Hyundai i10 scores a ten on ten

The i10 is based on an entirely new platform and has successfully achieved the quality levels it needs to be a real contender in the Indian market. The new variant comes with a 1.2-litre petrol version and is 18 per cent more powerful and has 20 per cent better torque and yet delivers the same emissions and mileage. All these do not seem to affect its performance which is three seconds quicker to hit the 100 km mark.

The i10 is compact and easy to drive around the city streets. Originally launched in 2008, Hyundai has treated the i10 to a mid-life facelift. The 2011 avatar of the car has been renewed with new front and rear lights, a revised grille and updated bumpers. The inside is modern and easy to get on with lots of decent space and enough legroom at the back for two adults to travel in comfort. Luggage space in the boot is good rather than class leading, though.

The interiors of the Hyundai i10 have been styled to complement its exterior design. Despite its dinky dimensions, the i10 has the feel of a big car inside. The car is quiet composed be it the home streets or on the open roads, the car is ever ready.

With compact dimensions of just 3,565mm long and 1,595mm wide, the Hyundai i10 should get you through the city traffic without any scratches and also help you find the place in tight car parks. In spite of the compact overall dimensions, the i10 has a wheelbase of 2,380mm which is probably the longest in this class and provides good stability and grip during your travel.

The tailgate is nicely big and visible than just being a piece of glass. The four opening windows with electric operation at the front, central locking, electric power steering, tinted glass, 14-inch wheels, body colored bumpers and an integrated six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo keep your comfort quotients high. Like all Hyundai cars, the i10 is covered by a five year unlimited mileage warranty to provide peace of mind motoring for half a decade.

Light, accurate steering, soft suspension and strong engines combine to make the Hyundai i10 an enjoyable car to scoot around town in. It also comes with an Eco drive indicator that tells you when is the most effective time to change the gear and Hyundai’s excellent stop-start system, allow the little car to touch the magical figures of 100g of emissions per kilometer. Revving it hard would sound like the best course of action, and is ably facilitated by the smooth five-speed manual transmission and light clutch action. The main point of contemption that goes in favour of the Hyundai i10 is it’s difficult to find a cheaper car than the i10 because list prices are so low.

On the flipside the main problem is its appearance. The car is not all the interesting, or cute, or quirky or anything to look at or grab your eyeballs. Also it seems a lot feminine and even most of the female fans have no qualms about it.