DESIGN & ENGINEERING

WHEN it hit UK showrooms in 2008, the original i10 proved a game-changer for Hyundai. Mixing grown-up dynamics and decent practicality with penny-pinching running costs and great-value pricing, the city car was an instant hit. Its popularity was further boosted when it became a big beneficiary of the Government’s scrappage scheme, with buyers flocking to the Korean brand’s showrooms to bag a new-car bargain.

So it’s no surprise that bosses didn’t mess with the formula when the second-generation machine arrived in 2013. It was slightly bigger, the styling a little sharper and refinement improved, but it played safe compared with bold models such as the up!.

Under the skin, the i10 is closely related to the Picanto, with both following the traditional hatch template of strut front suspension and a torsionbeam rear axle. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine is mounted transversely and drives the front wheels through a five-speed manual box – an auto is only available with the larger 1.2-litre four-cylinder unit.

Inside, the Hyundai lacks some of the style of its rivals here. It’s functional, well built and logically laid out, but the grey plastics create a drab atmosphere. Red or blue seat trim and dash panel inserts can be ordered at no extra cost to lift the cabin, but it can’t match the VW for personalisation options.

This extends to the equipment, because although you get must-have features such as air-con, Bluetooth and cruise control, there’s limited scope to add individual items. Instead, you have to move up to the more expensive Premium and SE Premium models.