Used car check: Hyundai i10 - small, but oh dear

The model from the South Korean manufacturer is handy and maneuverable. And with the most powerful engine, the Hyundai i10 is even quite fast. But the picture is bleak when it comes to the vehicle inspection.

With a turning circle of just under ten meters, the i10 is maneuverable. This puts the Korean subcompact model among the cars designed for city traffic. However, city use also brings with it typical wear and tear on various components, even with relatively low mileage.

The "Auto Bild TÜV Report 2025" also attributes this to the fact that owners of inexpensive cars tend to neglect service: "Only those who check meticulously will enjoy this economical and versatile small car," is the advice for prospective buyers.

Model history

The model series, launched in 2008, was revised in 2011: improved lighting, optimized engines - but the diesels were dropped from the program.

The second edition went on sale in Germany in 2013, and its 2016 facelift added smartphone connectivity (Apple Car Play and Android Auto) and a new radiator grille. The third generation was launched in 2019, and the last facelift was in 2023.

body

Always a five-door model – this is as unusual for a subcompact as the diesel engine still used in the first generation. While LPG is also sometimes used under the hood, there are no variations in the body design.

Dimensions (according to ADAC)

• 1st generation: 3.57 to 3.59 m x 1.60 m x 1.54 m (L x W x H), trunk volume: 225 to 910 l
• 2nd generation: 3.67 m x 1.66 m x 1.50 m (L x W x H), trunk volume: 252 to 1046 l
• 3rd generation: 3.67 m x 1.68 m x 1.48 m (L x W x H), trunk volume: 252 to 1050 l

Strengthen

If the used car is new enough, buyers benefit from a valid warranty; the manufacturer provides a five-year warranty. The more powerful engines, at least, are quite lively, reaching speeds of up to 185 km/h.

Rust on the chassis is rare, even with age, exhaust systems last a long time, and the engine management "is not particularly noticeable," the report comments on the small South Korean's performance in the general vehicle inspection (HU). And: springs, steering joints, and drive shafts hardly showed any negative results. The turn signals of the last two model generations show a good record.

Weaken

The steering system provokes increased complaint rates across all model years, and the low beam headlights are misadjusted with an above-average frequency. Oil leaks are always an issue, and the older the car, the more pressing the problem. The first generation, in particular, is notable for its frequently complained-about rear lights and brake line defects. In the oldest i10s, the foot brake often malfunctions.

Breakdown behavior

The ADAC classifies the i10 as "good" in terms of breakdown frequency if it was first registered between 2008 and 2010, 2014, and 2021. According to the club, all other models rank in the medium or poor positions in the ADAC breakdown statistics.

Common breakdown areas include battery terminals on cars from 2008, as well as the starter battery (2008, 2010 to 2019). Other failures include spark plugs (2017 to 2022).

engines

• 1st generation: petrol (four-cylinder with front-wheel drive) 49 kW/67 hp to 63 kW/86 hp, diesel (three-cylinder with front-wheel drive) 55 kW/75 hp
• 2nd generation: petrol engines (three and four cylinders with front-wheel drive) 49 kW/67 hp (also as LPG version 51 kW/69 hp) and 64 kW/87 hp
• 3rd generation: petrol engines (three and four cylinders with front-wheel drive) 46 kW/63 hp to 74 kW/100 hp

Dealer sales value according to the German Automobile Trust (DAT) with statistically expected kilometers - three price examples

• i10 1.1 UEFA 2012 Edition (6/2013); 51 kW/69 hp (four-cylinder); 124,000 kilometers; 2,095 euros.
• i10 1.0 LPG Classic (6/2018); 51 kW/69 hp (three-cylinder); 78,000 kilometers; 6,156 euros.
• i10 1.0 Connect & Go (6/2022); 49 kW/67 hp (three-cylinder); 35,000 kilometers; 13,299 euros.