Faults:

Starting problems (Immobilizer): A common electrical issue. The system sometimes fails to recognize the key, preventing the engine from starting or causing it to stall while driving.

Coolant leaks and overheating.

Door actuators tend to wear out or suffer from corrosion, causing one of the doors to fail to lock via the remote control or the entire system to malfunction.

Premature suspension wear. Given its urban focus, it is common to hear metallic noises when driving over potholes or speed bumps. The bushings, sway bar links, and front shock absorbers require constant inspection.

General Comments:

If I had to list the car's strong points, the engine would be the standout, a highly reliable 1.2-liter unit with excellent fuel economy. It runs perfectly with minimal upkeep, requiring nothing more than routine servicing.

It is a high-performing and very adaptable engine for city driving.

I know it wasn't built for this, but on the downside, at speeds above 120 km/h, it not only vibrates like a car from the 70s but also makes an incredible amount of noise; so, if anyone is looking to buy a car like this, I’d recommend not exceeding 100 km/h. It also lacks the power to go any faster, though that’s understandable given its small engine.

Let me talk about the interior: yes, it’s basic, which is normal for a tiny city car like the i10, so I don't expect anything more.

But really, it shouldn't be just as uncomfortable (or even less comfortable)than a 40-year-old Charade. The seats are very hard and there’s hardly any space in the back; the materials range from average to poor quality. I had to replace an armrest and two electric window regulators—they made a horrible noise before finally breaking down completely.

The steering wheel wears out quite a bit, though that’s a minor issue.

Without exaggeration, I can say that my previous Twingo (which was much older)—was better built. It outperformed this one in almost every respect, especially on the highway, where it was much quieter. The i10 only beats it in terms of fuel economy; I think it was the worst car swap I’ve ever made.

To sum it up, it’s a car for a young person buying one with their first paycheck; beyond that, I don’t see any other use for it.

Faults:

Oil burning and leaking.

Bad clutch.

Loud engine.

Rough suspension.

General Comments:

Horrible, horrible car. The clutch is so squeaky and stiff, and when you’re at 3rpm it sounds like something's being shredded. The engine sounds like a blender and it leaks and burns so much oil, putting 2 litres a week in; don’t know how it hasn’t seized.

Fair enough it is a decent car for driving around town or whatever, but anything over 55mph going a distance and the car will be ready for a heart attack. Suspension also not great, when you go over a speed bump it’s as if the shocks are just bricks. Maybe if it was better looked after it would run fine, but you just never know.

Faults:

The second 12v socket was not working. Fixed by my local Hyundai dealership under the original warranty. Turned out to be a burnt fuse.

General Comments:

The i10 is the smallest car made by Hyundai and I absolutely love driving this. It is so easy to drive and park.

I gel better with this car than the Nissan Almera I owned previously (also reviewed on this website). Simple things like lighter power steering, being able to switch the stereo on without the ignition key and the lever to recline the front seat instead of a rotary knob. Seat comfort is also better.

South Korean in origin, however this i10 was manufactured in Turkey. It feels incredibly well engineered for a small inexpensive car. I'm glad that it has a mechanical handbrake and a space saver spare wheel. This SE spec suits me fine. It is mid range which offers air conditioning, cruise control and four electric windows. The Premium spec i10s look smarter than the SE and have even more equipment.

One thing of note is that this 2018 i10 does not have a CD player, which is something that Hyundai phased out of their cars. However, you do get two 12v sockets and a USB port. There is also Bluetooth and a DAB stereo.

Most of my driving is around town so I get around 44 mpg. On a long run I achieved 50 mpg. I believe that better fuel economy could be achieved with the 1.0 litre engined version, but this 1.25 litre engined version offers a good compromise between performance and economy.