How to spec a Hyundai i10

The Hyundai i10 is our reigning City Car of the Year. Here we recommend which model to go for to get the most out of this great little car and also to get the best value for money.

Which engine should you choose?

There are only two petrol engines to choose from: a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit that produces 65bhp and a 1.2-litre four-cylinder with a more useful 86bhp.

If you spend your whole time in town, you'll find the 1.0-litre up to the job, but if you spend any time outside city limits on faster roads, the 1.2 is the one for you. The 1.0-litre model is smooth and refined but does feel out of its depth on the motorway, particularly when you're accelerating down a sliproad to join the flow of traffic.

Both engines are reasonably quiet and come with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard. A four-speed automatic gearbox is available as an option on the 1.2 and it's our favourite small automatic car on the road today.

So we'd recommend most buyers go for the 1.2. It's quiet, economical and comfortable with whatever roads you throw at it.

Which trim should you choose?

All i10s come with electric front windows, central locking and a CD player with a USB socket as standard. The i10 also benefits from a five-year, unlimited-mile warranty.

S Air models add air-conditioning, while SE trim adds electric windows all round, remote central locking, electric mirrors, a height-adjustable driver's seat and cruise control. Unfortunately Bluetooth isn't available, even as an option, on these trims.

You have to go for top-of-the-range Premium trim if you want Bluetooth, which also comes with alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and a leather-covered steering wheel.

Unlike its rivals, Hyundai misses a trick by not offering sat-nav on any specification.

Should you add any options?

There are just three options available on the Hyundai i10 1.2 Premium: metallic paint (£495), a winter pack (£195) and a space-saver emergency spare wheel (£50). The winter pack includes a heated steering wheel - unique in this class - and heated front seats.

The only option we'd consider adding is metallic paint for £495 because it can make the car easier to sell when the time comes. However, we'd certainly ask for the space-saver wheel and winter pack to be thrown in when negotiating on the price - after all, they come to only £245.

Our pick

Hyundai i10 1.2 Premium

What you should pay

List price £10,810
List price with metallic paint £11,305
Target Price for our pick with metallic paint £10,740