Skip advert
Advertisement

Sub £10k - Hyundai i30

Spend a little more, and there’s a wide choice of superminis. So, which is best?

If you’ve got £10,000 to spend, don’t think you can’t shop in the family hatchback market. Even buyers on a tight budget can have a decent sized car – and the Hyundai i30 is the proof. The 1.4-litre Comfort starts at £7,995 after Scrappage.

A low price isn’t the only attractive feature, though, as the Hyundai hatch comes very well equipped as standard. Comfort trim gets alloy wheels, air-conditioning, ESP stability control, electric windows, an auxiliary input for MP3 players and six airbags. That shames the smaller and more costly Fiesta Style.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The firm has embraced the Scrappage Scheme like few others, but its five-year warranty has been available for some time – and it also helps to set the i30 apart from its sub-£10,000 rivals.

While the Hyundai doesn’t have the image or visual appeal of the other cars here, its well proportioned, attractive five-door body is inoffensive and practical. The interior is thoughtfully laid out and well built, too, and the blue-lit instruments add a touch of class – only the high-set driving position counts against it.

It also performs well on the road. The 108bhp 1.4-litre petrol model isn’t fast, but it promises strong combined economy of 46.3mpg. Plus, the Hyundai has composed and secure handling, as well as light steering and compliant suspension which absorbs bumps effectively.

Hyundai’s family hatch was competitively priced before the Scrappage Scheme was introduced, so now it’s even more tempting. If you can stretch your budget a bit further, our pick would be the punchy but refined 1.6-litre CRDi. It has a list price of £13,400, and the diesel gives 60mpg – making the most of this great family car package.

Details

Price: £11,600/£7,995
WHY: Proof that you can have a decent family hatch for under £10k

Economy

46.3mpg

Residuals

34.5 per cent

Tax

F/£125

Insurance

13/N/A

Environment

145g/km

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,966 off RRP*Used from £7,250
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,919 off RRP*Used from £14,800
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,951
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £13,328
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025
Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy
Marcos, interior

Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy

Development is already underway on the first all-new Marcos cars in roughly 20 years
News
27 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025