Hyundai’s new i10 is the Korean firm’s latest city-car offering, taking the fight to established rivals such as the VW up!, Skoda Citigo and Toyota Aygo.

A new, sleeker exterior design emphasises the stance of a model which is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor. It alsohas a drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0,31 – the lowest in the city-car class. Hyundai has given New Generation i10 buyers a choice of two petrol engines driving the front wheels through five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearboxes. The Indian-built 1.1-litre Epsilon engine has been discontinued.

The two new powerplants - a 1.0-litre and 1.25-litre belonging to Hyundai Motor’s popular ‘Kappa‘ engine family - incorporate a range of advanced technical features that raise power and torque, and enhance smoothness and driveability. The 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine has a power output of 66PS from its 998cc capacity. Maximum power is produced at 5,500rpm, 700rpm earlier than in Original i10, while peak torque of 69lb.ft (94Nm) is available from 3,500rpm. New Generation i10 with this engine and manual transmission can travel from standstill to 62mph in 14.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 96mph.

Expected to take approximately 40% of total sales, the four cylinder ‘Kappa‘ 1.25-litre engine, with a 1,248cc capacity, offers drivers 87PS at 6,000rpm. Maximum torque of 88 lb.ft (120Nm) is available to the driver from 4,000rpm, resulting in a 0-62mph time of 12.3 seconds and a top speed of 106 mph in 5 speed manual guise).

A combination of a height reduction and new suspension has also resulted in more agile handling than before. Ride quality is on the firm side, but still supple enough to absorb most road imperfections. One disappointment is the steering which can feel a bit vague at times, but its lightness certainly helps make parking a doddle, especially in congested urban areas.

The new i10 benefits from better refinement than the previous model, due to a more aerodynamic shape and beefed up noise insulation, contributing to now making the little Hyundai one of the quietest cars in its class. i10 has one of the most practical and spacious cabins in this city car class, too. Innovative interior packaging makes for a big boot volume (252 litres with rear seats in place and 1,046 litres with rear seats folded) and combined front and rear legroom (1,890mm). There are also plenty of storage places within the cabin, including a large cubby in front of the gearstick and big bottle holders in both doors.

The driver’s seat is supportive, although entry-level cars do without seat-height adjustment, and it’s a shame that the steering wheel doesn’t adjust for reach. The dashboard has a good layout, with the ventilation and audio system controls located for easy usability on the centre console. Most other switchgear also falls easily to hand and the driver benefits from good all-round visibility.

The i10 model line-up comprises from S, S Air, SE, SE Blue Drive, Premium and Premium SE variants. Top of the range Premium SE models boasts 15” alloy wheels; an electric tilt and slide glass sunroof; rear parking sensors; smart key with engine stop/start button; chrome effect exterior door handles; Bluetooth, climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel. Mid-specification models include features such as front and rear power windows, remote central locking and height adjustable driver’s seat. Even base models feature a generous standard of specification, including central locking, trip computer, USB stereo connection, daytime running lights and a full complement of active and passive safety equipment.

Verdict:
The Hyundai i10 is one of the best city cars around, being spacious, refined, well equipped and yet affordable to both buy and run.

 

Tech spec:
Hyundai i10 1.0 SE Manual
Price: £9,975
Engine: 1.0 litre, 3-cylinder
Power: 66 PS @ 5500 RPM
Torque: 95Nm @3500 RPM
Gearbox: 5 speed manual
0-62 mph: 14.9 seconds
Top speed: 96 mph
Economy: 60.1 mpg
CO2  108g/km