There was a time when small city cars were quite a common sight in only developing nations across the world, but that’s not the case anymore. With our roads getting more and more congested with each passing day and taking into account that not everyone wants or needs a large car, these A-segment hatchbacks are finding customers in even developed countries. When it comes to small, affordable and efficient family cars, the Koreans are some of the best in the business -- with companies like Hyundai paving the way for many others to follow. One of the best cars from Hyundai’s small-car line-up is the i10. The Hyundai i10 has been around since 2007, though the biggest revelation for this popular model has now presented itself in the form of the all-new 2020 i10.
The 2020 Hyundai i10 was first revealed in India in August of this year, and will soon be made available in many different countries (including the UAE). The latest iteration of one of the best-selling hatchbacks from Hyundai now comes with better design, improved interior, more convenience features and safety equipment etc. Upon its imminent launch, the 2020 Hyundai i10 will compete against cars like the Kia Picanto, Suzuki Swift, and Mitsubishi Mirage to name a few.
Exterior
The latest of the Hyundai i10s, the 2020 model sure looks more stylish and modern than any of its predecessors. Its overall design, however, isn’t really radical or stunning, per se. But this small hatchback does seem to have matured in that regard - it isn’t overly styled nor does it have any odd-ball angles. Up front, though, Hyundai’s new ‘cascading grille’ is here and it now integrates some interesting-looking LED DRLs, which are further accompanied by large sweptback headlamps, a chiseled bumper and air-intake vents. The most distinct feature on the sides of the new i10 is its barely-convincing ‘floating roof’ design, steeply sloped rear window line, characteristic wheel-arch impressions and chic-looking alloy wheels.
Compared to the fashionable front and side profiles, the rear façade of the 2020 Hyundai i10 looks quite generic. While the stocky tail lamps wrap around the sides and the roof spoiler plus a faux diffuser add some appeal, it doesn’t really seem all that special, overall. In terms of its size, the new model is slightly larger than the outgoing car, measuring 3.805 meters in length, 1.680 meters in width, 1.520 meters in height and its wheelbase stands 2.450 meters long.
Interior
Hyundai has significantly revamped the interior of the 2020 i10, which now boasts better quality materials, trendier design cues, roomier passenger space and more features. The biggest addition to this interior comes in the form of a new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay integration along with improved graphics and a better user-interface. There are also some distinctive patterns on the door panels, dashboard and around the center console. Plus, the circular side air vents, upgraded HVAC panel, new instrument cluster and steering wheel look nice, too. Some of its most important features include keyless entry & go, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, rear parking sensors with reversing camera, dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, projector headlights, 15-inch alloy wheels etc.
Engine and performance
Depending on the market, the 2020 Hyundai i10 may soldier on with the 1.2-liter naturally-aspirated Kappa four-cylinder mill that develops 83hp and 114Nm of torque. It could also be offered with a smaller 1.0-liter three-cylinder motor that makes 67hp and 96Nm. In many markets, gearbox options for the new Hyundai i10 include a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT) -- though the former is most definitely not coming to the UAE. However, don’t expect the new i10 to be any quicker than the outgoing model, especially not with the puny three-cylinder, as it needs well over 17 seconds to hit 100 km/h.
Verdict
The 2020 Hyundai i10 definitely boasts a better exterior and interior design, improvements in space, material quality and features. While the prices haven’t been announced yet, it shouldn’t be a whole lot more than the current avatar.
