Comfort is the i10's trump card

10:59am Friday 14th March 2008

COMPETITION is pretty fierce at the small car end of the market, with new models being introduced at a steady rate and the quality of products constantly being improved.

The market has also got significantly more stylish and refined in recent years.

Where a small, competitively priced model would not so long ago have meant something boxy, tinny and more than likely underpowered, that simply won't suffice now, even for a small outlay.

Customer expectations are the driving force behind this rapid increase in quality and for the makers of small cars there is a varied customer base to consider the requirements of.

The silver pound is particularly rampant, with discerning older customers requiring practicality and comfort from their vehicles.

Then there's the younger clientele, seeking cost effectiveness and style. Families often look to small cars as a second buy or family run-around, again making practicality of prime concern, along with safety.

That's a lot of bases to cover in a small package, and for Hyundai it meant starting from scratch to replace the Amica model that was beginning to look and feel dated.

Aside from the highly competitive price, comfort is the i10's trump card. There's a high level of equipment from the base model up.

Air-conditioning is the ace in the hole, but electric front windows are also present on the base model along with a respectable sound system.

Being built on the longest wheelbase in its class, instantly gives the i10 the presence and internal feel of a larger vehicle. The model's long wheelbase results in a supple ride that absorbs and straddles bumps without clattering.

It also means there's room for four decently sized passenger doors and naturally has a positive effect on rear legroom. The tall body also means the i10 has impressive headroom, again adding to the aura of spaciousness.

The angular boot is bigger than it appears from the outside and will accept weekly shops and a large suitcase without much fuss.

Although the interior materials might be a little dark for some tastes, there's a lot to be said for the quality inside the model.

Hyundai proudly points out that there are no bare screw heads or sharp edges to be found inside the i10 and it's right.

The chunky and neatly styled boot door handle is a good example of the extra lengths Hyundai has gone to in order to infuse that element of quality.

An equal amount of thought has been put into the driving position. The steering wheel is rake adjustable and the driver's seat - height adjustable in the Comfort and Style trim levels - is positioned at a sensible height for all-round vision and use of controls in the Classic.

Also highly praiseworthy is the position of the gear lever that, rather than being floor mounted, is incorporated into the centre console assembly in a high-mounted position that feels comfortable and natural.

The shift of the five-speed unit is pleasant too; smooth and precise with a reasonably short throw. It's considerably less agricultural than some of the i10's rivals.

Power comes from a 1.1-litre petrol unit that trades performance for efficiency - producing high mpg figures and low emissions.

It's more suited to town driving and is surprisingly sprightly at low speed.

The i10 is particularly well equipped in terms of safety. Disc brakes are standard all round while driver and front passenger are surrounded by airbags to the front and sides. High tensile steel is also used in the production process, with the areas around the B and C-pillars reinforced for additional side and rear impact protection.

In terms of styling, the i10 is contemporary but subdued. Big, shapely lights create a distinctive and cute face but it doesn't have the flair or character of some of its rivals.

The subtlety works in its favour however, as the model transcends categories. Young, old, male or female, the i10's styling is unlikely to prove a turn-off.

Hyundai clearly expects big things of its new i10; saying the model should double its sales in the A-segment.

While some of the opposition relies on bags of character and visceral driving experiences to attract attention, the i10's more practical, comfortable approach should stand it in equally good stead.

The Hyundai i10 Classic costs £6,495.

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