New Hyundai i10 review

There are four versions of the new Hyundai i10 city car, due to launch in the UK from April 2008.

The entry-level Classic is priced at £6,495, Comfort £7,095, Style £7,595 and Comfort Auto £7,895.

All models have four airbags, five seats, isofix mountings, electric windows, colour coded bumpers, central locking and an integrated radio with MP3-compatible CD player and that all-important auxiliary port for your MP3 player.

This level of equipment is standard on the entry-level Classic trim, but for there are two steps up the range.

The Comfort is available with a manual or automatic gearbox and gains alloys, rear electric windows, front fog lights, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, power outlet, electric door mirrors, remote central locking and colour coding on the exterior mirrors and door handles.

At the top of the range, the Style has the addition of 15” inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, metal grain fascia, a rear roof spoiler and an electric sunroof.

Not only do the models share the same engines but also four disc brakes, ABS and electronic brake force distribution. Suspension is by front struts and rear torsion beam with electrically assisted rack–and-pinion steering.

The 1.1-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, already familiar to Getz and Amica owners, has been revised to improve performance and emissions.

As a result it is capable of 58.5mpg on the combined cycle and 64.2mpg on the extra urban run. The top speed is a respectable 95mph, meaning the i10 should never feel strained at legal motorway speeds.

With 65bhp available the 0-60mph time is just under 16 seconds in the five-speed manual but stretches to 18.5 seconds with the four-speed automatic.

The five-door body will seat four passengers and has a 285-litre boot, enough for weekend shopping, but struggling with a set of golf-clubs.

The manual gearbox version I tested seemed to be much more better matched with the 1.1-litre engine because the automatic transmission did rob it of some much needed power, particularly on hills and when moving away from traffic lights.

Gear changes were slick and easy; the steering made light work of parking without being too vague on open roads.

Ride quality was generally good and the handling safe and sure on dry roads over the test route.

Inside the room was fair for those in front but anyone in the back would feel it a squeeze if they were above average height while the front seats were set for a six-footer.

The interior is simple and attractive with careful thought shown in the colour and texture of fascia, seats and headlining.

There is no doubt the Hyundai i10 is the equal of its rivals in terms of ability and comfort but it moves ahead of them in the equipment and value for money stakes, and with a strong finance package and that long warranty in the back pocket, it provides the residual value and reassurance so many need at this end of the market.

MILESTONES

Hyundai i10

Price: From £6,495 Engine: 1.1-litre, four-cylinder petrol, 65bhp

Performance: 95mph, 0-60mph 15.9 seconds, 58.5mph, CO2 119g/km, VED Band B £35, Company Car Tax 10%

Luggage space: 285-litres

For: High specification relative to price, long warranty, compact size

Against: A squeeze for rear adult passengers, auto transmission robs performance

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