2015 Hyundai I20 1.2L Petrol · EX15 VMP

A single rear brake imbalance failure recorded at the February 2020 test stands as the only major defect in this Hyundai i20's documented DVSA history, with all subsequent annual examinations through to January 2026 returning clean passes and no advisories whatsoever. The earlier period between 2020 and 2022 showed a recurring theme of nearside and offside front tyre perishing advisories flagged at consecutive tests, which is a typical pattern for a vehicle of this age where the original-fitment tyres reach the end of their serviceable life through natural rubber degradation. Since the 2022 test, however, no tyre, brake, suspension, corrosion, or exhaust advisories have been recorded, suggesting either renewed component replacement or simply that wear items have not yet reached advisory thresholds. The latest pass on 21 January 2026 was achieved without any defects noted, maintaining a four-year run of unannotated roadworthiness results. With 43,412 miles recorded over an 11-year span, this i20 has averaged roughly 3,950 miles annually, which is well below the typical mileage accumulation for a vehicle of its vintage and class. This usage profile points to a car that has either been used primarily for short urban journeys or has experienced periods of inactivity between tests. The MOT record shows annual testing continuity from 2020 onwards with no significant gaps, indicating the vehicle has remained on the road throughout this period rather than being laid up. Lower annual mileage of this nature generally means reduced wear on major drivetrain components such as the clutch, engine internals, and gearbox, though it can also mean that consumables like brake discs, calipers, and certain suspension components have experienced fewer thermal cycles and mechanical movements than a higher-mileage equivalent. For a prospective buyer, the brake imbalance failure from the 2020 test warrants specific attention during any test drive, as rear brake imbalance across an axle on a Hyundai i20 of this era is commonly linked to seized or binding rear calipers, contaminated or unevenly worn rear brake pads, or a partially seized rear wheel cylinder. On inspection, the rear calipers should be checked for smooth piston retraction, the handbrake mechanism should be examined for full release, and a firm brake pedal with consistent pull to either side under moderate braking should be confirmed. The previous rear brake issue also makes it prudent to verify that the rear discs and pads show even wear patterns and that the electronic stability control system is functioning without warning lights on the dashboard. The recurring front tyre perishing advisories from 2020 through 2022, while absent from later tests, indicate that the front axle has historically been the area of tyre stress on this vehicle, and a buyer should closely inspect the sidewalls and tread of any currently fitted tyres for cracking, bulging, or uneven inner-edge wear that might suggest worn front suspension bushes or top mounts. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, as these would point to deteriorating anti-roll bar drop links, wishbone bushes, or strut top mounts which are common wear items on higher-mileage i20s but could be accelerated in their onset by the kerbing impacts typical of urban-driven cars. Finally, given the low annual mileage, particular attention should be paid during a cold start to any excessive exhaust smoke, irregular idle, or hesitation, as engines used predominantly for short trips are more susceptible to oil contamination, carbon build-up, and occasional misfires that may not always trigger an MOT failure but are worth noting before purchase.