- The second of Hyundai’s new ‘i’ range
- Priced from £6,495 with class-leading specification
- Air conditioning as standard
When Hyundai launched the i30 in September 2007, it was heralded as the
start of a new era for the company. An era in which quality, equipment
levels and affordability would create a dramatic shift in the public’s
attitude towards the marque. Reaction to the i30 in the press has been astonishing, and reflects the effort Hyundai put in to making the car a world-beater.
Eventually all new-generation Hyundai models will gain an ‘i’ prefix in
the name as they are replaced or substantially facelifted. And now the
second of Hyundai’s i range of cars has arrived, and is set to cause
just as much of a stir as the i30.
Unlike some cars in the sector, the i10 has proper ‘grown-up’ looks
that have a clear link to the new design language started with the
Santa Fe and i30. This distinct family resemblance will be carried
forward to future models too including the i20 later in 2008. Inside
the i10 looks equally as grown up, with quality that belies its price.
The bare metal, exposed screw heads and cheap-feeling plastics which
have been familiar to city car buyers for decades are all banished from
the i10.
Amazingly, prices start at £6,495. But even at this level the i10
arrives packed with the sort of equipment which is unheard of in this
sector of the market. Air conditioning is increasingly seen as
essential by all motorists, but surprisingly some mainstream
manufacturers still relegate it to the options list for their A, B and
even C-segment offerings.
The launch of the i10 marks the point at which Hyundai becomes an
all-air conditioned range. This will bring drivers a real benefit, not
just in hot weather, but also in the winter when the dehumidifying
effect results in far faster demisting.
With the longest wheelbase in the class, the i10 has exceptional
interior space too – and it’s a full five seater with room for luggage. That long wheelbase also gives the ride and handling characteristics of
a far larger car, meaning the i10 needn’t just be confined to the city
limits. Combined with an all-new front and rear suspension design,
electric power steering and all-round disc brakes, the i10’s
specification could embarrass some cars in the class above.
All in all it means that buyers who want a small car with small bills needn’t put up with big compromises.
Specification and equipment
- Air con and electric windows standard on every model
- Three specifications to choose from - Classic, Comfort and Style
- Prices from £6,495 OTR including five year warranty
Even as recently as a decade ago, the standard equipment levels of the i10 would be seen as truly generous on large family car. Air conditioning, electric windows, 14-inch wheels, six speaker stereo and four airbags would have been seen as a class-leading package in a car costing £13,000. And now Hyundai is able to bring buyers all this in a car costing half this amount.
The fitment of air conditioning as standard across the range is a real highlight of the i10. It is increasingly seen as essential, not just to help you keep your cool in summer, but also to keep the windows free of mist in winter. With the launch of the i10, Hyundai’s entire range is air conditioned – something that none of our rivals can match.
The company hasn’t cut back in other areas either. There are four airbags, five seats, isofix mountings, electric windows, colour coded bumpers, central locking and an integrated radio with MP3-compatiable CD player and that all-important auxiliary port for your MP3 player. Compare that to rivals at the same price level and the i10 looks even better value.
This level of equipment is standard on the entry-level Classic trim, but for those who desire even more 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 even an electric sunroof.
All trim levels also have Hyundai’s Five-Year unlimited mileage warranty as standard too – and that alone would cost hundreds of pounds if added to the purchase price of rivals.
