Hyundai has unveiled its next generation compact i10 city car at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. Based on the pleasing response to the first generation Hyundai i10, this new car’s refreshed styling and improved efficiency can only stand it in good stead for further success throughout various markets.
It will be built in Turkey but the new Hyundai i10; which is 80 mm longer, 65 mm wider and 40 mm lower than the second generation Hyundai i10 has been developed with a European focus (explaining its launch at Frankfurt), courtesy of its connection to Hyundai’s European headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany. The traditionally spartan image of the previous Hyundai i10 is left behind as the new model is offered with automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cruise control.
We love the current Hyundai i10 because when we tested it because we thought it boxed-clever against its opposition (including the rather formidable Kia Picanto). The key to the Hyundai i10’s success was its compact dimensions to snaffle the tightest parking spots in the city; surprisingly good agility in urban driving to pounce on any gap; and good fuel economy to keep youngsters from spending all their hard-earned income on fuel.
The new Hyundai i10 has been given a more refined, sportier design; foregoing the utilitarian, top-heavy shape it had suffered. Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design language is still in the mix and this gives the i10′s front end a welcome makeover while the back end is bequeathed with new, rounder, tail lamps. The result is a more desirable looking city car with a planted stance on road.
New cars always gain a few mm when they graduate to a new model and the Hyundai i10 can stake claim to having the largest boot in its class: 252 litres and 1046 litres with the rear seats folded down. Engine options in Europe include a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol with 48 kW and 94 Nm of torque and a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol with 64 kW and 120 Nm of torque; paired to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. We’ll bring you more details on fuel consumption and interior specification closer to its local arrival next year.
