Hyundai i10 Car Review in India

Hyundai Motor India Limited launches i10 under the PA code name in November 2007. Taking advantage of the demand for more small cars in the Indian auto industry, Hyundai rolled out i10 with a powerful engine and an upscale interior. The i10 car fitted with new Kappa engine was released in July 2008. It is one of India's most popular 'A' segment small car. It is built to take on sub-compact segment cars such as the Chevrolet Spark, Maruti Suzuki Zen Estilo, Maruti Suzuki WagonR, and Tata Indica Xeta.

The well-equipped i10 is an affordable small car and a perfect combination of superior technology, roomy interiors, and the stamp of reliability. It was the most talked about car in small car segment before its launch and it is sure to gain the confidence of car enthusiasts with its aerodynamic design, array of standard convenience and comfort features, and luxurious fittings. It comes with all elements that would please a buyer looking for a small family car at an affordable price.

It is available in 4 variants: D-lite, Era, Magna, and Magna O. All these variants come with a 1.1-liter engine and are available in a wide range of colours. Magna O is a top-end variant. It comes with safety features like an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and airbags. It also comes with an optional sunroof with slide and tilt feature. The 1.2L 16V DOHC Kappa engine is available in three trims - Magna, Asta, Sportz. The top end Sports will feature a sunroof, red pack interiors and a body kit. The Kappa will accelerate from 0-100 in 12.8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 165 kmph. The Kappa engine is Euro V ready and has the lowest emission levels in its class.

Under the hood, the i10 boasts of a 1.1-litre Inline-four Intelligent Responsive Drive Engine (iRDE) that churns out 66 bhp at 5,500 revs and 99 Nm of torque at 2800 rpm. The new 1.2L 16V DOHC Kappa engine delivers 79 bhp at 5200 rpm and 114 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. The all aluminum Kappa engine, the first in its class, delivers an all time low NVH levels (noise vibration and harshness) with low emission output. Hyundai's intelligent responsive technology strengthens and powers the engine to improve performance and mileage. The 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive that comes standard across all variants is quick and responsive. However, a 4-speed automatic is also available on the i10 powered by Kappa engine. It is designed with ventilated discs in the front and self-adjusting drums in the rear.

The i10 is lively and handles well with its short wheelbase and turning radius that makes it ideal for swift maneuvers. The car shows minor body lean while cornering, so that is something to watch out for. The new i10 sports top class McPherson Strut suspension in the front and CTBA with coil springs in the rear that best suit Indian road conditions. It rolls on steel wheels with tubeless tyres to increase the level grip and comfort while negotiating slippery surfaces.

The i10 is a wide and smartly designed small car that draws the attention of enthusiasts with its stylish and aerodynamic design. It is built and styled contemporarily similar to that of the Ford verve concept and the new Aveo U-VA. Its low slung grille flanked by the two large headlamps distinguishes the i10 design from its competitors in the segment.

The most impressive and stylish cues are the sharply raked windscreen and ellipsoidal glass that enhance the overall look of the i10. The wide sweep wipers maximize vision on rainy days, while a standard washer helps the driver get a clear and clear view from rear window. The interiors display luxurious fine fittings to provide unsurpassed comfort and the interior looks quite modern with dashboard integrated center console instead of conventional floor shift pattern.

Elegantly designed interiors are not only plush but also provide a luxurious feel. Dual Tone Beige Interior features 3-spoke steering wheel that makes handling easier and nimble. The new i10 Sportz varints comes with a new interior- the red fabric appointments on dash, doors and seats on beige interiors giving it a brighter look. The design of the dash is impressive and appealing. All equipments including the instrument cluster, the AC, and the audio system have been fitted and placed properly on the console. The new Kappa i10 features a fully integrated 2-Din audio system with CD player/ MP3 compatibility that delivers clear and distinct sound.

Five persons can comfortably fit in its spacious interior. The seats are supportive and offer good comfort like legroom, knee support and adjustable headrests on all seats for added neck support. The occupants may find the lack of whole back support slightly uncomfortable on long journeys. Standard interior features include a motor driven power steering coupled with i-shift gear shift on Kappa i10, electronic trip-meter, an electronic odometer, a low fuel warning lamp, an air conditioner with heater, and an internally adjustable ORVM. It is packed with safety features including child safety door locks, seatbelts, front air bags, ABS, and crumple zones.