Various Cars UK: Hyundai i10

The all-new Hyundai i10 city car is a model that the Koreans are very optimistic about, as it is the first of 22 new models that will be rolled out in Europe by 2017.

Redesigned from the ground up, the new entry-level Hyundai is bigger than its predecessor, features higher quality materials and a more attractive design both inside and out – especially the top-spec model UK magazine AutoExpress tested in this video review.

But what is the new Hyundai i10 like to drive? The reviewer found the car to be a lot more refined than the outgoing model, quieter inside and fun to sit inside. The ride is described as comfortable and very similar to what a bigger car feels like.

The reviewer also noted the car’s generous equipment and the higher quality materials used in the cabin - especially those that the driver touches the most often. However, everything else is made from hard plastic.

He fails to mention anything about the engine (an 86hp (87PS) 1.2-liter four-cylinder petrol unit), though, so I assume there wasn’t much worth talking about..

Scroll down to watch the video for yourself.

By Dan Mihalascu

VIDEO

Despite the fact that Hyundai says the new generation of its i10 city car has improved dramatically over its predecessor on most levels including size, refinement and quality, the Koreans are keeping the same price-entry point as the outgoing model in the UK at £8,345. First deliveries will take place on January 30, 2014.

Longer (+80mm), wider (+65mm) and lower (-50mm) than its predecessor with a 10 per cent increase in luggage space at 252 litres with the seats up, the new i10 will be offered with two petrol engines.

The base 65hp (66PS) 1.0-liter 3-cylinder unit accelerates the car from standstill to 62mph (100km/h) in 14.9 seconds and tops out at 96mph (155km/h), while the 86hp (87PS) 1.2-liter inline-four goes from zero to 62mph (100km/h) in 12.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 106mph (171km/h).

In base "S" trim, the i10 comes with 14 inch steel wheels, central locking, electric front windows, CD tuner + USB, Daytime Running Lights, ISOfix and tilt adjust steering wheel as standard.

The SE trim adds remote central locking, electric rear windows, electric heated door mirrors, body colour door handles and mirrors, driver's seat height adjustment and black B pillar.

Moving up to the range-topping Premium edition gets you 14-inch alloys, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, steering wheel controls, LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, rear speakers, drivers safety window, door mirror indicators, and Emergency Stop Signal. Also standard in this edition are side body mouldings, leather steering wheel and gear stick and chrome effect interior door handle and parking brake.