little gem Hyundai's all-new i10 city slicker packs a tremendous punch

The latest Hyundai i10 has a dynamic new design

November 25 2020 09:38 AM

Hyundai – i10

THEY say big things come in small packages and that is certainly the case with the all-new Hyundai i10. A few weeks back, just before the second of our Level Five lockdowns, I had the pleasure of driving the little city car that has struck a chord with so many Irish motorists over the last few years.

With most of the car companies closing their doors to comply with the restrictions, I came very close to holding on to the little i10 for the six-week period and, I have to admit, I would have had no problem pottering around the town in this little city slicker.

For 2020, the newest model in the company’s i-range features a new dynamic design, as well as a comprehensive connectivity and advanced safety package.

On the outside, the all-new i10’s dynamic and sleek design offers a contrast between its soft surfaces and sharp lines.

Compared to its predecessor, the all-new i10 has enhanced proportions. Its visual stance is improved by its lowered roof (20 mm) and its wider body (20 mm).

Hyundai i10 interior is up there with the best of them

These enhancements can be complemented by newly-designed optional 16-inch alloy wheels, resulting in an energetic and agile look.

On the inside, the little i10 has really come of age. For a little city car, it now shares some of the same technology and safety features that you would pay thousands of euro extra for in some premium executive models.

My test model even featured a rear-view camera, something that was sadly missing from a much larger and more expensive premium model a few weeks earlier.

It also comes loaded with a range of new connectivity features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

All of these functions are integrated into a neat and easy-to-use eight-inch colour touch-screen, which Hyundai claim is the largest in the A-segment. I will have to take their word for it.

It also features a wireless phone charger to keep you fully within reach on those longer journeys. Other safety features available in the new i10 include the lane-keep assist system (LKAS), driver attention warning (DAW) and the intelligent speed limit warning (ISLW).

On the road, my little i10 was fitted with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine which, it’s fair to say, packs a right little punch.

And, strangely enough for a car of its size, the little i10 is available with both an automatic or manual gearbox.

Prices for the new Hyundai i10 start at €14,795 for the entry-level ‘Classic’ model. Bear in mind that this is a fairly basic model that comes with 14-inch wheels and is probably best avoided.

For less than €1,500 the better option would be to upgrade to the middle-of-the-range ‘Deluxe’ model, which will probably be the core seller here in Ireland.