About the Hyundai i10
AI-generatedThe Hyundai i10 is a city car that has been a popular choice in the UK since its launch in 2008. Now in its third generation (2020-present), the i10 offers exceptional value for money, a surprisingly spacious interior for its compact dimensions, and Hyundai's renowned five-year unlimited mileage warranty. It competes directly with cars like the Volkswagen up!, Kia Picanto, and Toyota Aygo, but stands out with its practical design and generous equipment levels even in base trim. The i10 is powered by efficient petrol engines, with the current generation offering 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre options, along with a five-speed manual or automated manual transmission. Its compact size makes it ideal for urban driving and parking, while still offering enough space for four adults on shorter journeys. Running costs are impressively low, with excellent fuel economy and affordable insurance making it particularly attractive to first-time buyers and those seeking economical city transport. The third-generation model introduced in 2020 brought a more modern design, improved technology including touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and enhanced safety features. While not the most exciting car to drive, the i10 excels at being a practical, reliable, and affordable runabout that's perfect for urban environments and short commutes.
Known Issues
Known Issues
Second Generation
2014-2019
- Clutch wear can be premature on manual models, particularly in city driving conditions
- Air conditioning systems may develop refrigerant leaks requiring regas
- Rear wiper motors can fail, especially in older examples
- Door lock mechanisms can become sticky or fail, requiring lubrication or replacement
- Dashboard rattles are common, particularly around the glovebox area
Third Generation
2020-present
- Some early examples experienced software glitches with the touchscreen infotainment system
- Minor interior trim squeaks reported in some vehicles
- Automated manual gearbox (AMT) can be jerky in stop-start traffic
- Paint quality concerns on certain colours, particularly lighter shades
First Generation
2008-2013
Photo by Hyundai Motor Group on Pexels
Running Costs
Running Costs
Annual Fuel
£900-£1,200
Insurance Group
3-9
Average Service
£200-£300
Cost Calculator
Typical Prices
£12,000 - £15,500
£9,000 - £12,000
£7,000 - £9,500
£3,500 - £5,500
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional value for money with generous standard equipment
- Five-year unlimited mileage warranty provides excellent peace of mind
- Surprisingly spacious interior for such a compact car
- Very low running costs including fuel, insurance, and servicing
- Easy to drive and park, perfect for urban environments
- Good build quality and reliability record
- Modern safety features including autonomous emergency braking on latest models
Photo by Gift Habeshaw 🇪🇹 on Pexels
Best & Worst Years
Best & Worst Years
Best Years
- 2020 - First year of the third generation with modern styling, improved safety features, better technology including touchscreen infotainment, and still covered by the full five-year warranty
- 2017 - Well-sorted second-generation model with most early issues resolved, good specification levels, and represents excellent value in the used market
- 2022 - Benefits from minor improvements and software updates from launch, excellent reliability record emerging, and still has substantial warranty remaining
Worst Years
- 2014 - First year of second generation with some teething problems including electrical issues and build quality inconsistencies
- 2008 - First year of production with various early issues, basic specification by modern standards, and now approaching end of practical life
- 2011 - Mid-generation first gen model prone to exhaust corrosion and suspension wear, with limited modern safety features
Buying Checklist
Engine5 items
- Check for smooth idling with no misfires or rough running
- Look for oil leaks around the engine bay, particularly valve cover gasket
- Test acceleration is smooth without hesitation
- Check exhaust for excessive smoke or unusual smells
- Verify oil level and condition - should be clean and at correct level
Did You Know?
Did You Know?
The Hyundai i10 has been manufactured in Turkey since its introduction, at Hyundai's Izmit plant near Istanbul.
The third-generation i10 shares its platform with the Kia Picanto, but has a slightly different wheelbase and distinctive styling.
The i10 SE Connect trim level offers features like wireless phone charging and a premium sound system, unusual in such an affordable city car.
Hyundai offers one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry, with five years unlimited mileage as standard on the i10.
Alternatives to Consider
Kia Picanto
8/10Shares platform with i10, offers similar space and features with seven-year warranty, slightly sportier styling
Volkswagen up!
Premium feel, fun to drive, solid build quality but more expensive to buy and parts cost more
Toyota Aygo
8/10Excellent reliability reputation, low running costs, fun styling but less spacious and less equipment as standard
Skoda Citigo
Practical and well-built (VW Group), good value but discontinued in 2019 so only available used
Owner Tips
- 1Service the car according to Hyundai's schedule to maintain the warranty and ensure longevity - typically annually or every 10,000 miles
- 2Check and maintain the air conditioning system regularly to prevent costly repairs from refrigerant leaks
- 3Lubricate door locks and mechanisms periodically to prevent sticking and premature failure
- 4If buying a used example, check the service history carefully and ensure the warranty is transferable
- 5The 1.2-litre engine is better suited to motorway driving if you regularly cover longer distances
- 6Avoid the automated manual transmission if you do lots of city driving - the manual gearbox is more reliable and pleasant to use
- 7Check for dashboard rattles during test drives and address them early to prevent annoyance
- 8Keep tyres properly inflated for best fuel economy and handling
Check a specific Hyundai i10
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