Performance, surefooted handling and a smooth ride all part of the Hyundai i10 package
A more powerful 1,25 litre engine makes its debut in the new Hyundai i10, offering peak power of 64 kW and exceptional performance even at the oxygen-starved altitude of the Highveld.
Smooth delivery of power through the slick 5-speed manual gearbox is one of the outstanding features of the new engine. Overall the excellent performance of the i10’s engines and drivetrains is an example of an increasingly refined product from Hyundai, with smooth and accurate gear changes and an immediate but gradual throttle response.
The low kerb weight of the i10, ranging between 880 kg and 905 kg for the three derivatives, results in a power/weight ratio that makes this compact car a nippy performer.
As a result city driving becomes a breeze, assisted by the compact dimensions of the i10 and the very well-weighted response of the motor driven power assisted rack and pinion steering.
The improved Kappa 1 248 cc four cylinder engine that powers the i10 1.2 GLS supplements the 1 086 cc unit that is used for the i10 1.1 GLS entry derivative. The double overhead cam
1,25 litre engine delivers its 64 kW at 6 000 r/min. and its peak torque of 119 Nm at 4 000 r/min. through a choice between a five-speed manual and a five-speed automatic gearbox.
The single overhead cam 1,1 litre engine, with figures of 50 kW at 5 500 r/min. and 99 Nm at 4 500 r/min., is only used in conjunction with the five-speed manual gearbox. The ratios for both manual gearboxes are virtually the same and well-spaced to deliver smooth acceleration right through the range of engine speeds.
Hyundai’s engineers have done a good job at improving the previous 1,25 litre Kappa engine by remapping the engine management control unit of this smooth-running petrol unit with its Continuously Variable Valve Timing. As a result the power has been increased from 55 kW to 64 kW and the torque from 116 Nm to 119 Nm.
Fuel consumption of the i10 1.2 GLS (manual) can be as low as 4,7 litres/100 km, which is the figure achieved on a combined test cycle, while the i10 1.1 GLS registered consumption of 4,8 litres/100 km. The i10 1.2 GLS with the automatic gearbox clocked an overall consumption figure of 5,5 litres/100 km.
An official top speed of 169 km/h was measured with the i10 1.2 GLS (manual), and 160 with the automatic version. Acceleration times from standstill to 100 km/h for these two derivatives were 12,3 seconds and 13,8 seconds respectively.
Most important are their CO₂ emissions of 113 g/km and 132 g/km respectively, with the i10 1.2 GLS manual beating the CO₂ tax margin of 120 g/km.
The i10 1.1 GLS reached a top speed of 153 km/h, and accelerated from standstill to 100 km/h in 15,2 seconds. And it also beat the CO₂ tax margin with a score of 114 g/km.
Apart from the combination of ample power and frugal use of fuel, exemplary handling on the road is an important component of the mechanical performance package that a customer will discover in the Hyundai i10.
The steering is accurate and gives good feedback to the driver and the suspension is firm enough to inspire confidence and a surefooted feeling even in tight corners, yet comfortable enough to soak up the undulations of South African urban roads. The articulation of the MacPherson strut suspension in front and torsion beam axle with coil springs and shock absorbers at the rear is so good that the 14″ steel wheels keep firm contact with the road at all times.
Brake response from the 241 mm ventilated front disc brakes and rear drum brakes is immediate with good modulation. The i10 1.2 GLS has an Advanced Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) added to its list of standard features.
