Hyundai i10

1:43pm Friday 8th August 2008

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SMALL cars are selling the best not only because fuel prices remain punishingly high but because a number of them boast the creature comforts previously associated with much larger vehicles.

One of the latest runabout on the scene is the fuel-efficient and peppy 1.1-litre Hyundai i10, which is already providing a hit in the sales charts. It’s great value for money, exceptionally well equipped and there ate no corners cut in the build quality.

Unlike some cars in the sector, the i10 has grown-up family looks that have a clear link to the new Hyundai design language started with the Santa Fe and i30.

Running costs are hardly likely to break the bank even in these belt tightening times. For some motorists this little fiver-seater may not excite but with prices from £6,495 on the road and including a five-year unlimited mileage warranty as standard, its value is hard to ignore.

Even 10 years ago the standard equipment on the i10 would have been seen as generous on a large family vehicle. Air conditioning, electric windows, 14-inch wheels, six-speaker stereo and four airbags would have been featured as a class-leading package on a car costing some £13,000.

Now Hyundai are bringing buyers all this in a car costing half the amount. And there are also standard items such as ABS breaking, ISOFIX child seat mountings, central locking, and an integrated radio with MP3 compatible CD player with auxiliary port. The more expensive Comfort and Style models add extra goodies.

For buyers who watch the pennies the 65bhp 1.1-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, familiar to Hyundai Gets and Amica owners, is a willing performer capable of 60mpg for most of the time and even more smiles per gallon with a steady right foot.

The motor has been further refined for the i10 and is capable of 58.5mpg on the average cycle with 64.2mpg on the extra urban run. With both the classic and comfort models producing low CO2 emissions, the car qualifies for £35 a year road tax while company car drivers will also discover that they are only liable for 10% benefit in kind liability, meaning they could pay less than £13 a month to the Inland Revenue.

The i10 is best around town but the eager motor and nimble handling ensure it can mix it with some of the bigger transport on the open road.

The ride is fairly firm over most surfaces but does remain comfortable, particularly around town. Its good composure is helped by new well-sorted independent suspension all round, electric power steering and disc brakes on all wheels.

With the longest wheel base in its class, the i10 has good interior space for a city car and can seat five, though rear leg space is restricted for long-legged passengers while large adults would not find the room very generous, either.

The inside is excellently laid out and well upholstered with decent quality plastics helping to make the curvy dash easy on the eye. Boot space is surprisingly good, too.

The i10 may be budget in price but it is not so in build, character or ability. The car is a competent mover and will never make you feel a second-class citizen or that the only reason you bought the i10 was because it was all you could afford. If you are looking for a small car it’s well worth putting it on your shortlist.