By IOL Motoring Staff
Frankfurt motor show - Korean automaker Hyundai has released full details of its second-generation i10 entry-level hatchback, which it is marketing under the catchphrase “designed and built in Europe for European buyers” - and yes Cyril, the new i10 was indeed created at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and is assembled at the company's recently-expanded plant in Ízmit, Turkey.
It's longer, lower and wider than its predecessor, and with revised suspension geometry for improved control and ride confort - as well as a significantly bigger interior with 252 litres of boot space, expanding to 1046 litres with the rear seats folded.
But the first thing European buyers look at - even at the A-segment end of the market - is styling; 31 percent of EU new-car buyers say it is their primary purchase consideration. That's why Hyundai put such emphasis on the Rüsselsheim studio and its 'fluidic sculpture' design language.
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
It has practical applications as well: a shallower windscreen and A-pillars give the driver a larger field of vision, making exiting blind turns safer and manoeuvring in tight city spaces easier.
A coloured inlay runs the full width of the dashboard, emphasising the extra space, and is mirrored by the gear-lever surround and lower sections of the front door-panels.
Base models come with a combination of cloth and vinyl trim in beige and black, mid-range versions have tricot fabric in blue or orange with woven side panels in black, and the top models can be had in woven red fabric with black leather-like side panels.
Standard kit on the entry-level derivatives includes central locking, trip computer, daytime running lights and full of active and passive safety equipment, while mid-range models add power windows all round, remote central locking and a height-adjustable driver's seat.
The more expensive variants can be had with a steering wheel-mounted cruise control with adjustable speed limiter, heated leather steering wheel and front seats, hill assist control, a smart key with engine start/stop button, LED running lights and auto aircon.
NUTS AND BOLTS
New i10 buyers will have a choice of two twin-cam petrol engines - a 998cc triple and a 1248cc four, each driving through either a five-speed manual or a four-speed auto transmission.
The triple has an 11mm crank offset to reduce vibration, low-friction 'beehive' conical valve springs for quieter running, piston cooling jets, and valves and tappets coated in diamond-like carbon (DLC) for enhanced durability.
Hyundai quotes 48kW at 5500rpm and 94Nm from 3500rpm, enabling the 0-100km/h sprint to be disposed of in 14.9 seconds and a top speed of 155km/h.
The 1.25-litre four is good for a claimed 65kW at 6000rpm and 120Nm from 400rpm, taking the i10 to 100km/h in 12.3 seconds and on to 171km/h.
The rear shock-absorber mounts have been moved so the dampers are now stand vertical, improving ride quality and sticktion by reducing internal friction, while revised hard points for the MacPherson strut front suspension reduce 'nose dive' during hard braking.
SAFETY FEATURES
An electronic stability programme is standard issue for the first time on an A-segment Hyundai, as is a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Passive safety equipment includes six airbags - two front, two front side and two full-length curtain - a seatbelt reminder on each seat and automatic central locking.