Hyundai i10 – review

The “city car” sector is probably the most competitive out there so to hold your own takes some doing.

To excel in the company of the VW Up!, Skoda Citigo and Fiat Panda is even harder, but that’s exactly what the new Hyundai i10 does.

Take the 1.2SE I tested in an eye-catching metallic Sweet Orange. Yes, it looks like it’s been Tangoed, but it’s a great package and excellent value at £10,250.

For that you get a punchy four-cylinder engine pushing out 86bhp through a five-speed gearbox, capable of between 43-68mpg.

Add to that air conditioning, electric front and rear windows, remote locking, daytime running lights, ABS, USB and aux sockets – to name but a few.

And as if all that isn’t enough, you then remember that all Hyundai cars come with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, including five years of roadside assistance.

Compared to its predecessor, the new i10 is chunkier and chiselled with a more “European” look – a great example of a ‘wheel at each corner’ small car.

Only available as a five-door, it’s spacious inside with room for adults front and rear with little compromise, plus plenty of those little storage spaces we all crave.

There’s a real feel of quality. The doors clunk and the plastics used throughout the interior are solid and classily textured, while the centre console and instrument panel are well designed with big buttons and knobs. In short, it looks and feels much more expensive than it is.

It drives well too. The 1.2 is lively in town and manages perfectly well on motorway runs, even if they are not its natural habitat. For the record, it can reach 109mph in 12.3 seconds. Visibility is good and the steering is light, making parking a doddle.

The ride would put many bigger cars to shame, but it’s the refinement of the i10 that sets it apart. You’d be hard put to find a quieter cabin in a city car.

My gripes are minor. The clutch biting point seemed a tad low and therefore slightly vicious on my test car, while sat nav and DAB are not even offered as options.

The Hyundai i10 is also available with a 1.0 litre three-cylinder engine and the range starts at £8,345.

Verdict: Hyundai has hit the jackpot with the second generation i10. It’s one of the best city cars around – and great value. Fun to drive, refined, well built and economical.

Review: @garethherincx