Hyundai has emphatically raised its game in the entry-level market with the i10, a keenly-priced and smartly-specced newcomer that packs a far greater punch than the long-serving Atos ever did. It might not have ABS or airbags, but with a price tag of just under R90k and a 5 year/150 000 km warranty, it offers outstanding value.
The very first time I laid eyes on the i10 was after a hectic day at the office, and I didn’t immediately realise that it was a Hyundai – but in the daylight, it became clear that the i10’s exterior styling is a far cry from the boxy, uneasy look of the Atos… Indeed, it is much easier on the eye with rounded styling cues that reminded me of the Mazda2, although the almost completely-vertical rear end isn’t quite as successful as the front treatment. The only real gripe I have with the exterior is the excess chrome trim around the grille badge. Perhaps not overkill, but not entirely tasteful either.
I feared I would have to endure the uncomfortably-high chair seating position for which cars in this class are renowned, but was pleasantly surprised when I found myself settling in behind the wheel with the utmost of ease. The i10’s interior layout was a revelation – its modern U-shaped facia, with MPV-like high mounted gear stick, had a reassuringly solid feel and fit and finish (often a compromise on entry-level vehicles) was top notch (certainly for a vehicle in this class). What’s more, I could comfortably “sit behind myself” – even my 100-kg companion managed a snug fit.
The 1,1-litre 12-valve engine sounded a tad uneven at idle, possibly due to the cold weather in Cape Town during the past few days, and past 4 000 r/min you can hear the single overhead camshaft engine working hard, especially at freeway speeds. However, with a useful peak torque output of 99 N.m at 2 800 r/min, the i10 practically trotted up steep inclines and although the cabin got quite buzzy at freeway velocities, the 1,1-litre Korean could easily exceed the national speed limit.
There isn’t much about this little Hyundai that I can fault, because with its standard air conditioning, front electric windows, power steering, adjustable steering column, central locking and foglamps, I was suitably impressed with the R89 900 asking price, especially because it includes the longest manufacturer warranty in this class.
The downside to what is otherwise a superb offering, is that the i10 doesn’t offer a single airbag and/or ABS – which safety-conscious buyers may regards as necessities in this day and age. However, our sources at Hyundai Automotive SA suggest a specced-up (and therefore more expensive) version of the i10 will be coming soon.
