Hyundai i10

Another impressive stride forward for Hyundai, if only because it feels so much better built than the older fair. Tiny and cheap too, but not as desirable as the Toyota Aygo et al.

• Comfort

  Where handling is a natural advantage for small cars, comfort just as often suffers. The i10 rides hard and lacks the basic level of refinement you’d expect from something a little larger.

  

• Performance

  The i10's 1.2-litre engine needs a bit more oomph. Although entirely adequate for daily duties about town, it's seriously short on puff if you suddenly have to take it to the Shire. Those 85 horsepowers do make it a blast to lean on through a corner, though.

  

• Cool

  Watch this space, but we reckon the i10 has what it takes. It’s cheap, unpretentious and fun to drive. All the things the Fiat 500 should be and isn’t. A future classic then?

  

• Quality

  Hyundai’s build quality is sound, and now it’s making real inroads into the all-important arena of ‘perceived quality’. The i10 is meant to be basic, but it still doesn’t feel tacky and unpleasant inside or out.

  

• Handling

  Wee little nippers like this often handle surprisingly well and the i10 is no exception. You can bung it into a corner with confidence, and there’s tons of feedback through the light and sharp steering.

  

• Practicality

  Despite those seriously modest dimensions the i10 has the advantage of rear doors. Space in there is only suitable for kids admittedly, but the crucial point here is that access is far better than in a three-door.

  

• Running costs

  Famously good warranty packages give new Hyundai’s a boost in this area, and the i10 has very low C02 emissions and strong fuel returns, making it very tax friendly.