While Hyundai has operated in the UK for many decades, it wasn’t until the 2000s when the South Korean firm became a major car manufacturer here.
This all kickstarted with Hyundai’s ‘i’ range of models. Beginning with the i30 family hatchback, the next model to debut was the i10 city car, which would go on to become one of the firm’s best-selling cars.
And now we have an all-new third-generation version of the i10 which is once again set to prove to be one of the best city cars on sale. What is there to get excited about on the new car? We take a look…
Class-leading levels of connectivity
One area where Hyundai has drastically enhanced the i10 is when it comes to connectivity. A new eight-inch touchscreen – essentially lifted from the more expensive i30 range – is offered, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, as well as wireless charging on selected versions.
But it’s the optional Bluelink package that will make the most difference to many buyers – introducing a number of ‘firsts’ to the sector. A few highlights include a parking space locator (where the technology is currently up and running) as well as a ‘Find My Car’ service, that stores the location of the car, which can then be accessed via a smartphone app. Real-time traffic data is also supplied on cars fitted with satellite navigation.
More space than ever before
The i10 has always been one of the more practical models offered in the city car class, and that continues with the new version.
It has a longer wheelbase than before, which allows for more rear seat room. The 252-litre boot is the same as before, though it’s exceedingly practical for a model of this size and is nearly class-leading – only falling short of the Kia Picanto by a few litres.
Impressive safety kit
Hyundai’s i10 always was a leader when it came to safety kit, and this is another aspect of continuity.
Equipped with the Hyundai ‘SmartSense’ safety package, the i10 is offered with autonomous emergency braking, high beam assist, lane-keep assist, a driver attention monitoring system and traffic sign recognition, which warns of any speed limits to maximise safety.
Efficient engines
With a city car, it’s always important to keep running costs to a minimum, and the i10’s two efficient petrol engines are likely to be very frugal.
While fuel economy figures are still being calculated, the CO2 emissions for both models are low – 112g/km on the 66bhp 1.0-litre engine and 121g/km on the 83bhp 1.2-litre unit.
A bold new look
The city car market has plenty of youthful appeal, and buyers like to be behind the wheel of something that’s bold and stylish.
While the outgoing i10 is far from being a bad-looking model, it’s not particularly exciting. Hence the radical design from this new car.
Highlights include the lower roofline, cascading front grille and imposing LED daytime running lights – positioned either side of the number plate.
New colour options – including Dragon Red, Bras and Aqua Turquoise — all give the i10 more appeal, as do a range of new alloy wheel designs and a sharper design in general.
