We say
The i10 is a solid, if unremarbale, investment. It does everything a small car for city driving should.
Performance
85bhp 1.2-litre petrol i10 is great around town, as you’d expect. It will certainly suffice on the motorway, but it does feel a bit out of its depth. There’s an even smaller 68bhp 1.0 petrol engine – again it’s good for the city but bad beyond it.
Emissions
Between 114 and 119g/km is very good in terms of road tax on 1.2 models. Fuel economy is a respectable 61mpg. However the i10 1.0 Blue model offers 99g/km and 67mpg combined.
Driving
The little Hyundai handles all of lumps and bumps of the UK roads well, but the steering is what lets the i10 down; it’s uninvolving, unresponsive and takes all the fun out of the compact car.
Feel
Road- and wind-noise is definitely audible, but it’s not a big issue. The same goes for the engine. The ride is comfortable around town; the i10 may be wearing on the motorway for long journeys.
Space
The i10 makes good use of the limited space it has with clever compartments and underfloor storage. The boot is predictably small at 225 litres – though not awful for the sector and it does extend to nearly 1,000 – and there’s not much rear legroom.
Equipment
Base i10 models get air conditioning and electric front windows. Upgrade a level and it comes with alloy wheels and electric rear windows.
Price
The Hyundai i10 is very well priced, cheap to run and is backed by a five-year warranty. Hard to argue with.
Quality
The i10’s low price is reflected in the interior design, but it is solid enough and should last.
Safety
Anti-lock brakes and front and side airbags are offered on all models. Curtain airbags and stability control aren’t available however – the i10 hasn’t been tested by Euro NCAP.
Pros
Cheap, decent standard kit, comfortable ride.
Cons
Lack of safety features, basic cabin, uninvolving to drive.
Alternatives
Toyota Aygo, Fiat 500, Kia Picanto