Hyundai i10 : And yet Hyundai i10 is an example of how advanced the small car segment has become, boasting a driving and features package that belie its small proportions.
This city-centric hatchback has matured in its generations to become a highly evolved urban runabout that shatters preconceptions about what most budget-conscious buyers should expect from cheap transportation.
Design Philosophy
The present day i10 also has a bolder style than its predecessors; sharp creases and strong character lines all help give it eye-catching looks on Cebu’s busy streets.
It’s the cascading grille, given prominence at the front by angular headlamps and unique DRLs that lend it a more upmarket look.
The profile is quite well-proportioned, considering the constraints of city-car shaping, and when viewed from the rear, it has wrap-around taillights that aren’t so fussy that they distract attention from a properly flat tailgate.
While many rivals entail ungainly proportions in this class size, thanks to its increased track and wheelbase, the i10 manages to find it all balance visually very appealing.
These dimensional flourishes are not just for show, and they have practical advantages in terms of cabin space and dynamic stability, two classic weaknesses of the city car segment.
Cabin Refinement
Hop into the thing, and the i10 impresses straight away with the sensation of being in a cabin lifted off a car many segments and price brackets higher.
The even statured dashboard imparts a feel of width and the extant infotainment screen (floating 8-inch screen in top trims) too acts as a modernist focus that doesn’t look glued on as an afterthought.
Interior materials of quality exceed segment expectations, complete with tangible surfaces at all key touchpoints and color applications that brighten the vibe inside.
The head and shoulder room in the front is actually considerably better than you might suspect, and rear seat passengers are fairly comfortable for short journeys (which is all you want/need) in this class.
The 252-litre boot is not a class leader but adds practicality for daily urban duties, with a large aperture and low load lip making quick work of grocery runs and airport transfers.
Powertrain Options
The i10 comes with the option between a 67 horsepower 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine and an 83 horsepower four-cylinder 1.2-liter.
Neither is a barn-burner, instead focusing on efficiency and smoothness, with the V6 delivering a bit more assertiveness for highway onramp acceleration.
You also have a very sharp 5-speed manual and an AMT, which is more in favour of fuel economy than it is for shift smoothness.
The thrumming power of the three-cylinder engines is sent out into the world with a remarkable smoothness, especially for this layout, with efforts devoted to keeping the inherent vibration of three-cylinder motors from being felt.
The transmission choice is spot on with this engine, the manual version having a crisp shift action and decent ratios; they help deliver all of the power present.
Driving Dynamics
The i10’s road manners reflect Hyundai’s efforts to present a grown-up driving experience even if the car is focused on the city.
The suspension tuning is just about perfect more road isolation than the previous unibody Sorento, and reassuring stability out on the highway, yet some surprising agility in urban driving.
Electric power steering provides just the right amount of lightness for parking-lot maneuverability, but feedback is on the numb side for the enthusiast crowd.
The special accomplishment of NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) control is particularly worth noting, especially in terms of ambience inside a cabin that is a league ahead of the norm at the price-point in a way that adds to the big-car feel.
It is this refinement which makes the i10 a more comfort-laden long distance traveller than many competitors, whose abilities are often restricted closer to town.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
The build quality and the choice of material are also outstanding for this segment
And, remarkably fine ride quality and noise isolation as well.
Great driving dynamics in higher trims
Accommodating and nimble engines for urban use
Best-in-class warranty terms
Robust passive safety elements, including the assist of many airbags
Ergonomics and position of controls Python/Dull\r and control placement;}” ergonomes and position of control”.
Limitations
Leisurely acceleration with the 1.0-liter engine
AMT transmission has visible shift delay
Rear seat’s a little tight for taller folks
Simple suspension layout doesn’t cut it on rough roads
More expensive than a few budget rivals
Small dealer base in a few areas
Less boot space than some key rivals
Hyundai i10 Market Position
The Hyundai i10 has its niche carved out for it in the market; it is aimed at those who want a small car without sacrificing luxury.
With a price point higher than its most stripped-down budget competitors, but lower than its larger-segment competitors, the C-HR occupies the cracks where city-oriented quality-seekers who value the finish and bells and whistles over every last inch of maximum efficiency might fall through.
For people who see their city car as a miniaturised version of their bigger car rather than mudguards of despair, it makes a compelling case for itself and this makes complete sense of the fact Hyundai still sells i10s hand over fist in a world where the crossover is now king.
It’s a symbol of Hyundai’s long-held belief that even the cost-cutters should be subject to some consideration of design and engineering – a mindset that has made the Hyundai brand better known in the global market over the last 10 years.