The Hyundai i10 III (facelift, introduced in April 2023 and running through May 2024) represents a mid-cycle refresh of the third-generation i10, Hyundai’s city car offering. The 1.2-liter (84 horsepower) automatic variant occupied a central position in the i10 lineup, aimed at buyers prioritizing ease of use and affordability over outright performance. This version was particularly relevant in European and Asian markets where compact city cars are highly popular, and automatic transmissions are increasingly sought after. It served as a step up from the base 1.0-liter engine, offering a more relaxed driving experience, especially in urban environments.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Hyundai |
| Model | i10 |
| Generation | i10 III (facelift 2023) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 (84 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | April, 2023 |
| End of production | May, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption at Low speed (WLTP) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg, 14.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at Medium speed (WLTP) | 5.3-5.4 l/100 km (44.4 – 43.6 US mpg, 53.3 – 52.3 UK mpg, 18.9 – 18.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at high speed (WLTP) | 4.9-5 l/100 km (48 – 47 US mpg, 57.6 – 56.5 UK mpg, 20.4 – 20 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at very high speed (WLTP) | 6-6.1 l/100 km (39.2 – 38.6 US mpg, 47.1 – 46.3 UK mpg, 16.7 – 16.4 km/l) |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg, 17.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 129-130 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 15.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 15.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 15 sec |
| Maximum speed | 171 km/h (106.25 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.1 kg/Hp, 89.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.9 kg/Nm, 126.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 84 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 118 Nm @ 4200 rpm (87.03 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | G4LF |
| Engine displacement | 1197 cm3 (73.05 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71 mm (2.8 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75.6 mm (2.98 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.4 l (3.59 US qt | 2.99 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 4.8 l (5.07 US qt | 4.22 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 935-1006 kg (2061.32 – 2217.85 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1430 kg (3152.61 lbs.) |
| Max load | 424-495 kg (934.76 – 1091.29 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 252 l (8.9 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1050 l (37.08 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 36 l (9.51 US gal | 7.92 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 60 kg (132.28 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 300 kg (661.39 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 300 kg (661.39 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 3670 mm (144.49 in.) |
| Width | 1680 mm (66.14 in.) |
| Height | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2425 mm (95.47 in.) |
| Front track | 1467 mm (57.76 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1478 mm (58.19 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 9.7 m (31.82 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, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 252 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 234 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 185/55 R15; 195/45 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.0J x 15; 6.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The i10 1.2 Automatic utilizes the Hyundai G4LF engine, a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter inline-four cylinder petrol engine. This engine is a mainstay in several Hyundai and Kia models, known for its simplicity and reliability. The G4LF employs multi-point fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine produces 84 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 118 Nm (87 lb-ft) of torque at 4200 rpm. Paired with this engine is a traditional four-speed automatic transmission. While not the most modern transmission in terms of gear count, it was chosen for its cost-effectiveness and smooth operation, particularly suited for city driving. The engine’s design prioritizes fuel efficiency and low emissions, meeting Euro 6d standards.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.2-liter automatic i10 offers a comfortable, if not particularly exhilarating, driving experience. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes approximately 15.8 seconds, and top speed is rated at 171 km/h (106 mph). The four-speed automatic transmission, while smooth, lacks the responsiveness of more modern transmissions with more gears. Gear ratios are optimized for fuel economy and ease of driving rather than sporty performance. Compared to the manual transmission version of the 1.2, the automatic sacrifices some responsiveness, but provides significantly more convenience in stop-and-go traffic. It also feels less strained than the smaller 1.0-liter engine when fully loaded or tackling inclines.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.2 Automatic trim typically included air conditioning, central locking, electric front windows, and a basic audio system with USB connectivity as standard equipment. Higher trim levels, such as SE or Premium, added features like alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, rear parking sensors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Safety features included ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and multiple airbags. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for different color schemes depending on the trim level.
Chassis & Braking
The i10 III utilizes a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam suspension at the rear. The front brakes are ventilated discs measuring 252mm, while the rear brakes are solid discs measuring 234mm. This configuration provides adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight and performance. Electric power steering is standard, offering light and easy steering feel, ideal for maneuvering in tight urban spaces. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road reasonably well.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Hyundai i10 1.2 Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and affordable city car. Its fuel economy, averaging around 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg), was a key selling point. Compared to the 1.0-liter version, the 1.2 Automatic offered a noticeable improvement in performance and refinement. However, it wasn’t as economical as the 1.0-liter, and didn’t offer the driving engagement of a manual transmission. Against competitors like the Kia Picanto, Volkswagen up!, and Toyota Aygo, the i10 offered a compelling combination of value, features, and warranty coverage.
Legacy
The G4LF engine and the four-speed automatic transmission pairing in the i10 III have proven to be relatively reliable. Common issues are generally minor and related to routine maintenance items. On the used car market, the 1.2 Automatic i10 is considered a sensible choice for buyers seeking a low-cost, dependable city car. Its simplicity and relatively low running costs make it an attractive option for first-time car owners or those needing a practical second vehicle. While not a performance icon, the i10 1.2 Automatic fulfilled its intended purpose as an affordable and easy-to-drive urban runabout.
