BHPian Aryan_isht recently shared this with other enthusiasts: Hello fellow BHPians! I’m Aryan, and this is the story of my first car, my 2019 Hyundai Elite i20 Sportz+ Petrol MT, which has been more than just a machine. It’s been a silent passenger through my undergrad days, job life, and now, as I pursue my MBA away from Hyderabad, I still look forward to driving it every time I fly back home. The bond I share with this car is incredibly personal. It’s been a part of countless memories, long drives, weekend road trips, and opening doors to meeting many car enthusiasts. I took delivery on 28th June 2019, and I remember the odo showing just 30 km, it felt surreal, A proper “first love” kind of feeling! I still remember that new car smell and the mix of joy and nervousness when I took the wheel for the first time. The Hunt for the Right HatchBack in May 2018, with my driving license freshly minted, the old 2009 Swift LXi, which was passed down to me by my dad, was starting to show its age, and with college around the corner in mid-2019, the idea of a new car became very real and exciting. I was looking for something that struck the right balance of style, features, fun, and reliability.Cars considered: Volkswagen Polo GT TSI: My heart was sold after the test drive. The DSG + turbo combo was a dream. VW had even launched a Black & White Edition, which had a black roof, black mirrors, and all the cosmetic bits I liked. But the on-road price crossed 12.5 L, which was way above what we had budgeted. Lower variants came with the MPI engine, which was not exciting and lacked features. Had to walk away from this one with a heavy heart. Ford Figo Blu (Petrol): This was a proper driver’s car. Strong performance, sharp handling, and the Blu edition looked really good. It was well-priced, too. But the dealership experience was disheartening. The staff was unresponsive and rude, which killed the entire excitement, and I had to return back with my booking amount after the first visit. Maruti Baleno: Feature-rich and spacious, but it felt too much like an extension of the Swift. The quality didn’t feel premium, and somehow, the emotional connect just wasn’t there. Hyundai Elite i20: I’d always been a fan of the i20, especially the Elite facelift. It looked classy, the cabin felt plush, and the feature list was impressive. Add to that my dad knew the dealership owner personally, which meant a smoother deal, better discounts, and peace of mind. The Sportz Plus variant checked all my boxes. And so, the decision was made.Delivery Experience28th June 2019. There she stood, gleaming in Sleek Silver, with just 30 km on the odo. The delivery experience was smooth and special. We exchanged our old Swift and got a fair deal. It felt like a graduation of sorts from my early driving days into something newer, more grown-up. Life With the i20 Over the last six years, the i20 has been part of every major chapter of my life. It took me to my first day of college Chai runs and highway drives with friends First solo trip outside the city Office commutes, during my first job And now, even as I study away from home, it’s the car I return to every time I’m back in Hyderabad This car has helped me build countless memories, friendships, stories, and reflections. It has silently been there through wins and losses and for that, it means more than most would imagine. Exterior – Still a LookerEven after all these years, I think the Elite i20 holds its own in terms of design. It has a clean, mature look with sculpted lines that still grab attention.. The paint has held up well, and the build feels solid doors close with a satisfying thud, something you don’t get in many hatchbacks today. Small modifications I made: Smoked tail lamps Gloss black wrap on the side mirrors Partial front bumper wrap (gives it a slightly sportier look) The build quality is solid the doors shut with a reassuring thud. The paint finish has held up well despite the Hyderabad dust and heat. Interiors:This is where Hyundai truly nailed it. The interior feels like a segment above every time I sit inside, clean layout, and everything is where it should be. Features I love: Steering-mounted controls 8-speaker Arkamys sound system (seriously, one of the best in the segment) Cooled glove box Reverse camera with adaptive guidelines Sliding front armrest Auto-fold ORVMs Great seat comfort with good under-thigh support I also added ambient lighting, which makes night drives extra special. The cabin feels cozy and upmarket, and it’s a place I always look forward to being in. Driving Experience – Easy, Smooth & Stress-FreeThe 1.2L Kappa petrol engine is not a performer in the traditional sense, but it’s beautifully refined and smooth. For city driving, it’s just perfect. The clutch is light, the gearbox is slick, and the car feels effortless to manoeuvre. Highway performance: Adequate for 90-110 km/h cruising, but lacks punch for quick overtakes. Steering: Very light in the city, but doesn’t weigh up enough on highways. Lacks feedback. Brakes: Decent, but not confidence-inspiring under panic stops. Ride quality: Absorbs most bumps well; high-speed stability is acceptable. For long highway trips, I usually take our Tata Harrier. But for the city, the i20 is the king.Fuel Efficiency:The Elite i20 petrol is often criticized for poor mileage, and in some cases, it’s justified. But honestly, it depends on how you drive. For my driving style In the city traffic, I get around 10-12 km/L and On the occasional highway drives it easily returns 16-17 km/L.Maintenance & Ownership Experience:Hyundai’s service network has been fantastic. Service costs have been reasonable, and availability of parts has never been a concern average general service costs 6,000-8,000. The major parts I replaced were the Slave cylinder at ~40,000 km and the Timing belt – replaced thrice, still unclear why; possibly a one-off issue. However, no major mechanical problems, no rattles and no breakdowns. It’s truly been a low-maintenance companion.The Good & The Not-So-GoodWhat I love: Cabin quality and comfort Great sound system Smooth driving experience Reliable and easy to maintain Still looks good after 6 years Peace of mind ownership What I wish was better: A more punchy petrol engine would’ve added excitement. Driving dynamics steering feedback and handling could be better. Miss the extras from Asta variant rear wiper, push start, touchscreen. Final Thoughts:After 6 years and 43,000 km, my i20 still feels like home. It’s not the fastest, flashiest, or most advanced hatch but it has never let me down. It has quietly and reliably done everything I’ve asked of it. It’s been there through every big moment. It’s seen me grow from and even today, when I’m back in Hyderabad for holidays, the i20 is the first thing I want to drive. I’ve decided to keep it not just for its practicality, but because of the emotional value it holds. Some cars are more than just machines, they just become family, and this one, without a doubt, is staying in mine.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
