Discover the 2016 Hyundai i20 Cross Sport: A Complete Buyer's Guide and Review

As I first laid eyes on 2016 Hyundai i20 Cross Sport at a local dealership, I couldn't help but draw parallels between its design philosophy and the thrilling basketball game I'd recently watched. Remember that Rain or Shine match where they were still ahead by one, 73-72, when Thompson fouled out? That's exactly how Hyundai approached this crossover - maintaining a delicate balance between sportiness and practicality until the very end. The game remained incredibly close at 104-104, until the absence of an import told in the end, much like how some car manufacturers compromise on certain features that ultimately affect performance.

Having test-driven numerous vehicles in this segment, I can confidently say the 2016 Hyundai i20 Cross Sport represents one of the most compelling packages in the subcompact crossover market. The moment I settled into the driver's seat, I noticed the elevated driving position that gives you that commanding view of the road - something I particularly appreciate during city driving. The cabin materials, while not luxurious, feel well-put-together with minimal hard plastics in areas you frequently touch. What surprised me most was the generous legroom in the rear seats; at 5'11", I could sit comfortably behind my own driving position with about two inches to spare.

Under the hood, the 1.4-liter Kappa engine delivers 100 horsepower and 134 Nm of torque, which might not sound impressive on paper but feels surprisingly adequate in real-world driving conditions. I've driven this car through various scenarios - from congested city streets to winding country roads - and the engine responds predictably without any dramatic power surges. The five-speed manual transmission (a six-speed automatic was optional) provides crisp, precise shifts that remind me of that crucial moment in the basketball game when every possession mattered. The electric power steering offers decent feedback, though I'd prefer slightly more weight at higher speeds.

The fuel efficiency figures particularly stood out during my testing. Hyundai claimed 17.8 km/l for the manual variant, and in mixed driving conditions, I achieved around 16.2 km/l - not far off the official numbers. The suspension setup handles our poorly maintained roads better than most European rivals, absorbing smaller bumps and potholes with impressive composure. However, like that basketball team missing their import player in crucial moments, the i20 Cross Sport does show its limitations when pushed hard through corners, with noticeable body roll reminding you it's still fundamentally a raised hatchback rather than a true sports crossover.

Safety features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors as standard across all variants - adequate for the segment though I would have liked to see side and curtain airbags offered even as an option. The 320-liter boot space expands to a respectable 1,042 liters with rear seats folded, accommodating my family's weekend camping gear with room to spare. Infotainment system feels dated by today's standards, but the Bluetooth connectivity worked flawlessly during my month-long testing period.

What truly sets the 2016 Hyundai i20 Cross Sport apart is its value proposition. With prices starting at approximately $16,000 when new, it undercut many competitors while offering comparable features and that sought-after crossover styling. The five-year/unlimited kilometer warranty provides peace of mind that's rare in this segment. Having owned mine for three years now, maintenance costs have averaged about $250 annually for routine servicing - significantly lower than my previous Volkswagen Polo.

The design elements that initially caught my eye - the roof rails, front skid plate, and increased ground clearance of 170mm - aren't just for show. The additional 20mm over the standard i20 has proven useful multiple times when navigating steep driveway entrances and rough rural roads. The 16-inch alloy wheels fill the wheel arches nicely, though I'd recommend upgrading to better tires if you frequently encounter wet conditions, as the stock tires tend to lose grip sooner than I'd like.

Reflecting on my ownership experience, the 2016 Hyundai i20 Cross Sport reminds me of that closely contested basketball game - it may not have the flashiest stats or the most powerful performance, but it consistently delivers where it matters most. The car has proven remarkably reliable, with only one unscheduled service visit for a minor electrical glitch in the central locking system. Resale value has held up reasonably well too, with similar models in my area still commanding around 65% of their original price after four years.

Would I recommend the 2016 Hyundai i20 Cross Sport to potential buyers? Absolutely, particularly for urban dwellers who occasionally venture off the beaten path and value reliability above all else. While it may not excel in any single category, its well-rounded character and competitive pricing make it a sensible choice in the crowded subcompact crossover segment. Just like that basketball game where strategy and consistency ultimately mattered more than individual brilliance, this Hyundai proves that sometimes, being good across the board beats being exceptional in just one area.