9:55 am, December 27, 2013
Hyundai has the unenviable job of replacing the UK’s best-selling city car. Has it done a good job?
WHAT IS IT?
More than five years after its predecessor went on sale, Hyundai will be delivering the first new examples of its clever and compact city car, the i10, early in 2014. The new car looks sharper, has enhanced equipment levels, yet crucially has not gone up in price, of which more later. Hyundai says it’s a car that ‘gets you from A to B’ by which it means B-segment equipment levels on an A-segment budget.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
A choice of two petrol engines – a 1.0- litre three-cylinder powertrain which can get from 0-60mph in around 15 seconds and has a top speed of 96mph, or a 1.2-litre four-cylinder unit which can get to 60mph in 12 seconds and tops out at 106mph. Naturally, the bigger engine will come into its own with a fully-loaded car and boot while still delivering pleasing fuel economy. Buyers can expect 59.6mpg combined.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
The range begins with the S trim, which, as standard, comes with the 1.0-litre powertrain – prices start at £8,345 (no change from the outgoing i10). Mid-trim SE available with both engine options kicks in at £9,295, but the range-topping Premium is the one Hyundai is really keen to shout about. Buyers will enjoy features such as Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, steering wheel controls, rear speakers and LED daytime running lights. There are some additional nice design touches and Premium purchasers will need to find £9,995. Hyundai expects 90 per cent of purchasers to go for SE or Premium.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Refined and roomy, comfortable and quiet, it’s a worthy successor. The gearbox is smooth, the steering is light and accurate and the overall impression is of big-car refinement in a much smaller product.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK OF IT?
Car magazine said: ‘The new Hyundai i10 still doesn’t create the same pang of ‘want’ as a VW Up, but it is better value, on a par for overall refinement, and substantially more mature than its predecessor too.’ Autocar concluded: ‘Now more than ever Hyundai’s city car is a purchase that can be considered as much with the heart as with the head.’
WHAT DO WE THINK OF IT?
If we were working for Hyundai we’d be feeling pretty optimistic about the i10’s prospects. It deserves to do well. And one thing we have neglected to mention so far is that the car is backed by the company’s five-year unlimited mileage warranty. Impressive equipment levels, a big step up in interior quality, sensible pricing and an interior that makes our much-loved long term Skoda Citigo look a little cheap. Good job, Hyundai.
