Toyota Aygo X vs. Hyundai i10: City cars compared

Style, practicality, and attractive list prices: These are the characteristics of the Toyota Aygo X and the Hyundai i10, two of the most popular city cars in Europe.

The Aygo X boasts a mini-crossover look and increased ground clearance. The more classic i10 boasts an excellent exterior-to-interior ratio and features an N Line variant with a sporty touch. These two distinct interpretations of the A-segment, with interesting solutions both visually and technically.

Exterior

Available since 2022, the Toyota Aygo X breaks the mold of the classic city car with a design reminiscent of SUVs. A ground clearance of 17 cm, sculpted wheel arches, and a curved front end give it a modern, robust appearance. At 3.70 meters long, it's slightly larger than the average in its segment and offers a raised driving position that's becoming increasingly popular in cities.

Image by: Toyota

Toyota Aygo X JBL Special Edition (2024)

The Hyundai i10, available since 2020, is more traditional in its proportions, measuring 3.67 meters in length and slightly lower than the Toyota. Its lines are compact but well-proportioned, with a sober and functional design. However, in the N Line trim level, the appearance changes significantly, with sporty bumpers, dual exhaust tailpipes, special wheels, and red details.

The Aygo X features a modern interior dominated by the Toyota Smart Connect infotainment system with a 9-inch screen, which is also wirelessly compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The dashboard is well-crafted, with body-colored elements and intuitive controls. The seats offer good comfort, and the trim, while simple, is clean. Trunk capacity starts at 189 liters, which is average for a city car.

The i10, on the other hand, surprises with its spaciousness relative to its exterior dimensions. The dashboard is rather straightforward, but houses an 8-inch touchscreen, full connectivity, and an instrument cluster with a central multifunction display.

Toyota Aygo X, the trunk

Image by: Hyundai

Hyundai i10, the trunk

The trunk has a capacity of 252 liters, more than the segment average. The N-Line trim level features seats with red stitching, metal pedals, and a sports steering wheel, giving the vehicle a sportier character.

engines

Toyota's engine lineup consists of a single unit. It's a 1.0-liter naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine with 72 hp and 93 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic. As you might imagine, this isn't a car born for racing, but it still has plenty of reserves in city traffic.

The Hyundai's lineup is somewhat more diverse, offering three engines. The base version features a 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol engine with 63 hp and 93 Nm, followed by a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 84 hp and 113 Nm, while the N Line variant is equipped with a 1.0-liter turbocharged engine with 90 hp and 172 Nm. All engines are available with a 5-speed manual transmission, while a 5-speed automated manual transmission is also available for the naturally aspirated 1.0.

Prices

Prices for the Aygo X start at €18,090 in Germany, and for the i10 at €16,990. The Hyundai even comes with a navigation system as standard.

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