Hyundai i10 Sportz 1.2 - Great City Car

Exterior

Exterior look is subjective but at least I think this should appeal to the majority in Indian market, Nothing really very flashy, but thoughfull and practical, rear and side rubber rail is a real saver while driving in city roads, I am sure will save some money in long run. I really didn't like the front light bulging out , which makes me think twice while taking tight corner.

The badge that doubles as a tailgate opener is a smart wheeze, I think copied from VW, but leaving a wiper off the rear screen is a cost-cutting design idea, I kind of didn't like it, but most of us in india will not mind.

Overall, I think it's a better looking then it's competitor in the same segment ( except Punto :).

 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

Cleanly styled and pleasing. Hyundai has pushed the wheels of this little car out to its far corners possible, to make the cabin as big as it can and to make the i10 handle road bumps better. Amazingly, you can get four full-sized people in there without causing a fight. There’s even a proper three-point belt for a fifth, but the rear seat is too narrow to sit three unless they’re supermodel-skinny. In the boot, there’s space for a good few bags of shopping too, while the seat backs split and fold to take bigger loads, though they leave a big bump in the floor.

There is no height adjuster for the seat, so very short or tall people may find it hard going. The door mirrors move using small levers on the doors, but the i10 is so narrow that the passenger’s side is a cinch to lean across and fiddle into place.

The dashboard design is modern and looks really classy, while the materials used are impressive for a car in this price range. The high-mounted stereo is excellent, with big buttons and a CD player, as well as compatibility with MP3 players. What’s more, the thin-rimmed steering wheel adjusts for height, and the is perfectly placed on the dashboard. There’s a decent amount of space, with enough legroom in the rear for adults to sit comfortably.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

1.2L Kappa Engine is super refined, very silent - No Vibrations felt. The 1198 cc inline 4 Cyl engine is’nt a revv-monster - but isn’t a sloth either. Hyundai have come up with  a very practical engine and it is sure to be seen in its Sales charts. The Engine pumps out a healthy 80 bhp with a twisting force of 112 Nm. but again every other car in same segment got similar specs, so what's the big deal. The big deal with i10 is its weight. Its weight of 952 Kgs makes a world of difference. The Power to Weight ratio comes at a healthy 84 bhp / tonne, and also makes it very efficient engine with very good city millage.

 

Ride Quality & Handling

Light controls ensure the Hyundai is extremely straightforward to drive. With a tight turning circle and excellent visibility, it has all the key attributes a great city car requires. The 1.2-litre kappa engine delivers keen throttle response, making sure the i10 is nippy through traffic. Combine this with responsive steering, progressive brakes and a tidy gearshift, and the Hyundai is fun and easy to drive. Even so, it’s worth pointing out the engine does get a little coarse at higher revs, and the ride tends to be on the firm side. However, the stiff suspension does mean the i10 is stable at highway.

 

Final Words:

I bought i1- Sportz in last December, and happy with the overall performance of the car, as someone said, can't expect everything out of your car and wife :), If you looking for a city car with a Upmarket car feel, SOLID Interiors, Excellent Driveability, Peppy Engine, then i10 will meet your requirement.

 

Areas of improvement : Hyundai should look at putting a little wider tyres, require some finishing work on the front, looks very dull.

Entertaining to drive, peppy 1.2 litre Kappa, Great interior and spaceRide a little firm, Shoddy tires