The Hyundai i10 didn’t make it onto our most recent list of the best cars to own, which is based on owners’ feedback from the Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, and neither did the Kia Picanto. Hyundai, as a brand, finished in the middle of the pack in our latest best car manufacturer rankings, taking 20th place out of 31 brands, just behind Kia which finished in 18th place. They beat Volkswagen (27th) and Dacia (29th).
- Best buy: Hyundai i10 Premium
While the sporty i10 N Line is the most fun version to drive, the mid-range Premium trim with the 1.2-litre petrol engine is our pick of the bunch. The smooth engine offers enough performance for the open road and you get a good amount of kit, including some splashes of colour for the otherwise dull interior, thanks to tartan seat upholstery and purple dashboard.
Alternatives
The city car is something of a dying breed these days, because the likes of the Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1, Peugeot 108, Skoda Citigo, Volkswagen up! and Ford Ka have all kicked the bucket. That said, the Hyundai i10 is not yet in a class of its own.
The i10’s key rivals include its own sister car, the Kia Picanto, plus the all-electric Dacia Spring and the new Toyota Aygo X Hybrid. As its name suggests, the Aygo X now features an electrified powertrain to provide more refinement and better fuel economy. The Dacia Sandero and Citroen C3 superminis also pose a threat to the i10 because they’re offered at similar prices and are more spacious.
Hyundai i10 history
Hyundai i10 Mk3: 2019 to present
One of our favourite small cars, the third-generation i10 melds sophisticated style with cutting-edge tech and infotainment. It’s also good to drive, with composed handling and the sort of refinement you’d expect from a bigger car. Yet its smooth, small-capacity engines also blend eager performance with penny-pinching running costs.
Hyundai i10 Mk2: 2014-2019
Faced with brilliant rivals such as the VW up!, Hyundai’s engineers aimed to deliver a small car that was even more grown-up to drive and sit in. Overall, they hit the bullseye, because while the i10 wasn’t as much fun to drive as some, it set the standard for comfort, refinement and practicality. You can read our full Hyundai Mk2 used buyer’s guide here.
Hyundai i10 Mk1: 2008-2014
Replacing the lacklustre Getz, the i10 was the city car that proved Hyundai meant business. Slightly bland looks aside, it was easy to drive, surprisingly spacious and great value for money. In top-of-the-range form, it even offered enough kit to make an executive saloon driver green with envy. It was a big hit following the UK’s 2009 Scrappage Scheme, with thousands of drivers trading up to the Hyundai from their old bangers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our 2023 and 2024 City Car of the Year, the Hyundai i10 is a cinch to drive around town, economical and looks smart. Yet despite its size, it’s surprisingly spacious and now comes with plenty of safety features previously reserved for larger, more expensive cars.
