The Hyundai i10 II (facelift, introduced in 2016) 1.2-liter 87 horsepower automatic variant represented a key offering in Hyundai’s city car lineup. Produced from 2016 through August 2018, this version of the i10 aimed to provide a comfortable and convenient driving experience for urban commuters, particularly those seeking the ease of an automatic transmission. It sat within the broader i10 II generation (HX10/BA10), a model designed to compete in the highly competitive European A-segment, and increasingly, in emerging markets. This facelift brought styling updates and minor mechanical refinements to the already successful second-generation i10.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Hyundai |
| Model | i10 |
| Generation | i10 II (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 (87 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | August, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 139 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 166 km/h (103.15 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 87 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 121 Nm @ 4000 rpm (89.25 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | G4LA |
| Engine displacement | 1248 cm3 (76.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71 mm (2.8 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 78.8 mm (3.1 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.6 l (3.8 US qt | 3.17 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1036 kg (2283.99 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1455 kg (3207.73 lbs.) |
| Max load | 419 kg (923.74 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 252 l (8.9 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1046 l (36.94 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 40 l (10.57 US gal | 8.8 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 60 kg (132.28 lbs.) |
| Length | 3665 mm (144.29 in.) |
| Width | 1660 mm (65.35 in.) |
| Height | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2385 mm (93.9 in.) |
| Front track | 1467 mm (57.76 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Front overhang | 740 mm (29.13 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 540 mm (21.26 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 149 mm (5.87 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | independent torsion suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14; 185/55 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14; 6.0J x 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this i10 variant is the Hyundai G4LA 1.2-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, a mainstay in several Hyundai and Kia models, is known for its simplicity and relatively low maintenance requirements. The G4LA utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports. The engine features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design with four valves per cylinder, contributing to reasonable efficiency and power output for its size. Paired with this engine is a four-speed automatic transmission. While not the most modern transmission available, it provided a smooth and convenient driving experience, particularly in congested city environments. The transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy and ease of use rather than outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.2-liter engine with the four-speed automatic in the i10 II delivered modest but adequate performance for city driving. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took approximately 13.1 seconds, and top speed was around 103 mph. The automatic transmission, while smooth, did result in some power loss compared to the five-speed manual version. Gear changes were noticeable, and the engine could feel strained when accelerating hard or climbing hills. However, for everyday commuting and navigating urban traffic, the powertrain proved perfectly serviceable. The emphasis was on fuel efficiency and ease of driving, making it a popular choice for drivers prioritizing convenience over sporty performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.2-liter automatic i10 typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. Base models included air conditioning, central locking, electric front windows, and a basic audio system. Higher trim levels, such as the ‘SE’ or ‘Premium’ variants, added features like alloy wheels, a more sophisticated audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, and electric rear windows. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a simple and functional dashboard layout. Optional extras included a sunroof, parking sensors, and a navigation system.
Chassis & Braking
The i10 II utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road effectively. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were discs, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight and performance. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety. The steering was electrically assisted, providing light and easy steering feel, ideal for maneuvering in tight spaces.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Hyundai i10 II 1.2-liter automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and affordable city car. It was praised for its comfortable ride, ease of use, and fuel efficiency. However, the automatic transmission was sometimes criticized for being somewhat dated and lacking the responsiveness of more modern automatic gearboxes. Compared to the manual transmission version, the automatic offered slightly lower fuel economy and slower acceleration. Against competitors like the Volkswagen Up!, Toyota Aygo, and Peugeot 108, the i10 offered a compelling value proposition, often undercutting them in price while providing a similar level of equipment.
Legacy
The Hyundai i10 II 1.2-liter automatic has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle. The G4LA engine is known for its longevity, and the four-speed automatic transmission, while simple, is generally robust. On the used car market, these i10s represent a good value for money, offering a practical and economical mode of transportation. Maintenance costs are relatively low, and parts are readily available. While not a performance car, the i10 II 1.2-liter automatic remains a popular choice for those seeking a dependable and affordable city car.
