The Hyundai i20 II (GB facelift, produced from 2018 to 2020) 1.2-liter 75 horsepower variant represented the entry point into the second-generation i20 hatchback range. Positioned as an affordable and economical city car, this model was primarily aimed at buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and low running costs over outright performance. It served as a key offering in the European market, where the i20 competed with rivals like the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta, and Renault Clio. This facelift brought styling updates and minor equipment revisions to the existing i20 II platform, which was based on Hyundai’s B-segment architecture.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Hyundai |
| Model | i20 |
| Generation | i20 II (GB facelift 2018) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 (75 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| End of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg, 39.2 UK mpg, 13.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg, 17.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 132 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.1 kg/Hp, 71.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.6 kg/Nm, 115.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 4500-6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 60.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 122 Nm @ 4000 rpm (89.98 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | G4LA |
| Engine displacement | 1248 cm3 (76.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71 mm (2.8 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 78.8 mm (3.1 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC-CVVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1055-1233 kg (2325.88 – 2718.3 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1580 kg (3483.3 lbs.) |
| Max load | 347-525 kg (765 – 1157.43 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 326 l (11.51 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1024 l (36.16 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 70 kg (154.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 910 kg (2006.21 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 450 kg (992.08 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4035 mm (158.86 in.) |
| Width | 1734 mm (68.27 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1985 mm (78.15 in.) |
| Height | 1474 mm (58.03 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2570 mm (101.18 in.) |
| Front track | 1514-1520 mm (59.61 – 59.84 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1513-1519 mm (59.57 – 59.8 in.) |
| Front overhang | 815 mm (32.09 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 650 mm (25.59 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 140 mm (5.51 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.2 m (33.46 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15; 195/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.0J x 15; 6.0J x 16 |
INTRODUCTION
The 1.2-liter 75 horsepower i20, introduced with the 2018 facelift, was a core model within the i20 II range (produced from 2014-2020). The “GB” designation refers to the specific facelift model sold primarily in Europe. This variant was designed to appeal to budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical and reliable hatchback for urban commuting. It occupied the lowest rung of the i20 II powertrain ladder, sitting below the 1.0 T-GDi turbocharged engine and the more powerful 1.4-liter naturally aspirated options. The facelift brought subtle cosmetic changes, including a revised front grille and updated interior trim, alongside improvements to safety equipment.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this i20 variant is the Hyundai G4LA 1.2-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine, a mainstay in several Hyundai and Kia models, is known for its simplicity and fuel efficiency. It utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) on both intake and exhaust valves. This CVVT system optimizes engine performance and efficiency by adjusting valve timing based on engine speed and load. The engine produces 75 horsepower at 4500-6000 rpm and 122 Nm (89.98 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. Paired with this engine is a five-speed manual transmission, which was the standard offering for this trim level. The transmission’s gear ratios are tuned for economy, prioritizing fuel efficiency over rapid acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.2-liter 75 hp i20 offers modest performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes around 12.9 seconds, and top speed is limited to 99.42 mph. The engine feels strained when accelerating hard, particularly when fully loaded or on inclines. The five-speed manual transmission is light and easy to use, but the relatively long gearing emphasizes fuel economy over spirited driving. Compared to the more powerful 1.4-liter version, the 1.2 feels noticeably slower, especially in mid-range acceleration. However, the 1.2’s lighter weight contributes to slightly better fuel economy and more nimble handling in city driving. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.2-liter 75 hp i20 typically came with a basic level of equipment. Standard features generally included air conditioning, central locking, electric front windows, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and ABS brakes with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Higher trim levels, such as SE or Premium, added features like alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, rear electric windows, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a simple and functional dashboard layout. Optional extras included parking sensors, a reversing camera, and a panoramic sunroof.
Chassis & Braking
The i20 II utilizes a front-wheel-drive chassis with an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-independent torsion beam suspension at the rear. The front suspension incorporates a stabilizer bar to reduce body roll. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The drum brakes on the rear were a cost-saving measure for the entry-level models. The steering is a rack-and-pinion system with electric power assistance, providing light and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.2-liter i20 was generally well-received by critics as a practical and affordable city car. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and generous standard equipment for its price point. However, it was often criticized for its lack of power and somewhat unrefined engine. Compared to the 1.4-liter version, the 1.2 offered significantly lower running costs but at the expense of performance. The 1.0 T-GDi offered a better balance of performance and economy, but came at a higher price. Fuel economy figures of around 40.6 US mpg combined were competitive within its segment.
Legacy
The Hyundai i20 II 1.2-liter 75 hp variant has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle. The G4LA engine is known for its longevity, and the simple mechanical design makes it relatively easy and inexpensive to maintain. On the used car market, these models represent a good value proposition for buyers seeking an affordable and economical hatchback. While not particularly exciting to drive, the i20 II 1.2 offers a practical and dependable transportation solution. Common issues are generally limited to wear-and-tear items such as brake pads, tires, and suspension components. The availability of spare parts is good, and the relatively simple engine design makes it accessible to most independent mechanics.
