Hyundai i10 CAR review

We’re not expecting to see Hyundai’s i10 in the UK for a month or two, so CAR Online went all the way to India to test drive Korea’s latest progeny. ‘Best place for them,’ I hear many of you cry – but for once, you’ll be surprised to hear, you’re wrong.

Things appear to be changing for the better in Korea, and I’m not just talking diplomatic thaws. My father-in-law’s reliable four-year-old Hyundai Tragic, sorry Trajet, features plastics that Fisher Price would spurn with a sneer; and when you open the tailgate, a carefully concealed metal edge almost severs your fingers – it’s the antithesis of good design. But, much like its big brother, the i30, the cutesy i10 has enough going for it to surprise even the harshest sceptic.

i10 - a new Hyundai design

Externally, everything looks in proportion (except perhaps the titchy 13in wheels). The chunky front end features modern ‘snake-eye’ headlamp units, big-mouth front grille and subtle chrome-effect badging. It’s all pleasingly new-millennium. The back end is less cutting edge, but doesn’t spoil the overall effect.

Inside, the quality of plastics, fit and finish is very good. The seats are firm but comfortable and there is plenty of headroom for my 6ft 2in frame in the front. The only real issue in the back is that the headrests protrude into taller passengers' shoulder blades.