Skip advert
Advertisement

Hyundai i10 Hatchback review

It might not look it, but the i10 is a city car that can rival the best in the class.

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
RRP
£15,880 £19,430
Avg. savings
£1,689 off RRP*
Find your Hyundai i10
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

It might not look it, but the i10 is a city car that can rival the best in the class. Solidly built, well equipped and good to drive it represents a big step forward for Hyundai.

Styling/Image

The little i10 replaces the drab Amica in the Korean firm’s line-up. While the new car lacks the cute looks of Fiat Panda, it has at least been styled with European tastes in mind. Buyers have a choice of Classic, Comfort and Style trim levels, with all versions getting alloy wheels and body coloured bumpers. Pick the range topping Style and a roof-mounted spoiler features at the rear.

Interior/Practicality

Like the exterior, the cabin lacks the visual flair of some rivals. However, it makes up for this with lots of equipment and decent versatility. There’s plenty of space inside, with enough legroom in the rear for adults to sit comfortably, while a split/fold rear bench is standard. All models get central locking, air-conditioning, side airbags, and an MP3 compatible CD player. Comfort trim adds keyless entry, while Style also includes heated front seats, electric sunroof and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Engine/Performance

Only two petrol engines are available – a 65bhp 1.1-litre and a 77bhp 1.2-litre. Both units are fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox, although a four-ratio automatic transmission is optional on the larger unit. Performance from both units is only adequate, with the small engine taking 15.6 seconds to sprint from zero to 60mph. The engines can also get thrashy and intrusive when extended. On the plus side, fuel returns should be strong, with both motors capable of at least 55mpg.

Driving experience

On the road, the Hyundai is surprisingly good fun. A good driving position allows you to exploit the well weighted and responsive steering, progressive brakes and smooth gearshift. In the city, great all-round visibility and responsive controls make placing the car easy. And while it’s not powerful, the i10 is capable of holding its own in fast flowing traffic and it’s comfortable and refined over long distances.

Ownership Costs

Thanks to its class-leading levels of standard kit, five-year warranty and low starting price, the i10 makes a tempting proposition in the showroom. Better still it’ll return 55mpg, while most versions emit just 119g/km of CO2, meaning your annual tax bill should be just £35. On the other hand, chose the automatic gearbox and fuel economy takes a hit and CO2 emissions increase, taking it into the more expensive VED Band C.

Safety/Environment

The Hyundai has four airbags, height adjustable front seatbelts and three headrests as standard on the rear bench. As a result, the i10 notched up a respectable four-star result when tested by EuroNCAP. Most models emit just 119g/km of CO2, while a hydrogen-powered i10 is in development that produces just 65g/km. There’s also a gutsy and refined 1.1-litre diesel engine available in other markets, although company bosses have yet to decide whether it’ll come to the UK.

Our Choice: i10 Comfort 1.1-litre

Engines, performance and drive

0

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

0

Interior, design and technology

0

Practicality, comfort and boot space

0

Reliability and Safety

0
Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.0 Advance 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £15,880
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.0 Advance 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £15,880
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    1.0 Advance 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £15,880
Select car

New & used car deals

Hyundai I10

Hyundai I10

RRP £14,025Avg. savings £1,689 off RRP*Used from £7,490
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,405Avg. savings £2,749 off RRP*Used from £12,220
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,235Avg. savings £1,824 off RRP*Used from £24,000
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £27,795Avg. savings £2,400 off RRP*Used from £18,203
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped
Volkswagen Transporter e-Shuttle - front

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped

The Ford-based Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is refined, good to drive and has plenty of space in all three rows
Road tests
14 Feb 2025
It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced
Opinion - expensive cars

It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced

Not matter how good a new car might be, Mike Rutherford thinks it will ultimately fail if it's overpriced
Opinion
16 Feb 2025
Ford Capri vs Cupra Tavascan: similar, stylish but only one can win
Ford Capri and Cupra Tavascan - front tracking

Ford Capri vs Cupra Tavascan: similar, stylish but only one can win

Ford brought back the iconic Capri name for its new coupé-SUV, which shares its platform with the fresh Cupra Tavascan. Which is the top dog?
Car group tests
15 Feb 2025