Hyundai i10 review

The i10 is a small city car with fresh contemporary styling and excellent interior space.

There are two petrol engines; one which is best for the city and another that offers power for A-roads. The i10 doesn’t have a diesel option. There is an automatic option, which is a great choice for everyday city driving.
The i10 is only available in the single five-door hatchback body style. Trim levels start with the basic S. There’s the SE which has Bluetooth phone connectivity and steering wheel audio controls. Premium models are kitted out with the touchscreen and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay apps. Then there’s the Premium SE, which has a built-in sat nav.

A small update in 2016 added a bit more style, with the addition of an upgraded infotainment touchscreen and LED running lamps.

Inside, the i10 looks pretty stylish without being too quirky. It has a traditional feel that’s a bit plasticky, but it’s welcoming. Tech lovers will appreciate the decently high-tech ambience, especially if you choose one of the touchscreen-equipped Premium or Premium SE models.

It’s a comfortable car that has good seat adjustment. However, the steering wheel can only be tilted – there’s no other adjustment - and to change the height of your seat belt, you need the Premium-spec. Those are the only real niggles though.

The tall five-door body ensures there’s plenty of room inside a comfortable cabin that’s easy to get in and out of. Five people can be crammed in, but it’s not something to do regularly as it won’t be much fun on a long journey. Four adults will be accommodated well though, as there’s leg and headroom sufficient for all but the tallest.

The i10’s boot space is great, which will prove a major positive for shopping and weekends away.

While some city cars feel small, the Hyundai i10 feels pretty spacious. It’s very easy to drive with a smooth-shifting manual gearbox and there’s effective soundproofing to help the driver relax.

The small size of the i10 will be a joy around town. The upright body, great view out and light steering, makes squeezing through gaps or into tight parking spaces simple.

The entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is nippy and smooth around town. If you want more power, look for the 1.2-litre engine.

There is the option of a four-speed automatic gearbox if you’d prefer not having to shift between gears. But the manual is also a great choice.

Neither of the two engine options in the i10 are as fuel-efficient as its rivals, such as the Toyota Aygo and Citroen C1, but the difference will be pretty small.

Other costs are going to be very low, with cheap insurance guaranteed by low group ratings. Even main dealer servicing comes in at the bargain end. The i10 is popular and its values hold up well.

The i10 has a strong record for reliability and the quality of its components, backed up by an industry-leading five-year warranty. This will often still apply to used models as long as the servicing regime is kept up-to-date.

Crash safety scores from Euro NCAP look a little disappointing as the test only awarded four stars, but the i10 faced a tougher, later test regime than the 5-star VW Up.