The Hyundai I10 has carved out a niche for itself as a compelling city car, and for good reason. It’s nippy, easy to maneuver, and surprisingly enjoyable to drive, making urban commutes less of a chore. While it’s primarily designed for cityscapes, the i10 also holds its own on faster roads, though it’s best to steer clear of the outdated automatic gearbox option.
City Slicker: Hyundai i10 in Urban Environments
The i10’s compact dimensions are its biggest asset in the city. Navigating tight width restrictions and slotting into narrow parking spots becomes remarkably easy. Standard-fit reversing camera further simplifies parking maneuvers, although the car boasts excellent all-round visibility, reducing reliance on the camera compared to some rivals like the Mini Cooper.
Hyundai i10 effortlessly navigates bustling city streets, showcasing its compact size and agility as an ideal urban vehicle.
The steering is light and precise, contributing to the i10’s nimble feel in urban traffic. The five-speed manual gearbox is a highlight, offering smooth and satisfying shifts. However, the optional automatic transmission is a significant drawback. It’s an antiquated automated manual that delivers slow and jerky gear changes, making for a less than smooth driving experience. For drivers requiring an automatic, alternatives like the Dacia Sandero or MG3 offer considerably superior self-shifting options.
Close-up view of the Hyundai i10’s manual gearbox, praised for its smooth and precise shifting, contrasting with the less desirable automatic option.
All engine variants perform adequately in city driving, but the entry-level 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine feels somewhat underpowered. It requires assertive accelerator input to get going, and frequent gear changes are necessary to maintain momentum. The 1.2-litre petrol engine offers a more flexible and responsive driving experience, proving to be a better all-around choice for city and slightly longer journeys.
Hitting the Highway: Hyundai i10 on Motorways
Despite its city car classification, the Hyundai i10 exhibits a surprisingly composed and ‘big-car’ feel when cruising on the motorway. However, engine choice becomes more critical at higher speeds. The base 1.0-litre petrol engine is best avoided for frequent motorway driving as it needs to be worked hard, becoming noisy and strained under load.
Hyundai i10 cruising confidently on the motorway, demonstrating its surprising stability and composure for a city car, though engine choice is important for longer journeys.
The 1.2-litre petrol and the 1.0-litre turbo petrol engines are much more relaxed and refined at motorway speeds. While both still require a downshift for quick acceleration onto slip roads or decisive overtaking maneuvers, they offer a more comfortable and less strained driving experience compared to the base engine.
Wind and road noise are reasonably well-controlled for a car in this class, although many small hatchbacks offer a quieter cabin environment. The i10’s light steering, while advantageous in the city, can feel a touch twitchy at higher speeds compared to rivals like the Renault Clio or Dacia Sandero, and it can be more susceptible to crosswinds. All i10 models come equipped with cruise control and lane-keeping assist, features that enhance driver comfort and safety on longer journeys.
Fun on Twisty Roads: Unleashing the Hyundai i10’s Agility
The Hyundai i10 reveals a surprisingly playful side on twisty roads. The suspension is on the firmer side, which minimizes body roll in corners, contributing to a more engaging driving experience. However, this firmness translates to a slightly less forgiving ride over bumps and uneven road surfaces, a characteristic common to cars in this segment, although the Dacia Sandero offers a smoother ride in comparison.
Hyundai i10 confidently navigating a winding road, showcasing its surprisingly agile handling and minimal body roll thanks to its firm suspension setup.
Cornering grip is plentiful, and the light steering, while lacking ultimate feedback, is accurate and responsive. The i10 feels nimble and ‘darty’, exhibiting a hint of the go-kart-like character found in the Mini Cooper, albeit in a more subdued manner.
The entry-level engine feels somewhat out of its depth when pushing on twisty roads, but the 1.2-litre engine provides sufficient power to keep pace with traffic and enjoy a spirited drive. For those seeking a more enthusiastic experience, the 1.0-litre turbo engine transforms the i10 into a mini hot hatchback. While it won’t win any drag races, it delivers ample mid-range power for confident overtaking and engaging cornering. The N-Line model further enhances the driving pleasure with an upgraded five-speed gearbox that offers an even more refined and satisfying shift action, making gear changes a genuine delight.
Conclusion: Hyundai i10 – A City Car with Surprising Capabilities
The Hyundai i10 stands out as a well-rounded city car that exceeds expectations. Its compact size, agile handling, and surprisingly fun driving dynamics make it an excellent choice for urban dwellers. While the automatic gearbox is a notable weak point, the manual transmission models, particularly with the 1.2-litre or 1.0-litre turbo engines, offer an enjoyable and capable driving experience, even extending beyond city limits. For those seeking a practical, fun, and affordable city car, the Hyundai i10 is definitely worth considering.
