The Hyundai i10 II (facelift, introduced in 2016) with the 1.0-liter engine producing 67 horsepower represents an entry-level offering within the second generation of Hyundai’s city car. Produced from 2016 until August 2018, this variant was primarily aimed at the European market, where demand for fuel-efficient and affordable vehicles is high. It occupied the base trim level of the i10 II range, positioned below the 1.2-liter variants and offering a more economical option for budget-conscious buyers. The facelift brought styling updates and minor equipment revisions to the existing i10 II platform (HA3), enhancing its appeal in a competitive segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Hyundai |
| Model | i10 |
| Generation | i10 II (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | blue 1.0 (67 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | August, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg, 70.6 UK mpg, 25 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg, 61.4 UK mpg, 21.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 106 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 155 km/h (96.31 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15 kg/Hp, 66.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10.6 kg/Nm, 94.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 67 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 67.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 95 Nm @ 3500 rpm (70.07 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | G3LA |
| Engine displacement | 998 cm3 (60.9 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71 mm (2.8 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84 mm (3.31 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 l (3.17 US qt | 2.64 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1008 kg (2222.26 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1420 kg (3130.56 lbs.) |
| Max load | 412 kg (908.3 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.) |
| 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 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 G3LA engine, a 998cc inline-three cylinder petrol engine. This engine is a naturally aspirated unit, meaning it doesn’t employ turbocharging or supercharging. It utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports. The G3LA engine features four valves per cylinder (DOHC) and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. The engine’s relatively simple design contributes to its reliability and ease of maintenance. The 67 horsepower and 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) of torque are modest, but sufficient for urban driving. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission, which was the standard offering for this trim level. The transmission is designed for efficiency and smooth operation, prioritizing fuel economy over sporty performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.0-liter i10 is best described as a city car. Acceleration is leisurely, taking approximately 14.9 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h). The focus is on fuel efficiency and ease of driving in congested urban environments. The five-speed manual transmission provides adequate control, but the limited power output means frequent gear changes are necessary, especially when tackling hills or overtaking. Compared to the 1.2-liter versions, the 1.0-liter feels noticeably slower, but offers a more economical driving experience. The gear ratios are tuned for maximizing fuel economy, resulting in a higher cruising RPM at highway speeds. The light weight of the i10 helps to mitigate the effects of the low power output, making it feel reasonably nimble in city traffic.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The base-level 1.0-liter i10 typically came equipped with basic features such as central locking, power steering, electric front windows, and an ABS anti-lock braking system. Air conditioning was often an optional extra. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a simple dashboard layout. Higher trim levels offered features like alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, and rear electric windows. The ‘Blue’ designation often indicated a focus on fuel efficiency, sometimes including minor aerodynamic enhancements. Safety features included driver and passenger airbags, and a basic stability control system.
Chassis & Braking
The i10 II utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality, well-suited for urban roads. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are discs. The relatively light weight of the vehicle contributes to its braking performance. The steering is electrically assisted, providing light and easy steering feel. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, prioritizing ride quality over cornering precision.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Hyundai i10 1.0 was generally well-received as an affordable and economical city car. Critics praised its fuel efficiency, compact size, and ease of parking. However, the limited power output was a common criticism, particularly for those who frequently drive on highways or carry passengers. Compared to other city cars in its class, such as the Fiat 500 or Volkswagen Up!, the i10 offered a more spacious interior and a longer warranty. The 1.2-liter i10 offered a noticeable performance improvement, but at a higher price point and with slightly reduced fuel economy. The 1.0-liter model appealed to buyers prioritizing affordability and fuel efficiency above all else.
Legacy
The Hyundai i10 II 1.0-liter, while not a performance standout, has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle. The G3LA engine is known for its longevity and relatively low maintenance costs. In the used car market, these i10s remain popular as affordable and practical transportation options. Their fuel efficiency and compact size continue to appeal to urban drivers. While not a collector’s item, well-maintained examples hold their value reasonably well, making them a sensible choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a dependable city car.
