Suspension follows the supermini norm of MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam rear end, with rack and pinion steering.

[15] The Hyundai i20 earned a maximum five star safety rating from Euro NCAP[17] and scored six out of a maximum of seven points in the "safety assist" category, receiving top marks for its belt reminder and electronic stability programme which minimises the risk of skidding by braking individual wheels.

[19] The Hyundai i20 features starts with six airbags—for driver and passenger in the front along with side and curtain airbags for rear passengers, whilst the Antilock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) which helps to control in slippery surfaces.

Despite the high safety rating from NCAP and ANCAP tests the i20 has performed poorly in real world crash data records.

The interiors feature a black and beige dual tone dashboard, multi-steering-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth integrated 2 DIN audio with USB and Aux inputs with 1 GB internal storage, rear AC vents, a dedicated engine start/stop button, and automatic temperature control.

[25] The i20 5-door was initially designed with boomerang-shaped tail lights (as visible on spyshots), but the whole rear part of the vehicle has been redesigned before launch.

Changes to the interior including the addition of a new infotainment system equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

A crossover-styled variant called the i20 Active, was launched in India on 17 March 2015 and in Europe at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015.

The i20 Active also gets cornering lamps, aluminum pedals and roof rails, along with a fuel lid cover.

After its debut in February 2020, production for the European market commenced in the Izmit plant in Turkey in August 2020.

[36] In 2021, Hyundai launched the France-only i20 N Line Michel Vaillant limited edition, featuring optional blue and red stickers.

[44] The i20 is sold in India with two frontal airbags, antilock brakes, front seatbelt reminders and ISOFIX anchorages standard across the range.

[46] In the frontal offset crash test into a deformable barrier at 64 km/h, dummy readings showed only adequate protection of the driver's head.

[47] Structures behind the dashboard could increase risk of knee injury to differently sized or positioned occupants; the unstable passenger compartment and ruptured footwell meant Hyundai were not allowed to demonstrate otherwise.

The i20 in its standard European market configuration received 4 stars from Euro NCAP in 2021, with test results inherited from the Bayon.

The i20 N is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged GDi engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with automatic rev matching.

Although the Smartstream engine is featured in other Hyundai models, for the i20 N it is equipped with a bespoke turbocharger and intercooler system.

Production of the i20 N has ceased for the European market starting from February 2024, and Hyundai N will only offer electric models in the region.

[74] It is based on the i20, and was unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, marking Hyundai's return to the WRC after a ten-year absence.

[78][79] Beginning with the 2022 season, the i20 Coupe WRC was replaced with the i20 N Rally1, with Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe winning the 2024 World Rally Championship aboard one.