Hyundai i10 Review

Performance4/5

With only two engines available the buyer is unlikely to get confused by too much choice. Both engines are petrol, and come as a 1.0 litre three cylinder version or a 1.2 four cylinder. The former offers 68bhp, gets to 62 mph in 14.8 seconds and has a top speed of 93 mph; whilst its big brother has 85 bhp, moves to 62 mph in 12.2 seconds and can reach 105 mph. Both are perfectly good for what is likely to be required of them.

Handling4.5/5

This car is about as good as it gets for a city car – it is light and responsive to handle and is easily manoeuvrable in town traffic and a doddle to park. Suspension is slightly firm, but not overwhelmingly so; and wind and road noise is minimal at slow speed, although it does become more noticeable on motorways. The i10 takes to country driving rather well, with little body roll on bends – so while you will probably not want to drive the length and breadth of the country in it, you will almost certainly appreciate its qualities on a trip into town or a rural day out!

Exterior3.5/5

The i10 has had a bit of cosmetic surgery, resulting in a car which looks bang up to date. With new look bumpers, headlights and grille, it fits in well with the rest of the Hyundai line up, and is appealing enough to remain popular with many city car drivers.

Interior4.5/5

The i10 can accommodate four adults in comfort, which is an impressive achievement for a city car. The dashboard is very user-friendly, although the plastics are hard and don’t do much for the look of the interior. The four adults could each take along a small bag with them – the boot has a very reasonable 225 litres, which outdoes main rivals Chevrolet Spark and Nissan Pixo. The split folding rear seat (60:40) increases the car’s load carrying capacity to 910 litres – and access to seats and boot is made simple by a high rising tailgate and wide opening doors.

Equipment4/5

Hyundai have given the i10 four trim levels – the Classic, Active, Blue and Style. Entry level Classic will give you 14 inch steel wheels, air conditioning, central locking, Eco drive indicator, electric front windows, height adjustable steering column (but not driver’s seat height adjustment) stereo radio/cd player with MP3 compatibility. Blue benefits from additional smart technologies, including Alternate Management System and  Intelligent Stop and Go; while Active boasts driver’s seat height adjustment, electric door mirrors, electric rear windows, front fog lights and remote central locking. If you decide to go for top of the range Style, for your money you will get alloy effect fascia trim; electric tilt and slide sunroof; heated front seats; leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake; and rear spoiler with integral brake light.

Safety3.5/5

When tested in 2009, the i10 received four stars in its NCAP rating. All models come with anti-lock brakes as standard, along with twin front and side airbags and pre- tensioning seatbelts. Hyundai’s reliability record is better than average, which should add to your peace of mind. ISOFIX child seat anchors are included.

Buying & Owning4.5/5

The i10 certainly represents good value for money – it is inexpensive to buy and inexpensive to run. A well kitted-out car, coming with a five- year warranty, low carbon emissions and good fuel economy it is certainly one to consider for anyone needing to watch the pennies; no tax and no congestion charges on the ‘Blue’ model. It has already proved popular and is likely to retain a good resale value.

Reviewed by cars2buy