New Hyundai i10 Defies Fashion Trends

Motorists purchasing a new Hyundai i10 often, perhaps rightly, believe that following fashion trends is less worthwhile than marketing ice to Eskimos. Instead these consumers choose vehicles based on affordability, practicality, and ease of ownership. On these terms the traditionally 'unfashionable' i10 is a fantastic little run-around.

The Hyundai i10 was introduced in 2008 to rival vehicles such as the Ford Ka. There are two engines to choose from, the 1.1 and 1.2-litre petrols. The former produces 66bhp and reaches 60mph in 15.1 seconds, or 17.9 if you choose the automatic. The 1.2-litre 77bhp model is faster, the manual hits 60mph in 12.4 seconds, but these performance figures suggest the i10 is better suited to gentle town cruising than hard driving.

Despite having the kind of acceleration that makes milk floats look fast, the i10's handling is pretty good.

The steering feels sharp, there is a fair amount of traction, the gearbox is slick, and the body nicely controlled. The relative lack of lean through corners is due to the suspension which is firmer than most city cars. Good on paper, but the downside is this set-up makes the ride harsher than a Victorian school teacher.

The new Hyundai i10 range is also great value for money as it is listed in Motoring.co.uk's new car database from £6,597. Not bad for brand new, five-door vehicle with four Euro NCAP safety stars and a five year manufacturer's warranty. These qualities complement the equipment specification which includes electric front windows, power mirrors, heated seats, and an electric sunshine roof.

Right, I am off to start a retail business in the Arctic. I hear the Eskimos need fridge freezers.

By Stephen Turvil, motoring.co.uk

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