THE i-CATCHING HYUNDAI i10

Superminis seem to have grown with each successive generation, to the point where many are too big – and too expensive – for those 21^st century car buyers who both want and need a genuinely small car.

What does the i10 actually have to offer? Well, like all of Hyundai’s new iSeries cars it is designed and built under the credo of ‘Innovation, Intelligence and Ingenuity.’ Which means it combines great design, the latest technology and cutting edge production methods which enable Hyundai to bring quality cars to market at an affordable price. The i10, in particular, epitomises these traits and its hit our shores at exactly the right moment to meet pent-up demand for a truly affordable solution which is not just a bare-bones appliance.

One of the first things buyers will want to know is the price: just R89 900 will buy the five-speed manual version and R99 900 is enough for the four-speed automatic.

Once the retail price has been happily digested, the next visual stimulant will in all likelihood be the distinctive design, with styling which is strongly Eurocentric. The result is a small car with unusually elegant proportions: the sheetmetal flows effortlessly around the tapered headlights, a boldly-proportioned air intake adding a sense of purpose to the nose and the fenders and bonnet rise gently to the base of steeply angled windscreen for a wedge-shaped profile which is modern and youthful.

The rear wheel arches curve outward to accommodate the generous rear track and a subtle roof spoiler adds an element of sportiness while disguising the fact that the luggage compartment is surprisingly generous. As in front, there is a modest rear overhang (a wheelbase of 2 380 mm is the longest in the segment) contributing to cruising stability without sacrificing the agility that is an essential quality of an urban runabout. Fourteen-inch wheels with full wheeltrims are shod with 165/60 rubber and contribute to a low-slung, ground-hugging stance.

A medley of six vibrant exterior colours is offered and the i10 stands out from the crowd in any of them.

The i10 is powered by an uprated version of the proven 1.1-litre four cylinder petrol engine which is configured to combine spirited performance with low fuel economy and emission levels. The unit develops 49kW of power and torque of 99Nm – a figure unmatched in the 1.1-litre category - at just 2 800 rpm. The generous torque has allowed Hyundai to use relaxed gear ratios without sacrificing flexibility and the powerplant’s zest in the urban environment is matched by an ability to merrily keep pace with the traffic flow. Hyundai dealers are expecting prospective customers to search for the ‘1.3’ badges after the test drive, but this is very definitely a 1.1-litre powerplant.

In fact, minimising drag between the engine and the front wheels was a key design target and reducing mechanical losses through the drivetrain, rack and pinion steering (which is electrically rather than hydraulically assisted), and the cooling and charging systems has contributed to excellent overall efficiency. According to in-house tests, the three-pedal version of the i10 will use just 5.7 litres per 100 km when cruising at 100 km/h in fifth gear on the open road. Local tests suggest overall consumption in mixed driving will remain below six litres per 100km for a range of almost 600 kilometres from the 35 litre tank.

Listing all the i10’s features would be a time-consuming affair and in the interests of saving that precious resource – and possibly paper too – suffice to say that the specification level is generous. Some of the key items are a height-adjustable steering column, transponder immobiliser, central locking, electric front windows and air-conditioning. A radio/MP3 player with USB mini-port and four speakers is available as an option.

Making the i10 an even more interesting purchase is Hyundai’s famous 5 year/150 000km manufacturer’s warranty.