motortools.
← All cars/Hyundai

Hatchback · 2015–2024

Hyundaii20

Underrated supermini with a long warranty story on newer cars. N version is a proper hot hatch; normal i20s are cheap, roomy enough and easy to own.

Best for: First cars, city miles and anyone who wants warranty-backed simplicity.

Indicative running costs ~£1,942–£2,736 / year

Hyundai i20
Power
75–204 hp
Economy
45–55 mpg
Fuel
Petrol
Boot
285–395 litres
0–60
8.5–12.5 sec 0–60 mph
Ins. group
Grp12–28, depending on trim and power

Owner essentials

The lookups people actually search for — pressures, oil and spare status. Confirm against the V5C engine code and door sticker.

Tyre size

Commonly 195/55 R16 – 225/40 R18

Tyre pressure (cold)

Often ~30–36 PSI cold for small hatches; check the sticker

Engine oil

Usually 5W-30 or 0W-20 meeting the maker approval on the oil cap / handbook

Oil capacity

Typically ~3.5–5.5 litres

Spare / puncture kit

Spare, space-saver or sealant kit — check the boot well

ULEZ

Most petrols from ~2006 (Euro 4+) are ULEZ compliant — verify the plate

Need a PSI ↔ bar converter? Tyre pressure tool →

UK running costs

Ballpark annual ownership for a private Hyundai i20 at ~8,000 miles/year.

~£1,942–£2,736 / year

CostIndicative yearly figure
Fuel~£959/yr @ 55 mpg, £1.45/L, 8,000 miles
Road tax~£195/yr typical post-2017 standard rate
Insurance£550–£1,100 (indicative)
Servicing~£160–£320 for a typical annual service
Tyres (avg)~£100–£260 averaged over a set
  • · Assumes ~8,000 private miles/year — scale up/down with your mileage.
  • · Insurance is the wild card: age, postcode, NCB and claims history matter more than the car alone.
  • · Figures are illustrative UK ballparks for planning — not quotes. Use our running-costs tool for a custom budget.

Variants & trims

GTI / ST / R-Line / AMG Line are not the same thing — match the boot badge and V5C engine code.

4 listed
VariantPowerRoad tax
SE / SE Connect

Core hatch.

1.2–1.0 · 48–55 mpg

75–100 hp~£195*
Premium / Ultimate

Kit-heavy.

1.0 T-GDi · 45–52 mpg

100–120 hp~£195*
i20 N

Hot hatch. Budget tyres.

1.6 turbo · 35–40 mpg

204 hp~£195*
DCT automatic

Dual-clutch care.

DCT · 45–52 mpg

100–120 hp~£195*

*Indicative annual UK VED. Confirm on GOV.UK.

Full specifications

Engine1.2 litre
Gearbox5- or 6-speed manual; automatic varies by trim
DimensionsApprox. 4.0–4.6m long · 1.7–1.8m wide
ServiceUsually 12 months or 10,000–20,000 miles; confirm by VIN and handbook
InsuranceTypically groups 12–28, depending on trim and power
Road taxDepends on first registration date, CO₂ band and fuel type — confirm on GOV.UK
CO₂Varies by engine, gearbox and trim — check the V5C or GOV.UK vehicle enquiry
Tyre sizeCommonly 195/55 R16 – 225/40 R18
Tyre pressureOften ~30–36 PSI cold for small hatches; check the sticker
OilUsually 5W-30 or 0W-20 meeting the maker approval on the oil cap / handbook
Oil capacityTypically ~3.5–5.5 litres
ULEZMost petrols from ~2006 (Euro 4+) are ULEZ compliant — verify the plate

Buying a used i20

  1. 1N models: track use and tyre wear
  2. 2Check service stamps inside warranty period
  3. 3DCT dual-clutch history if auto
  4. 4Rear headroom for adults
  • · Confirm the exact engine code, trim and gearbox on the V5C before ordering parts
  • · Check the latest MOT history and advisories on GOV.UK
  • · Compare cold-start behaviour, warning lights and service invoices before buying

Common faults to check

Inspection prompts — not a diagnosis.

  • Clutch wear on smaller engines
  • Infotainment glitches
  • Front tyre inner wear if alignment out
  • N: bushings and brake dust

Hyundai i20 FAQs

Is a used Hyundai i20 expensive to run in the UK?

As a rough guide, many owners should budget ~£1,942–£2,736 / year including fuel, tax, insurance, servicing and tyres at ~8,000 miles/year. Hotter trims and young drivers cost more.

What tyre pressure does a Hyundai i20 need?

Often ~30–36 PSI cold for small hatches; check the sticker. Pressures change with load and wheel size — the legal reference is the sticker in the door shut or fuel flap, not the sidewall maximum.

What oil does a Hyundai i20 take?

Usually 5W-30 or 0W-20 meeting the maker approval on the oil cap / handbook. Capacity is Typically ~3.5–5.5 litres. Wrong oil on wet-belt / LongLife engines can be an expensive mistake — confirm by engine code in the handbook.

What are common Hyundai i20 problems?

Buyers most often watch for: Clutch wear on smaller engines; Infotainment glitches. Always cross-check MOT history and a pre-purchase inspection.

Is the Hyundai i20 ULEZ compliant?

Most petrols from ~2006 (Euro 4+) are ULEZ compliant — verify the plate

Owner handbook

Official Hyundai manuals for exact oil grades, torque figures and fuse maps. We link out; PDFs stay with the manufacturer.

Hyundai owner manuals ↗

More Hyundai

Reviewed October 2026. Photos: Wikimedia Commons. Cost figures are illustrative UK planning ranges, not insurer or DVLA quotes. Manufacturer handbook and UK model-year specifications GOV.UK MOT guidance and vehicle test standards Owner and workshop inspection patterns; verify against the specific VIN