Used Hyundai i10 2020-present review

It's amazing how fast the little ones grow up. We generally expect city cars to be pretty cramped inside, but this latest Hyundai i10 is a bit longer than most and is therefore practical enough to carry adults in the back. What's more, buying a used example could save you thousands compared with springing for a new one, making it a very sensible proposition.

The i10 offers a choice of two 1.0-litre petrol engines in 66bhp non-turbo or 99bhp turbocharged forms, the latter available only in N Line models. There's also an 83bhp 1.2 petrol that's a bit more capable at higher speeds on the motorway. All engines have a five-speed manual, but the 66bhp 1.0 and 83bhp 1.2 can also be had with a five-speed automated manual.

All i10s come well equipped; entry-level SE models come with air-con, cruise control, Bluetooth, automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keeping assistance. SE Connect has 15in alloy wheels and an 8.0in touchscreen inside that's got Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, along with a reversing camera. The sporty-looking N Line version has sharper interior and exterior styling, while the top-of-the-range Premium has larger, 16in alloys, heated front seats and steering wheel, and rear privacy glass.

The entry-level engine is peppy enough in town, but the larger engine is better if you regularly venture outside the city limits. That being said, the 99bhp 1.0 is even better still, and also bogs down less when accelerating away from a standstill compared with the non-turbo cars, making it easier to get on with in heavy traffic.

On the move, the i10 is perfectly pleasant to drive, with precise steering that's just as adept when slotting into tight parking spaces as it is scooting around corners at speed. Grip levels are high, and even better than those of the Kia Picanto in the wet. Refinement is pretty good for such a dinky car, even at a motorway cruise, plus the ride is more composed and forgiving than can be said of some far larger and more expensive cars.

Where the i10 shines is in interior space; not only can it seat five if necessary, but there's enough room for six-footers to fit behind front seat occupants of a similar height. The driving position is also a pleasant surprise, because despite the lack of steering wheel reach adjustment (typical among city cars), there's enough adjustability to allow you to find a posture that won't have you feeling uncomfortable on a big trip.

Boot capacity is one of the best in the class, although you will have to contend with a pronounced loading lip; unlike with the Volkswagen Up, there's no adjustable-height boot floor.

If you're interested in finding a used i10, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at great prices.

Prices start at around £10,000 for an early one. This kind of cash will get you a 2020 model in SE Connect trim, sporting the 66bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine. For similar cars that are less than a year old, expect to pay upwards of £11,000. If you're after a higher trim and engine specification, such as a 2023 99bhp 1.0-litre car in N Line trim, you'll need to up your budget to around £13,000. All examples should have minimal mileage.

Check the value of a used Hyundai i10 with What Car? Valuations

MPG

There's not much difference in terms of fuel economy between the different engine options. The turbocharged 1.0 is the best, at 52.3mpg, and the non-turbocharged version is the 'worst' with 50.4mpg. The 1.2 sits somewhere in between at 51.4 mpg.

Road tax (VED)

All examples will be charged the current flat-rate fee for annual car tax, which currently stands at £180 per year. This applies to all petrol and diesel cars. To find out more about the current road tax costs, click here.

Servicing

No Hyundai i10 of this generation is old enough yet to qualify for the cheaper servicing that the brand offers for cars over five years of age, but you can set up a service plan online to help spread the cost of maintenance.

Engine

The most powerful 99bhp 1.0 engine is available only on the more expensive N Line model, and this isn't worth the extra expense. Most should find the 66bhp 1.0 to be sufficient, but we prefer the 84bhp 1.2, because it's a bit more capable on motorway journeys.

Specification

Unless you desperately need the most powerful engine or a heated seat and steering wheel to keep you warm in winter, the mid-range SE Connect version will do nicely. That way, you'll get the 8.0in infotainment screen that allows you to connect your smartphone.

Our favourite Hyundai i10 1.2 SE Connect

The Kia Picanto is a very similar car to the i10; they share engines and other mechanical parts. The major benefit with going for the Kia is that it had a longer seven-year warranty from new, compared with the five-year cover for the Hyundai.

It may have been on sale for quite a while, but the Volkswagen Up is still a really good value car choice. It drives really well, has a comfortable ride and is pretty spacious inside. It doesn't have a handy touchscreen infotainment system, though, and examples from 2020 onwards do without automatic emergency braking.

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