Vehicle Overview
The 2007 Hyundai i10 is a city car designed as a successor to the popular Atos, combining compact exterior packaging with surprisingly roomy interior space. Launched in Europe in late 2007, the i10 targets urban commuters and first-time buyers seeking fuel efficiency, ease of parking, and low running costs.
| Segment | City Car (A-segment) |
| Body Style | 5-door hatchback |
| Model Year | 2008 (European launch) |
| Trim Levels | Classic, Comfort, Style |
Key Specifications
| Specification | 1.1 L MPi Inline-4 | 1.25 L MPi Inline-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,108 cc SOHC, 12-valve | 1,248 cc DOHC, 16-valve |
| Power | 65 PS @ 5,500 rpm | 78 PS @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 99 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | 108 Nm @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual / optional 4-speed auto |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| 0–100 km/h | ~15.5 s | ~13.8 s |
| Top Speed | 155 km/h | 165 km/h |
| Fuel Economy (combined) | 5.3 L/100 km | 5.6 L/100 km |
| CO₂ Emissions | ~127 g/km | ~132 g/km |
| Curb Weight | ~965 kg | ~995 kg |
Exterior Design
Tall-boy silhouette with compact 3.57 m length and 1.68 m width for easy urban maneuvering.
Large greenhouse and upright A-pillars maximize visibility.
| Clean lines | simple front fascia with integrated grille and swept headlights. |
| Trim differentiation | Style trim adds body-color bumpers, roof rails, and 14″ alloy wheels. |
Interior, Comfort & Materials
| Spacious cabin | best-in-class headroom and legroom for four adults. |
| Quality | durable fabrics, straightforward layout, and use of soft-touch plastics on dash. |
| Seating versatility | 60:40 split-folding rear bench expands cargo from 225 L to 1,010 L. |
| Ergonomics | high seating position, good all-round visibility, and easy-to-reach controls. |
Features & Infotainment
| Audio | AM/FM radio with CD and AUX input (Comfort/Style trims). |
| Climate | Manual air-conditioning standard from Comfort trim upwards. |
| Convenience | Remote central locking, power windows (front), and height-adjustable driver’s seat on Style. |
| Instrumentation | Simple three-dial cluster with integrated info display for trip and fuel data. |
Safety & Ratings
| Euro NCAP | 3-star rating (2008 protocol). |
| Standard | Driver airbag, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (Comfort+), front passenger airbag optional on Classic. |
| Additional | Side-impact bars, seat-belt pretensioners, and ISOFIX mounts on rear bench. |
Driving Performance
| Engine character | Smooth, low-revving 1.1 L for city use; the 1.25 L adds more mid-range punch for motorway. |
| Ride & Handling | Soft-tuned suspension for comfort; body roll noticeable if pushed hard, but natural for class. |
| Maneuverability | 4.6 m turning circle and light steering make tight turns and parking effortless. |
| Noise | Wind noise kept low; engine audible under load but never intrusive for daily use. |
Fuel Efficiency
1.1 L: ~5.3 L/100 km combined (~53 mpg UK).
1.25 L: ~5.6 L/100 km combined.
| Real-World | Owners often exceed 50 mpg in mixed urban/highway driving. |
Practicality & Everyday Usability
| Boot | 225 L of generous cargo space, easily accommodating grocery loads. |
| Flexibility | Fold rear seats for large items; flat load floor when stowed. |
| Storage | Door bins, central cubby, and deep glovebox for small items. |
| Urban utility | Compact footprint, excellent visibility, and nimble handling ideal for city life. |
Warranty & Maintenance
| Warranty (Original) | 3 years / 100,000 km. |
| Service intervals | 15,000 km or 12 months. |
| Ownership costs | Low road tax, insurance, and parts availability make the i10 economical to own. |
Price & Value for Money
Launch MSRP (UK)
1.1 Classic: ~£8,950
1.1 Comfort: ~£9,950
1.25 Style: ~£11,450
| Value | Underpriced against competitors with comparable features; strong resale thanks to reliability. |
Comparison with Rivals
| Model | Price (From) | Engine | Boot (L) | Notable Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai i10 | £8,950 | 1.1 L / 1.25 L | 225 / 1,010 (fold) | Roomiest cabin in class |
| Kia Picanto | £8,995 | 1.0 L / 1.2 L | 200 / 1,010 | Sharp styling |
| Volkswagen Up! | £9,500 | 1.0 L | 251 / 959 | Premium badge |
| Suzuki Alto | £7,995 | 1.0 L | 170 / 641 | Lowest purchase price |
Pros & Cons
Pros
Exceptionally roomy cabin for a city car
Strong value proposition and low running costs
Easy to drive and park in urban environments
Flexible cargo space with split-fold seats
Cons
Modest engine power; not suited for rapid acceleration
Ride comfort can feel soft over sharper bumps
Safety rating average by today’s standards
Base trim lacking modern infotainment (pre-Bluetooth era)
Overall Rating
4.0 / 5 stars
An outstanding urban runabout that maximizes interior space and practicality without breaking the bank—ideal for first-time drivers and city dwellers.
Final Verdict
The 2007 Hyundai i10 is perfect for city commuters and small households seeking a dependable, economical, and spacious hatchback. Its well-packaged cabin, easy handling, and low ownership costs make it a timeless choice in the city-car segment.
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Pros & cons
- Good fit for UK buyers who choose the right trim
- Strong shortlist candidate when total costs are checked
- Final value depends heavily on trim, options and finance price
- Larger wheels can reduce ride comfort and raise tyre costs
- Availability, standard equipment and pricing may vary during the year
Final verdict
The Hyundai i10 is a credible option in the UK market if it matches your priorities. The smartest approach is to decide what matters most - comfort, space, efficiency, performance, image or technology - then compare the exact trim against two or three rivals on the same route and the same finance basis. Choose the version that feels easiest to live with, not simply the one with the longest equipment list.
Buyer checkpoints
| Buyer checkpoint | True Motion Auto view |
|---|---|
| Best for | Drivers wanting balanced everyday usability. |
| Body style | Car |
| Powertrain focus | Petrol, diesel or hybrid depending on model year and trim |
| UK ownership note | Check insurance group, VED, charging or fuel costs and service-plan pricing before buying. |
| Verdict | Worth shortlisting if its size, running costs and equipment match your daily use. |
Frequently asked questions
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Specifications, prices and equipment were current at publication and vary by model year, trim and market. Verify final details with a franchised dealer before ordering. Read how we review cars and our editorial policy.