The Hyundai i10 first generation (PA), particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2011, represented a significant step forward for the South Korean automaker in the European city car segment. Produced from 2008 to 2013, with the facelift arriving in 2011, the i10 aimed to provide affordable, reliable transportation with a focus on practicality and fuel efficiency. The 1.1-liter engine variant, producing 69 horsepower, was positioned as the entry-level model, appealing to buyers prioritizing economy and low running costs. This version played a crucial role in establishing Hyundai’s presence in the competitive microcar market, offering a compelling alternative to established European rivals like the Fiat 500 and Volkswagen Up!. The facelift brought subtle styling updates and improvements to interior materials, enhancing the i10’s overall appeal.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Hyundai |
| Model | i10 |
| Generation | i10 I (facelift 2011) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.1 (69 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg, 17.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 110 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 15 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 15 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 156 km/h (96.93 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.1 kg/Hp, 76.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.1 kg/Nm, 109.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 69 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 63.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 99 Nm @ 4500 rpm (73.02 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | G4HG |
| Engine displacement | 1086 cm3 (66.27 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 67 mm (2.64 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.1:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3 l (3.17 US qt | 2.64 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 4.7 l (4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 905 kg (1995.18 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1405 kg (3097.49 lbs.) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 225 l (7.95 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 910 l (32.14 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 l (9.25 US gal | 7.7 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 700 kg (1543.24 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 400 kg (881.85 lbs.) |
| Length | 3585 mm (141.14 in.) |
| Width | 1595 mm (62.8 in.) |
| Height | 1540 mm (60.63 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2380 mm (93.7 in.) |
| Front track | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1385 mm (54.53 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 149 mm (5.87 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.32 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 9.5 m (31.17 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 165/60 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the i10 1.1 is the Hyundai G4HG engine, a 1.086-liter (66.27 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder petrol engine. This engine utilizes a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with three valves per cylinder, a configuration chosen to balance simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and reasonable performance. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-port fuel injection system, providing adequate atomization for efficient combustion. The G4HG engine is naturally aspirated, meaning it doesn’t employ a turbocharger or supercharger. The engine’s modest output of 69 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 99 Nm (73 lb-ft) of torque at 4500 rpm is geared towards maximizing fuel economy rather than outright speed. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels. The standard transmission for this variant was a five-speed manual gearbox, although a four-speed automatic transmission was also offered, albeit less commonly. The automatic transmission, while providing convenience, did impact fuel economy and acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The i10 1.1 with the manual transmission offers a light and nimble driving experience, well-suited for urban environments. Acceleration is modest, taking around 15 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h), but the engine feels responsive enough for everyday driving. The five-speed gearbox is relatively smooth, and the light clutch pedal makes it easy to operate in stop-and-go traffic. The automatic transmission, while offering convenience, noticeably diminishes performance. Gear changes are not particularly quick, and the engine often feels strained when accelerating. The i10’s suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a reasonably smooth ride over uneven surfaces, although it can feel a bit bouncy on larger bumps. Steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Overall, the driving experience is geared towards practicality and ease of use rather than sporty handling.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.1-liter i10 typically served as the base trim level. Standard equipment generally included central locking, power steering, electric front windows, and a basic audio system with radio and CD player. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and front airbags. Higher trim levels, such as the Style or Comfort, added features like air conditioning, alloy wheels, electric rear windows, and a more sophisticated audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a simple and functional dashboard layout. Optional extras included metallic paint, parking sensors, and a sunroof.
Chassis & Braking
The i10 utilizes a front-wheel-drive layout with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provides a good balance of ride comfort and handling. The front brakes are ventilated discs, offering adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes are drums, a cost-saving measure common in this class of vehicle. The steering system is a rack and pinion type, providing precise and responsive steering. The i10’s relatively light weight (around 905 kg or 1995 lbs) contributes to its nimble handling and fuel efficiency.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Hyundai i10 1.1 was generally well-received by critics as an affordable and practical city car. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, low running costs, and surprisingly spacious interior for its size. However, it was also criticized for its modest performance and somewhat basic interior. Compared to other trims in the i10 lineup, such as the 1.2-liter version, the 1.1 offered lower performance but superior fuel economy. The 1.2-liter engine provided a noticeable boost in power, making it more suitable for longer journeys and highway driving, but at the expense of fuel efficiency. Against competitors like the Fiat 500 and Volkswagen Up!, the i10 offered a more affordable price point and a longer warranty, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Legacy
The Hyundai i10 1.1, particularly the facelifted version, has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle. The G4HG engine is known for its robustness and relatively low maintenance requirements. While not known for its blistering performance, the powertrain has a reputation for longevity. In the used car market, these i10s remain popular due to their affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. They are often sought after as first cars or as economical runabouts for city driving. Parts availability is generally good, and maintenance costs are relatively low, making them a sensible choice for buyers on a tight budget.
