Hyundai i20 Sportz Opt Review: Premium Safety at ₹8.73 Lakh

Advanced Safety

Safety is paramount for family cars, and the i20 Sportz Opt doesn't disappoint:

1. Six Airbags: Comprehensive protection for all occupants.

2. Rear View Camera with Guidelines: Enhances parking safety.

3. ABS with EBD: Improves braking performance.

4. Speed Alert System: Promotes safer driving.

5. Impact Sensing Auto Door Unlock: Facilitates quick exit in emergencies.

The six-airbag system in the Sportz Opt variant offers 200% more airbag coverage compared to the standard dual airbag setup in lower variants.

Improved Convenience

The Sportz Opt variant offers several convenience features:

1. 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System

2. Steering Mounted Controls

3. Keyless Entry

4. USB Charger (Front and Rear)

5. Bluetooth Connectivity

6. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

These features represent a notable improvement in convenience compared to lower variants, enhancing the overall driving and passenger experience.

Family-Friendly Features

1. 60:40 Split Rear Seat: Offers flexibility for carrying passengers and cargo.

2. Cooled Glovebox: Keeps beverages and snacks cool.

3. Boot Space of 311 Liters: Sufficient for most family needs.

The 311-liter boot space is about 15% larger than the average boot space in the compact hatchback segment, which typically ranges from 250-280 liters.

Exterior Enhancements

1. 16-inch Wheels

2. LED DRLs and Taillights

3. Shark Fin Antenna

4. Chrome Beltline with Flyback Rear Quarter Glass

These exterior enhancements make the Sportz Opt visually more appealing than lower variants.

Space and Practicality

1. Class-leading Wheelbase of 2580mm

2. Wide Body Design: Widest in its class

3. Ample Knee Room and Headroom

The 2580mm wheelbase is approximately 2-3% longer than most competitors in the premium hatchback segment, contributing to its spacious interior.

Performance and Driving Experience

Powered by a 1.2L Kappa Petrol engine:

- Power: 81.80bhp at 6000rpm

- Torque: 114.7Nm at 4200rpm

- Transmission: 5-speed manual

While the engine performance is described as "humdrum" at low speeds, it picks up nicely from 4,000rpm to 6,000rpm. The light clutch and slick gearbox make it easy to navigate through city traffic.

Scenario: During a typical school run, the i20 Sportz Opt's light clutch and smooth gearbox make it easy for a parent to maneuver through morning traffic, while the adequate low-end torque ensures quick getaways from traffic lights.

Ride and Handling

1. Well-judged Suspension: Effectively absorbs bumps

2. Improved Steering Feel

3. Neat Turn-in and Tidy Handling

4. Big Car Feel: Well-contained up and down movements

Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs

ARAI-certified fuel efficiency: 20.35 kmpl

Fuel tank capacity: 37 liters

Based on these figures:

- Theoretical range on a full tank: 592 km

- Estimated real-world range (assuming 20% lower efficiency): 473 km

For a family driving 1,200 km per month:

- Monthly fuel consumption: Approximately 75 liters

- At current petrol prices (assuming Rs. 100/liter), monthly fuel cost: Rs. 7,500

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offers:

1. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

2. Bluetooth Connectivity

3. Six-speaker System

Variant Comparison

Compared to lower variants (Era or Magna):

- Safety: 200% more airbag coverage

- Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen vs. basic audio system

- Comfort: Addition of automatic climate control, rear AC vents

Compared to higher variant (Asta):

- Lacks sunroof and wireless phone charging

- Offers most essential features at a more affordable price point

Conclusion

The Hyundai i20 Sportz Opt emerges as an excellent choice for families seeking a balance between comfort, features, and affordability in the premium hatchback segment. It offers significant upgrades over lower variants in terms of safety, comfort, and convenience features.

Scenario: Consider a young family of four upgrading from a basic hatchback. The i20 Sportz Opt offers them enhanced safety with six airbags, improved comfort with features like rear

AC vents and automatic climate control, and modern connectivity with the 8-inch infotainment system. All these upgrades significantly improve their daily commutes and weekend family trips, without stretching their budget to the top-tier variant.

For families who prioritize a mix of practicality, comfort, and value, the i20 Sportz Opt represents a sweet spot in the i20 lineup. It delivers a premium feel and essential features without the higher price tag of top-tier variants, making it an attractive proposition for discerning family buyers in the premium hatchback market.