Hyundai i10, presentation and road test in Madrid

The smallest of the Hyundai range has been updated, and is now the second generation of a car that has a lot to say in its segment, design and quality. The city car segment has a new member, the all-new Hyundai i10 with qualities more typical of a segment B car.

It gains in quality, design, equipment and is available from 7,500 euros (after discounts and the PIVE scheme), so if you are looking for a second car for the family or a first city car with good finish and equipment, don’t miss this first look at the Hyundai i10.

Designed in Europe, built in Turkey

I’m sure some of you remember the Hyundai Atos, with its peculiar design. And a design that was not very successful in Europe; the i10 now debuts the complete opposite, lines designed at the centre the brand has in Germany and a modern, youthful image.

The front is completely new, with a large grille and LED daytime running lights (depending on version), as well as indicators integrated into the mirrors (also depending on version). In the side profile you can see the rising line at the height of the door handles, giving it a stronger personality than the previous, simpler-designed generation.

Inside, the dashboard is colourful, with coloured panels and materials more typical of a compact than a city car. It stands out for its quality, both perceived and visual: the plastics are hard but very pleasant to the touch, and the design is attractive and up to date.

That said, in terms of space it reminds us that it is a city car, and both front and rear there isn’t much legroom, though headroom is more than sufficient in both rows. It also stands out for its good sound insulation: we tested it on the motorway and in town, and it isolates outside noise very well, combined with the low engine sound.

It also has practical details such as large door pockets, with room in all four doors for a one-litre bottle. The instrumentation is complete, something rare in a city car, and the on-board computer with all kinds of information is not missing.

We were surprised by the boot, 252 litres. It is not very large, but it is deep and quite usable, with a capacity that is adequate for the segment.

Engine range, petrol only

Only two engines will be available for the Hyundai i10, both petrol. The first is a three-cylinder one-litre unit producing 66 CV, which is somewhat modest for leaving the city. The more balanced choice is the four-cylinder 1.2-litre engine, which delivers 87 CV.

During the first drive we tested the 87 CV 1.2 engine and found it the most suitable for those who want to take the i10 out of the city, since it moves with ease even on the motorway and is a fairly frugal unit. It is smooth and barely makes any noise.

The only drawback we noticed on the first drive was the steering feel, which is somewhat artificial and detracts from an otherwise very good package. Even the gearbox had a precise feel, rare in city cars. Consumption on a motorway run at 120 km/h and in town stayed below 6 litres per 100 km.

A four-speed CVT automatic gearbox will be available for the 87 CV engine.

Complete equipment

As standard it does not skimp on safety, and even the base trim already includes stability control, six airbags, hill start assist and tyre pressure monitoring. There are three equipment levels: Essence, Tecno and Style.

The most interesting is the Tecno, as it already includes features such as air conditioning, a sound system with USB and AUX inputs, front and rear electric windows, body-coloured mirrors, among other items.

In the most complete trim there is equipment such as cruise control, an optional sunroof, Bluetooth for the phone and climate control, equipment that is not very common in this segment.

Hyundai i10 prices

• Hyundai i10 1.0 66 CV Essence 10,500 euros
• Hyundai i10 1.0 66 CV Essence Plus 11,600 euros
• Hyundai i10 1.0 66 CV Tecno 12,200 euros
• Hyundai i10 1.0 66 CV Tecno Plus 12,600 euros
• Hyundai i10 1.2 87 CV Tecno 12,700 euros
• Hyundai i10 1.2 87 CV Tecno Plus 13,100 euros
• Hyundai i10 1.2 87 CV Style 14,300 euros
• Hyundai i10 1.2 87 CV Style Plus 15,400 euros

Off these prices you should subtract 3,000 euros, combining the brand’s discounts and the PIVE scheme. The Hyundai i10 also comes with five years of warranty with no mileage limit, a warranty that applies to all Hyundai models.

Photos | Highmotor team and Hyundai Spain

Technical specifications of this car

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