The Hyundai I10 has carved out a niche for itself as a nippy and practical city car. But does it offer more than just urban agility? We delve into the driving experience of the i10 across various terrains to see if it’s genuinely enjoyable behind the wheel.
City Driving: Nimble and Compact
In its natural habitat – the bustling city – the Hyundai i10 truly shines. Its compact dimensions are a boon, effortlessly navigating through narrow lanes and slipping into tight parking spaces. Standard inclusion of a reversing camera further simplifies parking maneuvers, although the car’s excellent all-around visibility means you might not rely on it as heavily as in some rivals. For example, while the Mini Cooper is also city-friendly, the i10 arguably offers comparable ease of parking and maneuvering without sacrificing visibility.
The steering is light and responsive, making city driving a breeze. The five-speed manual gearbox is a highlight, offering smooth and precise shifts. However, the automatic transmission is a significant drawback. It’s an outdated automated manual that suffers from sluggish and jarring gear changes. If an automatic is a must-have, alternatives like the Dacia Sandero or MG3, both offering superior self-shifting options, would be better choices.
Under the hood, all three engine options are adequate for city commutes. However, the entry-level 1.0-litre non-turbo petrol engine feels underpowered. It requires considerable accelerator input to get up to speed, and frequent gear changes are necessary to maintain momentum. The 1.2-litre petrol engine offers a noticeable improvement in flexibility, providing a more relaxed driving experience in urban environments.
Motorway Manners: Surprisingly Capable
Despite its city car classification, the Hyundai i10 exhibits a surprisingly composed demeanor on the motorway. It manages to maintain a ‘big-car’ feel at cruising speeds, defying expectations for a vehicle of its size. However, the less powerful engines do reveal their limitations at higher speeds. The base 1.0-litre petrol engine is best avoided for frequent motorway journeys, as it needs to be worked hard and becomes noisy under strain.
The 1.2-litre and the 1.0-litre turbo engines are considerably more refined and relaxed for motorway driving. While both still require a downshift for quick acceleration onto slip roads or overtaking maneuvers, they offer a more comfortable experience at sustained speeds.
Wind and road noise are reasonably well-controlled for a city car, although most small hatchbacks in this segment are quieter and offer a more serene motorway experience overall. The i10’s light steering, while advantageous in the city, can feel slightly twitchy at motorway speeds compared to cars like the Renault Clio or Dacia Sandero, and it is also more susceptible to crosswinds. On the positive side, cruise control and lane-keeping assist are standard features across all i10 models, enhancing motorway driving comfort and safety.
Twisty Roads: Unexpected Fun
For those seeking a bit of driving enjoyment, the Hyundai i10 reveals an unexpected playful side on twisty roads. The suspension is on the firmer side, which minimizes body roll in corners. This firmness does translate to a slightly less forgiving ride over bumps compared to some competitors like the Dacia Sandero, which prioritizes comfort.
However, this firmer setup contributes to confident cornering grip, and the light steering, while lacking in ultimate feedback, is pleasingly accurate. The i10 displays a nimble and agile character, reminiscent of the go-kart feel associated with the Mini Cooper, albeit in a more understated manner.
The entry-level engine feels somewhat out of its depth when tackling more demanding roads, but upgrading to the 1.2-litre engine provides sufficient power to keep pace with traffic. For those craving a more spirited drive, the 1.0-litre turbo engine transforms the i10 into a mini hot hatchback. While not a performance car in the truest sense, it delivers ample mid-range power and a noticeable boost in driving excitement. The N-Line model further enhances the driving experience with an upgraded five-speed gearbox, offering even slicker and more engaging gear changes, adding to the fun factor on twisty roads.
Conclusion
The Hyundai i10 is a compelling option for those prioritizing city driving. Its compact size, agile handling, and user-friendly features make it a fantastic urban runabout. While the automatic gearbox is a significant letdown, the manual versions, especially with the 1.2-litre or 1.0-litre turbo engines, offer a surprisingly enjoyable driving experience, extending beyond the confines of the city and onto twisty roads. For buyers seeking a fun, practical, and affordable city car, the Hyundai i10 is definitely worth considering.
