Hyundai i10 hatchback (2008- ) expert review

Measuring just 3.5-metres, the Hyundai i10 is a seriously small car which takes its design cues from its bigger brothers, the new Hyundai ix20 and ix35. Its hexagonal grille, more angular headlights and re-profiled front bumper bring it in line with the manufacturer’s new ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language. Soon, all Hyundais will share this striking new face. At the rear, the lamps and bumper have also been redesigned. Entry-level Classic models come with new design 14-inch steel wheels (new eco-version Blue models come with 13-inch steels), but these are upgraded to alloys on Active trim and above.

In March 2011 Hyundai introduced a new-look i10, with the main interior changes including blue dials and illumination on the central console, chrome door handles and gear knobs and an optional leather steering wheel and handbrake. Seat fabrics have been improved and there’s a cup holder for back seat passengers too.

For a car so small, the i10 offers a quite staggering amount of space for such a tiny footprint. The boot’s 225 litres is adequate – 25-litres bigger than that of the new Kia Picanto – but the boot is so narrowly shaped and the boot lip awkwardly high, that it’s difficult to get the best out of its capacity. If two people are going away for the weekend you may need to use the back seats or fold them to accommodate luggage. It will comfortably seat four, but while there is a middle seat belt it will be incredibly cramped for five.

We are pleased to report the i10 is very good on the road. A slick gearchange, precise steering and good brakes instil confidence in the drive and allow the i10 to easily keep pace with bigger, more powerful cars. It’s a similar driving experience to the fun Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 107. The ride is fairly comfortable for a car with small wheels, but the 14-inch rims combined with the car’s height means there is a bit of roll on corners. When you hit motorway speeds there is surprisingly little road noise.

The i10 is available with a choice of two petrol engines. The all-new 68bhp 1-litre, three-cylinder i10 Blue model takes a lethargic 14.8 seconds to reach 62mph, but in reality feels quicker, with an off-beat engine sound which encourages you along. Stop at the traffic lights and the engine will cut out, thanks to stop and start technology Hyundai calls Intelligent Stop and Go (ISG). Improvements have been made to the 1.25-litre engine: it now has 85bhp instead of 77, while emissions drop to 108g/km of CO2 from 119. It’s less fun than the peppy new 1-litre, but it’s smoother and better suited to longer drives. Unless you really need an automatic gearbox, it’s an option best avoided. As well as the increase in CO2 it cuts economy by 10mpg and struggles to choose the right gear when shown a demanding hilly road. In the city it’s much better, changing gears with little fuss.

The i10 Blue is the most efficient version, thanks to standard fit low rolling resistance tyres and an eco-shift indicator, which displays which gear to choose for the best economy. The big news here is its emissions of 99g/km of CO2, making it free to tax and London Congestion Charge exempt. Perhaps more usefully it’ll also cover 67.3mpg, meaning you’ll visit the petrol station less often. It’s the only sub £10,000 five-door car on the market to break the 100g/km threshold. The 1.2-litre engine is also economical, averaging 61.4mpg and 108g/km even without the ISG technology fitted to the i10 Blue. If mated to an automatic gearbox this drops to 51.4mpg and 129g/km of CO2.

Hyundai has absolute faith in its products and offer the i10 with a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty. It also benefits from five years’ roadside assistance and five years’ vehicle health checks. It has an average Auto Trader Owner Review rating of 4.3 out of 5, with Karen Z from London saying: “It’s great for driving around town and can fit into the smallest of spaces. We have used it on a daily basis, it’s never let us down and we’ve never had a problem with it.”