Hyundai Elite i20 BS4 Diesel - Variants Comparison - Which Variant Should You Buy?

2019 Hyundai Elite i20 BS4 Diesel Variant - Price Comparison

The Era and Magna Plus variants of the 2019 Hyundai Elite i20’s diesel variants cost almost Rs. 1.4 lakh more than their comparable petrol variants. The higher Sportz Plus, Sportz Plus Dual Tone and Asta (O) are priced closer to their petrol counterparts. The top 3 variants are about Rs. 1.25 lakh more expensive than the petrol variants.

The BS4 diesel range of the Hyundai Elite i20 starts at Rs. 6.91 lakh and tops out at Rs. 9.34 lakh.

2019 Hyundai Elite i20 BS4 Diesel Variant - Engine Spec Comparison

Compared to its competitors, the Hyundai Elite i20 BS4 diesel falls somewhere in between. Its 1.4-litre engine is neither the smallest nor the biggest. Its power output also is neither as low as the Baleno’s nor as high as that of the Honda Jazz. But the i20 has the highest torque output of 220Nm that stays at its peak from 1500 to 2750rpm. Besides the Honda Jazz, the Elite i20 is the only car here that has a 6-speed manual transmission. The 6th gear helps in cruising at a relaxed engine speed on the highways and it delivers good fuel efficiency also. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get the cruise control feature, which is available in the Jazz and Altroz diesel.

2019 Hyundai Elite i20 BS4 Diesel Variant - Dimension Comparison

In terms of size, the i20 diesel is not the longest nor the shortest, but it’s definitely the narrowest. Whatever damage that narrow body may have done, the i20 makes up for it with its longest wheelbase, which helps with adding extra legroom. But, that long wheelbase takes its toll on the boot space. As the suspension and wheel wells are pushed further back, they intrude into the boot area and bring the i20 back to the bottom of the list in boot space comparison.

2019 Hyundai Elite i20 BS4 Diesel - Era Variant

The Era variant of the Hyundai Elite i20 costs Rs. 6.91 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). For that price, you get some basic safety features like 2 front airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors and central locking. Functional features of the Era variant include front power windows, adjustable front headrests, internally adjustable headrests among others. On the style front, it gets body-coloured bumpers but the black outside mirrors and door handles along with a black grille give away its basic nature.

This variant is okay to buy if you’re on a really tight budget and want the i20 with a diesel engine. But, if you can, we’d suggest you consider the Magna Plus variant, which we’ll discuss next.

2019 Hyundai Elite i20 BS4 Diesel - Magna Plus Variant

The jump to the Magna Plus variant costs you Rs. 73,000. For that sum, you get rear power windows, rear AC vents, electrically adjustable outside mirrors, cooled glove box, remote central locking, sunglass holder and front armrest among others. It also gets fog lamps, chrome accent on the front grille, body-coloured outside mirrors and door handles, wheel covers, DRL along with a Bluetooth/USB music system with steering-mounted controls.

This is the variant to get even if you’re on a budget as it offers a decent value for the incremental cost over the Era variant. But if you can spend more, then let’s find out what value the Sportz Plus variant offers.

2019 Hyundai Elite i20 BS4 Diesel - Sportz Plus Variant

The Sportz Plus adds about Rs. 75,000 to the Magna Plus’ ex-showroom price. In terms of features, it adds 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, sliding front armrest, tilt and telescopic steering, electrically-folding outside mirrors, a rearview camera, rear windshield defogger and 15-inch alloy wheels.

This variant offers the best value for your money and is the one we can recommend whole-heartedly.

2019 Hyundai Elite i20 BS4 Diesel - Sportz Plus Dual Tone Variant

For those who like the style of the Asta variant, but don’t want to spend that much for the top variant can go for the Sportz Plus Dual Tone trim. It adds only Rs. 30,000 to the Sportz Plus variant. For that sum, you get larger 16-inch machined alloy wheels, black roof, black outside mirrors, wireless charger, red/orange interior accents and adjustable rear headrests.

It does offer great value for the money. You should buy it if you value form over function. But if you want functional features, then this is not the variant to get as it only adds 2 notable functional features and they don’t add up to the Rs. 30,000 asking price.

2019 Hyundai Elite i20 BS4 Diesel - Asta (O) Variant

The Asta (O) variant adds Rs. 95,000 to the Sportz Plus variant. The price gap is only Rs. 65,000 if you’re considering upgrading from the Sportz Plus Dual Tone trim.

On top of the features of the Sportz Plus variant, the Asta (O) gets automatic projector headlamps, keyless entry with push-button start-stop, rear armrest, automatic AC, wireless charger, adjustable rear headrests among others. The safety kit includes 2 side and 2 curtain airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors and rear washer and wiper. On the styling front, it gets 16-inch machined alloy wheels, chrome door handles and leather-wrapped steering and gear knob.

This is another well-priced variant but it pales in comparison to the Sportz Plus variant, which offers the best value. Go for this variant if you like the additional safety or functional features.

2019 Hyundai Elite i20 BS4 Diesel Variants - Final Verdict

The Era variant is good only for those who are on a shoe-string budget. If you can afford, get the Magna Plus variant. But if you want the best bang for your buck, Sportz Plus is your best option. For the budget- plus style-conscious, the dual-tone variant is a good value. But, at the same time, the Asta (O) is also not a bad value for money variant either - it’s just not as good as the Sportz Plus, which remains our top recommended variant.

2019 Hyundai Elite i20: