REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOHyundai Motor Group / PexelsOur verdict
7.1 / 10The Hyundai i20 (2nd gen, IA platform) was a practical, well-equipped compact hatchback that delivered solid everyday value in the UAE until it was discontinued for new sales around 2019. It punched above its price with generous standard safety and infotainment features, though the naturally aspirated engines felt modest and boot space was tight by segment norms. The newer 3rd-gen i20 (BC3) is not officially sold in the UAE GCC market.
Who it's for — Buyers seeking a used reliable compact hatchback with strong brand warranty legacy and low running costs. No longer available new.
PROS
- +Strong 5-year Hyundai warranty legacy
- +Generous standard features at the price point — Apple CarPlay, ABS, lane warning all standard
- +Frugal fuel economy suits UAE urban commuting
- +Compact dimensions make parking easy in busy UAE cities
- +Lower insurance and running costs vs larger alternatives
CONS
- –No longer sold new in the UAE — used market only
- –Second-generation platform feels dated against newer rivals
- –Boot space (285L) is among the smallest in class
- –No turbocharged engine option limits highway performance
- –Interior materials are functional rather than premium
Specifications
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
DIMENSIONS & CAPACITY
Features
SAFETY & ADAS
Dual front airbags standard
Anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution
Electronic stability and traction control
Prevents rollback on inclines
Ultrasonic sensors with audible alerts
Reverse camera with display on touchscreen
Alerts driver of unintentional lane changes
Forward collision detection with auto brake assist
COMFORT
Single-zone automatic air conditioning
Speed-hold cruise control
Electric power-assisted steering
All four windows with one-touch driver control
Remote central locking
Cloth upholstery with driver height adjustment
60/40 split fold-flat rear bench expands boot
Dedicated rear passenger ventilation
INFOTAINMENT
7-inch infotainment display
Wireless or wired smartphone mirroring
Wireless or wired smartphone mirroring
Hands-free calling and audio streaming
USB-A connectivity for charging and media
4-speaker audio setup
LCD instrument display with trip computer
Audio and phone controls on wheel
Trim ladder
| PRICE | AED 44,000 | AED 48,000 |
| POWER | 85 hp | 100 hp |
| 0–100 KM/H | 13.5 s | 11.8 s |
| FUEL | Petrol | Petrol |
| ECONOMY | 6.7 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| DRIVE | FWD | FWD |
Hyundai
Hugely improved quality backed by long warranties; resale is catching up to the Japanese.
A brand transformed — striking design and feature-rich cars that now rival the Japanese on quality.
In the UAE — Generous warranty and kit; a smart-money mainstream pick.
Where to get it
Official listings are GCC spec. Grey-market imports may be other specs (US, Chinese, Japan) — always confirm the spec, as it affects warranty, A/C cooling and resale.
BUY FROM
RENT FROM
Compact hatchbacks in this class widely available from daily rental companies; check Careem, Budget, or Thrifty UAE
Warranty — 5 years · Hyundai GCC warranty is 5 years / unlimited km through Juma Al Majid
Frequently asked
How much does the 2019 Hyundai i20 cost in the UAE?+
The Hyundai i20 ranges from AED 44,000 (1.2L GL) to AED 48,000 for the top trim in the UAE, GCC spec.
Is the Hyundai i20 worth buying?+
Caralog rates the Hyundai i20 7.1/10. The Hyundai i20 (2nd gen, IA platform) was a practical, well-equipped compact hatchback that delivered solid everyday value in the UAE until it was discontinued for new sales around 2019. It punched above its price with generous standard safety and infotainment features, though the naturally aspirated engines felt modest and boot space was tight by segment norms. The newer 3rd-gen i20 (BC3) is not officially sold in the UAE GCC market.
Who should buy the Hyundai i20?+
Buyers seeking a used reliable compact hatchback with strong brand warranty legacy and low running costs. No longer available new.
What are the pros and cons of the Hyundai i20?+
Pros: Strong 5-year Hyundai warranty legacy; Generous standard features at the price point — Apple CarPlay, ABS, lane warning all standard; Frugal fuel economy suits UAE urban commuting; Compact dimensions make parking easy in busy UAE cities; Lower insurance and running costs vs larger alternatives. Cons: No longer sold new in the UAE — used market only; Second-generation platform feels dated against newer rivals; Boot space (285L) is among the smallest in class; No turbocharged engine option limits highway performance; Interior materials are functional rather than premium.
Is the Hyundai i20 reliable, and does it hold its value?+
Hyundai has strong reliability and average resale in the UAE. Hugely improved quality backed by long warranties; resale is catching up to the Japanese.
How fast is the Hyundai i20?+
The Hyundai i20 makes 85 hp and does 0–100 km/h in 13.5s (top speed 175 km/h).
What is the fuel economy of the Hyundai i20?+
The Hyundai i20 returns about 6.7 L/100km combined.
How many seats does the Hyundai i20 have?+
The Hyundai i20 seats 5, with 285 litres of boot space.
Where can I buy the Hyundai i20 in the UAE?+
Available from Juma Al Majid (Hyundai UAE). 5 years warranty.
What are the alternatives to the Hyundai i20?+
Cross-shop the Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz, Kia Rio, Suzuki Swift.