Hyundai has yet again shown their intent to be a leader among the world’s automotive manufacturers with the launch of its new i10 – an entry-level competitor that has exponentially upped the level of sophistication and refinement in this important segment of the local car market.
Sporting a stylish makeover, a perky new engine and several added features, the new Hyundai i10 is just as at home nipping through urban traffic as it is on weekends in the country. And because size matters when negotiating the city, the compact design means it still maneuvers easily into the tightest of parking spaces.
The new Hyundai i10 is a compact car that makes a big statement – at a price that offers exceptional value for money for a vehicle that came out tops in the lower compact car segment of the 2010 JD Power Initial Quality Survey in South Africa.
The fresh, current styling of the new i10 also reflects the attractive new “fluidic sculpture” design language of Hyundai.
A new colour-matching front bumper, dynamic trapezoid radiator grille with a bold Hyundai logo and head lamps with new styling makes the i10 a car that is as pleasing to the eye as it is fun to drive. The upgraded exterior styling includes new outside rearview mirror housings with integrated indicator lights and a new rear bumper, which is also colour coded to match the body panels.
The attractive rear of the i10 is finished off with a new light cluster.
Three derivatives are on offer in the Hyundai i10 range: The new i10 1.2 GLS with an upgraded engine and a choice between a five-speed manual gearbox and a five-speed automatic; and the i10 1.1 GLS with a manual gearbox.
Added to the engine range of the new i10 is a potent, yet economical new 1,25 litre four cylinder unit that offers exceptional fuel consumption – as low as 4,7 litres/100 km in a combined cycle.
The improved performance from the smooth 64 kW / 119 Nm petrol engine makes it a joy to drive in the city, on the highway as well as on country roads. The new 1,25 litre engine supplements the 1,1 litre four cylinder that delivers 50 kW and 99 Nm torque (more about the engines in separate release).
Although the new Hyundai i10 is likely to be used mainly as city run-around, its impeccable handling and surefooted feeling on the road, the firm, yet supple suspension and well-weighted and accurate steering makes it an all-rounder that can confidently be taken for a long road trip.
The stylish and ergonomically designed interior offers comfort and enough space for five people – almost unexpected for a car of such compact proportions. And it boasts an extensive list of standard features that include:
Air conditioning
- Electric front and rear windows
- Driver airbag, and front passenger airbag on the i10 1.2 GLS
- Advanced Braking System (ABS) for the i10 1.2 GLS
- Central locking
- Stereo RDS radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility
- USB and Aux connections for sound system
- Audio controls on the steering wheel
- Height adjustable steering column
- Height adjustable driver seat
- Storage tray under front seat
- 14″ steel wheels
- Body coloured side mouldings
- Body-coloured side mirrors with integrated indicator lights
- Rear window wiper and rear window demister
“Hyundai has continued on its exponential path of improved quality, dynamics and performance with the launch of the new i10,” says Stanley Anderson, marketing director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa that imports and distributes this Korean manufacturer’s products in South Africa.
“It is a car with nimble, surefooted handling and comfort features that one would rather expect from a competitor in a higher market segment. We can proudly present the i10 to the South African motoring public as a product that proves Hyundai’s commitment to be an innovative global manufacturer of a wide range of quality passenger and commercial vehicles that is represented in all segments of the market,” says Anderson.
Attention to detail and improved quality is evident from the stylish yet simple interior of the i10. The neat and efficient layout of switches and controls – from the air conditioner’s controls on the fresh new centre fascia to the sound system’s remote buttons on the steering wheel – creates a pleasant environment for the driver and passengers.
The centre console between the seats has an added 12 V power outlet and a rear cup holder, while a new seat pattern in quality cloth material adds to the neat interior looks. It is easy for the driver to set a comfortable seating position with a height adjustable seat and a steering wheel with variable height. Passengers in the rear have ample leg and headroom without compromising the space of the driver or front passenger.
The luggage area with a capacity of 225 litres holds several shopping bags or two decent weekend bags, while the rear seats’ backrests can fold down to increase the luggage capacity to 910 litres. The full-size spare wheel located in the cargo floor.
Safety levels are high in the Hyundai i10 – the 1.2 GLS boasts airbags for both driver and front passenger, with a cut-off switch for the passenger airbag. A driver’s airbag is standard fitment in the i10 1.1 GLS. Five safety belts – four three-point belts and one lap belt for the middle passenger in the rear – complete the passive safety features in the Hyundai i10.
For active safety the 1.2 GLS is also equipped with a four channel, four sensor Advanced Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
The new i10 forms part of an extensive range of Hyundai passenger cars in South Africa that includes the junior Atos, the attractive i20 and i30 hatchbacks, the Accent and Elantra sedans, the new luxury Sonata with its “fluid” design lines, the versatile H1 bus and the all-wheel drive ix35 and Santa Fe sports utility vehicles.
Hyundai Automotive SA’s i10 package includes its industry leading 5 years / 150 000 km warranty, which includes roadside assistance. Service intervals are 15 000 km.
Suggested retail prices for the new i10 range are:
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i10 1.1 GLS (manual) R99 900
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i10 1.2 GLS (manual) R109 900
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i10 1.2 GLS (auto) R119 900
