Hyundai i20
Hyundai's tiniest diesel — three cylinders, barely any power reserve, and a sound that takes getting used to. Cheap to run though.
Dependable daily, zero thrills
The i20 PB handles well enough but has zero emotional content. Solid, not stirring.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Small diesel 1.4 CRDi with mandatory DPF: short trips prevent regeneration. Engine designed for motorway use; unsuitable as a city car due to frequent DPF problems.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, engine limp mode, power loss, increased fuel consumption.
The small turbo of the D3FA runs at very high speeds and is prone to bearing wear with irregular oil changes. Turbo failures on the 1.1L are economically problematic given the engine size vs. repair cost ratio.
Symptoms: Whistling or rattling turbo noise; oil consumption from turbo; power loss; blue smoke plume.
Common-rail injectors in the D3FA wear prematurely due to sulphur-rich fuel and high pressures. Repair costs are disproportionately high relative to vehicle value.
Symptoms: Rough idle; cold start problems; increased fuel consumption; black smoke on acceleration.
The small three-cylinder diesel D3FA is sensitive to coolant loss and can overheat quickly if the thermostat fails. Cylinder head damage is the costly consequence.
Symptoms: Temperature gauge rises into the red; coolant smell; engine power drops; white smoke possible.
The 1.1L three-cylinder diesel D3FA is heavily prone to EGR fouling, especially during short-trip operation. Hyundai has carried out recall campaigns on related CRDi engines for EGR problems.
Symptoms: Check engine light; limp mode; poor throttle response; rough part-throttle running.
