2017 Hyundai i10 1.2 Premium SE first drive

This is Hyundai’s latest attempt to keep its best-selling i10 relevant in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Released back in 2012, the small city car from Seoul has always been a firm favourite of ours thanks to its class-leading build quality, versatile interior space and high residual values. But let’s face it, the little i10 has never been particularly exciting, aesthetically or dynamically.

Hyundai is looking to change that, however, with a host of changes that should, on paper at least, bring the i10 closer to the class-leading Volkswagen Up. Styling wise, a new grille, LED daytime running lights, reprofiled bumpers and new 14in wheels help sharpen up the cutesy looks, while the interior gets a refresh with a range of new trims.

The most significant change is the addition of an all-new infotainment system. Available only on range-topping Premium SE trim, the new 7.0in touchscreen features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality as well as satellite navigation and live updates. Compared with the Volkswagen Up, which requires buyers to use their smartphone as a sat-nav, this could be a real deal breaker for buyers. 

Aside from a slightly quicker steering rack and a larger front bump stop, the 2017 i10 is more or less mechanically identical to the model it replaces, which is no bad thing. We’ve always been impressed by the Hyundai’s remarkable ability to work just as well in the city as it does in the country, and the same remains true here.

Despite having a slighter firmer ride than both the VW Up and Renault Twingo, the i10 is surprisingly less fidgety over scarred city roads. Even on the larger 15in wheels fitted to our test car, sharp imperfections are soaked up with relative aplomb. That said, the 1.2's light clutch pedal and overly sensitive throttle can make low-speed manoeuvres feel somewhat clumsy and haphazard, so inner-city driving isn’t as effortless as it could be.