HYUNDAI I10

The i10 of 2014 was an important milestone in Hyundai’s transition from value brand to one that sells on desirability. This city car retained all of the strengths normally associated with the Korean firm, while adding style, cabin appeal and equipment to tempt buyers away from their comfort zone of the Citroen C1, its sister car the Toyota Aygo and the undeniably solid Volkswagen Up. That makes the i10 a very serious contender for used buyers now. The original i10 proved a big hit for Hyundai, with its practical nature and excellent value for money ticking a lot of boxes for UK buyers. But Hyundai isn’t a company to rest on its laurels and for the second-generation model in 2014, it started with a clean sheet of paper. In the process, the firm focused on a number of key areas, in particular refinement and quality. It was a huge step change from its predecessor. That’s something we’ve now become accustomed to from Hyundai, yet the rate of improvement felt astonishing at the time. The i10 is certainly a handsome hatchback, with neat lines and a far less boxy look than its predecessor. Yet there is plenty of room inside, with especially impressive space in the back and a decent boot that’s bigger than that of the i10 that went before. The interior is another highlight – it’s easily one of the best in this class of the era, with a good-quality feel, no exposed metals and no visible screwheads. From behind the steering wheel, it’s hard to believe you’re in a city car. What the i10 does so well is get the basics right: it’s well built, good to drive and has a quality interior. Throw in two great engines, manual or auto gearboxes, plus impressive refinement and you’ve got a winner on your hands.