality

Practicality is key for the ix20. The 440-litre boot is incredibly large, and the rear seats can be slid backwards and forwards to increase legroom or bootspace as required. For even more space the rear split 60:40 seats can be folded flat against the floor, giving the ix20 a cavernous 1,486 litres of space when packed up to the roof – only the Venga (400-litres) comes close to matching this figure in its price range. Rivals the Vauxhall Meriva (400) and Citroen C3 Picasso (375) trail far behind, with only the expensive Ford C-MAX (475) offering more.

Our rating: 5

4. Ride and handling

The ix20 is comfortable to drive, thanks to its high driving position, roomy interior and well-tuned suspension, which tunes out bumps well. It may not offer the drivability of the Meriva but the 1.4-litre petrol version we drove proved to be quiet and fairly refined, although road and wind noise were obvious, especially when travelling at motorway speeds. Body roll isn’t a major issue despite its tall roof but there’s no feeling in the steering – and this doesn’t improve even at speed.

Our rating: 4

5. Performance

There are just three engine options: two petrol and one diesel. Petrol buyers can choose from a 89bhp 1.4-litre or 123bhp 1.6-litre engine, the latter of which is only available with a four-speed automatic gearbox. The 1.4-litre petrol we drove is the cheapest to buy but proved to be plenty powerful enough and fun to drive. It can go from 0-62mph in 12.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 104mph. The 89bhp 1.4-litre CRDi diesel is the most economical option and comes fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox. It can hit 0-62mph in 14.5 seconds.

Our rating: 3

6. Running costs

The most efficient engine is the 1.4-litre diesel. It’s capable of returning an average fuel consumption of 65.7mpg and emitting 114g/km of CO2. But the 1.4-litre petrol still offers decent efficiency, with an average 50.4mpg and 130g/km of CO2. Both are fitted with a stop and start system as standard – this temporarily cuts power to the engine when stationary to reduce fuel consumption in traffic. The larger petrol engine will return 43.6mpg and emit 154g/km. Used car values are expected to be respectable and the five-year warranty will help cut down on running costs.

Our rating: 4

7. Reliability

Hyundai has an excellent reliability record and the ix20 is unlikely to tarnish this. Its sibling the i20 has scored well for reliability in the past with only minor issues. Some Hyundai buyers have reported problems with leaky tyre valves, and a few early models were recalled due to a fault which allowed water to get into the footwell area – but that problem now appears to have been sorted. If anything were to go wrong, you can always fall back on Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited mileage warranty, five years free roadside assistance, and five years of free vehicle health checks.

Our rating: 4

8. Safety

The ix20 hasn’t been crash tested yet but its little brother the i20 scored a five star Euro NCAP rating when it was tested in 2009. Standard safety equipment includes Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), active anti-whiplash front head restraints and hill hold assist, as well as front, side and curtain airbags.

Our rating: 5

9. Equipment

There are three trim levels: Classic, Active and Style. Even entry level models come well equipped, with standard equipment including air-con, remote central locking, electric front windows and a CD player with six speakers and USB connectivity. Active trim is expected to be the biggest seller and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, electric rear windows, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity and rear parking sensors. Top-of-the-range models are also fitted with a panoramic sunroof, tinted rear windows and front fog lights. The only factory-fit optional extra is metallic paint.

Our rating: 5

10. Why buy?

The ix20 is the manufacturer’s first foray into compact MPV territory. It’s good-looking, well-equipped and has a price tag to significantly undercut rivals the Vauxhall Meriva and Ford C-MAX . And though it may not have the premium feel of those rivals, it’s easily forgiven. The boot is incredibly large, offering the interior space of a family hatchback in a supermini package, with the price to match.

Our rating: 4