SMALL WONDER (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_hyundaii10_2011

By Andy Enright

Introductionword count: 153

Mention the Hyundai i10 to a car industry type and they'll probably tell you that this was the car that benefited most opportunely from the Government scrappage scheme. Right place, right time and all that. Thing is, the scrappage scheme only lasted a year to September 2010, yet come 2013, the Hyundai i10 still topped the sales charts for city cars, bettering the Volkswagen Up, the Suzuki Alto, the Vauxhall Agila and the Smart Fortwo. So there's clearly more to this car than just mere serendipity. Key to understanding why the i10 has done so well is to look at the 2011 facelift of this model. This upgraded a number of aspects and put the car in a position to retain its number one spot. Used examples of this version aren't too hard to find and they make a great buy if you need cheap, nearly new wheels. Here's what to look for.

Modelsword count: 10

5dr city car (1.0, 1.25 petrol [Blue, Classic, Active, Style])

Historyword count: 247

The original Hyundai i10 launched in 2007 and replaced the old Atoz and Amica twins. It was a big step forward from those citycar contenders and brought Hyundai nose to nose with some of the best entrants in the class which were, at the time, the Citroen C1, Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo triplets. The model we look at here is the heavily revised version of that car, launched in 2011. Chief among the changes were enhancements to the i10's design - both in the cabin and on the exterior of the car. These design improvements demonstrated a clearer family look, bringing it into line with the recently launched ix35 and ix20 models. An improved range of Euro V compliant engines were also offered. An all-new 1.0-litre 'Kappa' engine replaced the old 1.1-litre 'Epsilon' unit. The popular 1.25-litre 'Kappa' powerplant was also improved, giving 13% more power (85bhp) as well as less 9.2% less CO2 and 8.7% better fuel consumption than the outgoing 1.25-litre 'Kappa' unit. To make the most of the efficient 1.0-litre engine, Hyundai also introduced a variant that was instantly popular - the i10 Blue. This special 'eco' edition of the i10 emitted 99g/km CO2, so it gained exemption from VED and the London Congestion Charge. At the time of its launch, it was the only sub-£10k five-seater car on the market to achieve this. The first generation i10 model's replacement was announced at the tail end of 2013 for a 2014-model year launch.

What You Getword count: 166

The revised MK1 i10 range consisted of four trim grades - Blue, Classic, Active and Style - all of which offered strong value for money. Equipment specification across the i10 line-up was comparatively impressive, with usually optional features, such as air conditioning and the addition of an iPod plug-in, standard fit on all models. As part of a generous equipment list, customers also got four airbags, a six-speaker stereo, electric windows and central locking, all as standard on all models. The i10's cabin took a step up in terms of fit and finish with higher grade materials used throughout. As for the practicalities, well the interior features a dash-mounted gear-lever but it's mounted on a bit of the dash that extends down so low that cross-cabin access isn't really on the agenda. The rear bench is set-up to take three passengers, unlike the pair of moulded seats you find in the rear of some rivals. Oh and remember that the i10 is a five-door only model.

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