Background/History
Following a very successful Hyundai Santro, India’s second largest auto manufacturer Hyundai Motor Company had launched the i10 in the same hatchback segment in 2007 and since then it has gained much popularity. Hyundai i10 is a premium hatchback offering quality and better feature set at a lower price point. Certain features that are generally considered add-ons come as standard across all variants like AC, power steering, tachometer, electronic trip meter, electronic odometer, low fuel warning lamp, etc.
Engine & Mechanicals
The i10 Kappa2 variant is the first car in this segment to use variable valve timing or VTVT in Hyundai-speak. Although there is no change in max power or torque engine is significantly more refined than before and revs cleanly from 2000rpm to its 6000rpm red line. The Kappa2 has spread its power more evenly, unlike the earlier engine.
At low speeds you can move around in city traffic without making too many gear changes. Shortened gear ratios have also aided driveability. On wider stretches of the road you can rev the engine and feel the increased pep. This makes overtaking on highways a breeze.
A prominent gearshift indicator is housed in a big LCD screen on the right-hand side of the instrument panel. The indicator suggests the right gear for maximum efficiency depending on the vehicle road speed and engine speed. The company claims a fuel efficiency figure of 20.36kpl, which means it is second only to the Tata Nano in the race for better mileage.
Engine Type: 1197 cc, 4 cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder DOHC with VTVT
Maximum Engine Output: 80 PS @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 11.4 NM @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Speed: 180 kmph
Transmission: 5 Speed (Manual) & 4 Speed (Automatic)
Suspension & Tyres
This is one area where the car remains untouched, although rear suspension could have been made a bit more supple.
Tyre type: Tubeless
Tyres size: 155/80 R13
Suspension Front: McPherson Strut with coil spring
Suspension Rear: Coupled torsion beam axle with coil spring
Exteriors & Looks
The company has given much emphasis to the fact that design plays a big role in the choice of cars. In the front the new hexagonal grille is in line with the new design family across its range. It has certainly made the i10 look much more aggressive than before.
The massive air dam uses a honeycomb grille that gives a sporty touch, the round fog lamps have been replaced by sharper, rectangular units and the larger headlamps look striking even from a distance. All these changes come together to create a look that gives the little i10 more presence on our roads.
On the side the outside rear view mirrors have been given integrated turn signals and body coloured side moulding, usually found on more premium segment cars. The rear bumper too gets a body coloured rub strip with reflectors and parking sensors. The tail-lamps also wear a longer, more angular look.
Interiors & space (Cabin & Boot)
Although the i10’s overall length has increased by 20mm there is no change in legroom inside the cabin. The steering column is now tilt-height adjustable and comes with mounted audio and bluetooth controls. The seats are more cushioned and furnished with better fabric. All displays now get a blue backlight for some added zing when driving at night.
Another welcome change is the two-tone dashboard. The darker tan colour increases safety as it reduces reflections on the windscreen while driving during daytime. Secondly, it also goes tastefully with the gun-metal finish on the centre console.
Drive & feel
The cabin is well insulated from the engine noise. Uniform door space and controls are there for all the occupants. The sharp MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering) and the suspension set-up provide everything for you to drive in the traffic with ease. Its 165mm ground clearance for city areas is another advantage.
The ride and handling is a familiar story. The chunky steering wheel lets you point the i10 in the intended direction without effort but a bit more road feel would certainly be welcome. As there are no changes to the suspension setup and even the tyre sizes are unchanged, the car retains its slightly stiff feel which means you are unsettled over potholes and bad roads.
Is the new i10 overwhelmingly better than before? No. Apart from an improved engine, changes are largely cosmetic but with a nominal hike in price and a raft of new features, it promises to be better value.
Equipments & feature-specs
The i10 comes with front and rear door full size arm rest, rear parcel tray and seat back pockets. The car is equipped with front power windows and air conditioner with heater in all variants. Rear wiper, rear power windows and defogger is available in the Magna variant family.
Other new interior features include USB connectivity on the integrated music system, bluetooth integration for the mobile phone and a digital fuel meter. Apart from the buzzer-type parking sensor, you also get height adjust for the driver’s seat on the higher variant. The top variant also gets a foldable key with keyless entry, which is again a feature found on more upmarket cars.
The company also offers top-end safety features like Anti-lock Braking system (ABS), seat belts with pretensioner, dual airbags for the driver and the front passenger, auto-unlocking doors which automatically unlock on sensing an impact and a high-mounted rear stop lamp.
As earlier the car comes with options for sun-roof and automatic transmission in the higher variants.
Prices (ex-showroom Kolkata)
MODEL Solid Metallic
Magna Rs. 422,932 Rs. 426,510
Sportz GLS Rs. 453,183 Rs. 456,761
Sportz Option Rs. 483,270 Rs. 486,847
Sportz AT GLS Rs. 509,638 Rs. 513,217
Asta GLS Rs. 527,535 Rs. 531,114
Asta AT WS GLS Rs. 600,374 Rs. 603,951
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