2015 Hyundai i20 launches in the UK from £10,695
Hyundai’s new-generation i20 arrives in UK showrooms, undercutting rivals like the Volkswagen Polo and offering a broader standard equipment list across its range.
Hyundai has officially launched the new-generation i20 in the United Kingdom, with sales now open at dealerships nationwide. The five-door supermini enters one of Britain’s most competitive vehicle segments, aiming to attract buyers with strong value, a comprehensive equipment list, and a choice of efficient petrol and diesel engines.
2015 Hyundai i20 Launches in the UK
Pricing and Positioning
The 2015 Hyundai i20 range starts at £10,695 on the road for the entry-level S model. This price undercuts the entry-level Volkswagen Polo, which begins at £11,250. Hyundai’s approach is to offer more standard equipment at a lower price, making the i20 an appealing option for cost-conscious buyers who do not wish to compromise on features. The i20 S includes remote central locking, electric front windows, and USB connectivity as standard. However, air conditioning is not included at this level. For those who consider this a necessity, the S Air trim adds air conditioning for an additional £750, bringing the price to £11,445.
Engines and Trims
The new i20 is available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, catering to a broad spectrum of drivers. The entry-level S and S Air models are powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 75 horsepower. For those seeking diesel efficiency, the S Blue variant features a 1.1-litre three-cylinder diesel engine, also with 75 horsepower. The SE trim, starting at £12,725, offers additional equipment and a more powerful 84 horsepower version of the 1.2-litre petrol engine. At the top of the range, the SE 1.4 CRDi comes with a 90 horsepower diesel engine and is priced from £14,725. All versions of the UK i20 are five-door models, providing practicality for families and fleet buyers alike.
| Trim | Engine | Power (hp) | Price (OTR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 1.2 petrol | 75 | £10,695 |
| S Air | 1.2 petrol | 75 | £11,445 |
| S Blue | 1.1 diesel | 75 | £12,445 |
| SE | 1.2 petrol | 84 | £12,725 |
| SE | 1.4 diesel | 90 | £14,725 |
Standard Equipment and Value
Hyundai has positioned the i20 as a value-focused offering in the supermini class. Even the base S model comes with features that are often optional or unavailable on rivals at this price point. The S Air trim makes air conditioning accessible without a significant price jump, and higher trims add further comfort, safety and convenience features. This approach is designed to appeal to both private buyers and fleet customers looking for a well-equipped, affordable small car.
Comparison with Rivals
The i20’s main competitor in the UK is the Volkswagen Polo. While the Polo has a strong reputation for quality and refinement, it starts at a higher price than the i20 and does not include air conditioning as standard on the base model. Hyundai’s strategy of undercutting the Polo on price while offering more standard equipment is likely to attract buyers who prioritise value. Other rivals in the segment include the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, and Peugeot 208, all of which have established followings but may not match the i20’s combination of price and features at entry level.
Market Importance and Production
The launch of the new i20 is a significant step for Hyundai’s ambitions in the UK and European markets. The car is built in Turkey specifically for European customers, reflecting Hyundai’s commitment to meeting local preferences and standards. The supermini segment is one of the largest in the UK, and the i20’s arrival is intended to bolster Hyundai’s presence against established European brands. Hyundai has also highlighted strong predicted residual values for the new i20, which could make it attractive to fleet operators and private buyers concerned with long-term value.
Availability and Broader Context
The 2015 Hyundai i20 is available to order now from Hyundai dealerships across the UK. Its launch follows other recent Hyundai introductions in key global markets, such as the 2015 Sonata in Australia and the United States. The i20 is a core model for Hyundai’s European strategy, and its competitive pricing, specification, and predicted strong resale values are expected to make it a popular choice in the UK supermini segment.
