Test Car Specifications
Model: 2022 Hyundai i10 Premium 1.2 MPi 84PS Manual
Price: £17,095
Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol
Transmission: five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power: 84hp
Torque: 117Nm
Emissions: 125g/km
Fuel Economy: 51.4mpg
0-62mph: 12.6 seconds
Top speed: 106mph
Boot space: 252 litres
Styling
There was a time when i10s looked decidedly awkward, but the new model is a more attractive thing than any of its predecessors. Admittedly, there's still something a bit alien about the front end, but this is a car that's trying to look modern, rather than cute. And it achieves that pretty well, with slightly more style than the Kia Picanto with which it shares so much. So while it's hardly the prettiest car on the market, it stacks up fairly well alongside its rivals.
Interior
Although Hyundai has tried to replicate the modern style of the exterior inside the car, the i10's cabin is far from the most impressive we've seen. But for a car of this size, it's above average in terms of solidity and ergonomics, if not materials and style. Yes, there's a funky panel on the passenger side, but there are plenty of cheap materials to be found knocking about. That said, equipment levels are strong across the board, and an eight-inch touchscreen is fitted as standard. It isn't a ground-breaking display, but it's functional and well thought through, making it much easier to use than some competitor companies' displays.
Practicality
The i10's 252-litre boot is not massive by any stretch of the imagination, but it isn't bad for a city car. It's significantly more spacious than the luggage bay in a Fiat 500, for example. But there's more to practicality than boot space, and the i10 also has five doors as standard, allowing easier access to the rear seats. Space back there isn't exactly plentiful, but you could get four adults in there at a pinch, while kids would have plenty of room.
Performance
The i10 is available with a choice of three petrol engines, none of which provides especially earth-shattering performance. The basic option is the 1.0-litre MPi engine, which churns out 67hp, while the most powerful option is the 1.0-litre turbocharged engine that's available solely with the N Line car. For most customers, though, the 1.2-litre MPi engine will likely be the one to go for. With 84hp it isn't fast in anyone's book, but it has enough poke to keep pace with traffic while still returning more than 50mpg, and it's surprisingly refined. It also allows you to choose between a manual or automatic gearbox, although those who opt for the auto will pay slightly at the pumps.
Ride & Handling
The i10 is designed for urban use, and it's in town where it really excels. Light controls mean it feels nippy, and even the manual gearbox doesn't feel like too much of a burden in traffic. But while town centres are the i10's natural home, it has some competence when it comes to motorway cruising, too. Yes, the high roof and slab sides mean crosswinds are a pain, but the ride, which is a bit lumpy at lower speeds thanks in part to the short wheelbase, settles down at speed. Of course, you pay the price for all this when you're trying to go fast on a country road, where the i10 will protest with heaps of body roll and a lack of feel, but that isn't what this car is for. Where it matters, the i10 performs admirably.
Value
The i10 starts at just under £15,000, but that money only pays for the basic 1.0-litre car with 67hp and the SE Connect trim level. That means you get 15-inch alloy wheels, electric windows and manual air conditioning, not to mention, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth. But if you want more you'll need the Premium model tested here. It only costs around £1,300 more, but it comes with bigger wheels, climate control and a heated steering wheel. You could go for the sportier N Line if you so wish, but that adds another £1,300 to the price and comes with little improvement in specification.
Verdict
The i10 is still one of the best city cars you can buy, offering a slightly more premium feel than its South Korean cousin, the Kia Picanto. It isn't quite as much fun, but it's easy to drive and see out of, and it offers reasonable space and value. As sensible choices go, this is hard to beat.
