The Hyundai i20 has quietly become one of the most sensible and well-rounded small cars available in the UK.
While it may not have the heritage of some rivals or the sporty image of others, the Hyundai i20 delivers something that many drivers are increasingly looking for: excellent value, impressive technology and a genuinely comfortable driving experience in a compact package.
At Cocoon Vehicles, the Hyundai i20 1.0T GDI Premium DCT is available on both Flexible Car Subscription and Short-Term Car Lease agreements, with contract lengths of 5, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months available depending on the agreement type.
This makes it an ideal option for drivers looking for a practical small car without committing to a long-term agreement.
First Impressions
The current generation i20 has a noticeably sharper design than earlier models.
The front end is more modern, with slim LED headlights and a confident stance that gives the car more presence than many traditional superminis.
Inside, the cabin feels well built and thoughtfully laid out. Controls are intuitive, materials feel durable and the infotainment system is clear and responsive.
For a small car in this price bracket, the overall quality is impressive.
Specification and Technology
The Premium trim offers an excellent level of equipment, especially considering the size and price of the vehicle.
Key features include:
Touchscreen infotainment system
Satellite Navigation
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
DAB Digital Radio
Lane Assist and Lane Follow Assist
Lane Keep Assist
Forward Collision Assist
Intelligent Speed Assist
Front and rear parking sensors
Reversing camera
USB-C connectivity
Automatic headlights
High beam assist
LED headlights
Privacy glass
Rain sensor
Climate control
Heated front seats
Heated steering wheel
Tyre pressure monitoring system
Alloy wheels
Cruise control and speed limiter
It is particularly refreshing to see heated seats and a heated steering wheel included in a smaller and more affordable car.
These are features that drivers often expect to find in larger or more premium vehicles.
Our Drive – Belper to Nottingham, Southwell and Mansfield
Our test drive started with a vehicle drop-off in Belper, before heading towards Nottingham city centre for a meeting at The Cornerhouse.
This is exactly the type of environment where a small hatchback like the i20 excels. Navigating busy city streets was simple, and the car’s compact size made it easy to move between lanes and handle traffic.
Parking at the Victoria Centre was also refreshingly straightforward — something that becomes more noticeable when you regularly drive larger SUVs.
From Nottingham we headed out towards Southwell to meet a client for coffee. The route mixes A-roads and country lanes, which gave the i20 an opportunity to show how it performs outside the city.
The car handled country roads comfortably, with light steering and good stability. While it is not designed as a performance hatchback, it felt composed and easy to drive.
After Southwell we headed back via Mansfield, dropping into a local Renault dealer to collect some mats for a Renault 5 that was due to go out to a customer.
Throughout the journey, Apple CarPlay worked seamlessly, helping with navigation while also allowing us to run Spotify for music.
Overall, the i20 proved to be a very well-built car that handles both city streets and country roads easily.
Driving Experience
The 1.0-litre turbocharged engine paired with the DCT automatic gearbox provides smooth and relaxed performance.
It is not intended to be a hot hatch, but it offers enough power for everyday driving while maintaining good fuel efficiency.
What stands out most is how comfortable and easy the car is to drive.
Key characteristics include:
Smooth automatic gearbox
Comfortable ride quality
Light steering ideal for city driving
Excellent visibility
For many drivers, this combination makes the i20 an excellent everyday vehicle.
Hyundai i20 Key Specifications
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Engine | 1.0T GDI Petrol |
Transmission | DCT Automatic |
Body Style | 5 Door Hatchback |
Infotainment | Touchscreen with Navigation |
Smartphone Integration | Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
Driver Assistance | Lane Assist, Collision Assist |
Comfort Features | Heated seats & heated steering wheel |
Flexible Access Through Cocoon Vehicles
The Hyundai i20 is available through both Flexible Car Subscription and Short-Term Car Lease agreements.
Contract options include:
This allows drivers to choose an agreement length that suits their circumstances, whether that is a short-term requirement or something slightly longer.
Cocoon Vehicles is striving to become one of the best car subscription companies in the UK for both business and personal customers, focusing on customer support, honest advice and flexible vehicle access.
While the Hyundai i20 represents excellent value, there are several other small cars available depending on your preferences.
Examples currently available from Cocoon include:
Model | Why Consider It |
|---|---|
Sportier driving dynamics and premium interior | |
Iconic design and sharper handling | |
The wildcard – a larger SUV with impressive specification |
The MINI may offer a more engaging driving experience, but cost-wise the Hyundai i20 is extremely competitive and offers a lot of technology for the money.
Our Thoughts
The Hyundai i20 1.0T GDI Premium DCT proves that small cars do not have to feel basic.
It delivers a comfortable driving experience, a strong list of features and technology such as Apple CarPlay, while remaining practical for both city driving and longer journeys.
For drivers looking for a well-equipped small hatchback with sensible running costs, the i20 represents excellent value.
If you would like more information about the Hyundai i20 or our flexible vehicle options, please call the team on or complete the ENQUIRY FORM at the bottom of this article.
When considering why you should choose Cocoon Vehicles for your short-term vehicle requirements, our goal is simple. As a family-owned business with consistently strong customer reviews, we are striving to become one of the best car subscription companies in the UK for both personal and business customers by offering flexible vehicle solutions backed by honest advice and ongoing support.
Cocoon also supports a range of specialist vehicle requirements, including:
Salary Sacrifice vehicle schemes for businesses and employees
Vehicle access for expats relocating to the UK or returning from overseas
Assistance for companies with overseas directors or shareholders
