Hyundai Ix20
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a compact car with the space of something much bigger? The Hyundai Ix20 could be exactly what you need. This clever mini-MPV bridges the gap between a small hatchback and a full-sized people carrier, offering impressive practicality without the bulk. It’s designed for people who need maximum interior space but want something easy to park and economical to run.

The Ix20 stands out from typical cars with its tall, upright stance and generous interior dimensions. While many small cars focus on sporty styling, the Ix20 prioritises function over form. Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the airy cabin and excellent headroom. The sliding rear seats and flexible seating arrangements put it in a different league for versatility.

Driving the Ix20 feels reassuring and comfortable rather than exciting. The engines are smooth and refined, perfect for relaxed family motoring. It handles predictably and offers a good view of the road, making it ideal for nervous drivers or those who spend lots of time in traffic. While it may not be the most stylish choice, the Ix20 delivers exactly what it promises. Practical, reliable, and spacious family transport at an affordable price.

What's the Hyundai Ix20 Like to Drive?

The Hyundai Ix20 isn’t about thrills, it’s about getting you there comfortably and efficiently. The petrol engine range starts with a 1.4 litre unit producing around 90 horsepower, which feels adequate for urban driving and light motorway use. For those wanting more flexibility, the 1.6 litre petrol offers 125 horsepower and notably smoother acceleration. The diesel options, including the popular 1.6 CRDi, provide excellent fuel economy with sufficient pulling power for family duties.

Where the Ix20 excels is in its driving manners. The steering is light and responsive at low speeds, making city parking effortless. The high seating position gives you a commanding view of traffic, boosting confidence in busy conditions. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, soaking up bumps and road imperfections well. It feels stable and secure on faster roads without being particularly engaging. This mini-MPV hatchback delivers exactly the relaxed, stress free driving experience that families need.

Inside the Hyundai Ix20: Comfort & Features

Open the doors and the Ix20’s party piece becomes immediately apparent. This is one of the most spacious interiors you’ll find in a compact car. The cabin feels genuinely airy thanks to the tall roofline and large windows. Materials are good quality for the price point, with soft touch surfaces on the dashboard and well fitted trim pieces. The seats are comfortable and supportive, designed for longer journeys rather than sporty driving.

The rear seats are the real highlight, offering adult sized legroom and the ability to slide backwards and forwards. This flexibility means you can prioritise passenger space or boot capacity depending on your needs. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, electric windows, and a decent stereo system. Higher specification models add features like cruise control and automatic lights. Road noise is well controlled, creating a peaceful environment that makes the Ix20 feel more expensive than it actually is.

The Hyundai Ix20 succeeds brilliantly at what it sets out to do. It’s a compact car that doesn’t feel compact inside, offering impressive space and practicality in an easy to manage package. The build quality is solid, the running costs are low, and the driving experience is relaxed and comfortable. For families who prioritise interior space and value for money, it’s hard to beat.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Hyundai Ix20?

The Ix20 shines when it comes to running costs, making it an excellent choice for budget conscious families. The diesel engines are particularly impressive, with the 1.6 CRDi capable of achieving over 60 mpg in real world driving. Even the petrol engines deliver respectable economy figures in the mid 40s. Insurance groups are reasonable, typically falling into groups 8-12 depending on the engine and specification level.

Purchase prices are very competitive, especially on the used market where the Ix20 represents excellent value. Hyundai’s reputation for reliability means maintenance costs should be predictable and affordable. The five year warranty on newer models provides additional peace of mind. While parts and servicing may cost slightly more than for mainstream rivals, the car finance options available make ownership accessible. Overall, the Ix20 offers low cost family motoring with fewer compromises than you might expect.

Hyundai Ix20 Practicality & Boot Space

The Hyundai Ix20 is exceptionally practical for its size, making it perfect for growing families. The 440 litre boot is genuinely impressive, easily accommodating a week’s shopping or holiday luggage for four people. When you need more space, the rear seats fold completely flat to create a useful cargo area. The sliding rear seats are a brilliant touch, allowing you to balance passenger comfort with luggage capacity.

Inside, there are plenty of storage cubbies for phones, drinks, and family clutter. The door pockets are large enough for bottles, and there are useful trays throughout the cabin. While the Ix20 works brilliantly for families with older children, parents with young kids will appreciate the easy access through the wide opening doors. Compared to other used Hyundai cars, the Ix20 maximises interior space without feeling unwieldy to drive or park in tight spaces.

The Hyundai Ix20 proves that good things come in small packages. It successfully combines the easy driving and parking of a supermini with the interior space and practicality of a much larger car. The efficient engines, solid build quality, and thoughtful design make it an excellent choice for practical families who don’t want to compromise on space or running costs.

You choose the Ix20 when you need maximum interior flexibility in a compact footprint. Its sliding rear seats, generous boot space, and comfortable ride quality make every journey more pleasant. While it may not turn heads like sportier rivals, it delivers where it matters most. For families seeking cars under £10,000 that offer genuine versatility, the Ix20 represents outstanding value and sensible family transport.