HYUNDAI'S little city car - the i10 – looks very like the Amica which went before but is completely new and much better.
It’s very cheap to buy new, easy to drive and despite low secondhand prices, every model gets air conditioning.
Good power steering, small size and an almost vertical rear make it very town friendly, and it even copes reasonably well with longer trips.
As well as a five speed manual there is a four speed automatic but this runs out of oomph at anything above 60 miles an hour.
There is some wind and road noise but it’s not too intrusive and the engine is smooth and reasonably quiet until pressed.
Hyundai’s reliability has been very good and an unlimited mileage five year warranty means you should take over what remains.
Handling and road-holding are pretty good giving a fair amount of fun through the corners.
Interior
The driving position is not perfect but I didn’t find it really uncomfortable. There is room for four adults and comfort is up to other city cars but the boot is tiny.
Equipment is very good for such a small car including electric windows, and an MP3 compatible CD player as well as aircon.
FAST FACTS
Hyundai i10
Price: Pay about £5,300 for an ’08 58-reg, or ££6,200 for an ’09 59-reg.
Mechanical: 76bhp, 1,248cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 90mph
0-62mph: 17 seconds
Combined mpg: 55.5
Insurance group: 4
CO2 emissions: 119g/km
BIK rating: 15%
Marks: 8/10
Main rivals: Chevrolet Matiz, Fiat 500