Short of stature but big on character, the plucky Hyundai i10 has all the tastiest ingredients to be a city car star. Funky styling, a grown-up interior and a surprisingly spacious cabin make it stand out from the likes of the Citigo.

What's it like to drive?

The i10 is designed to zip around town quickly, so it's no surprise that Hyundai's smallest model excels in urban environments, with the light steering and tight turning circle making it a doddle to thread through traffic.

Large windows and an elevated driving position make it easy to spot gaps other drivers may miss – perfect for rush hour when every space counts.

You'll want to avoid the gutless 67hp 1.0-litre engine, though. It feels underwhelming at anything above city speeds, so the perkier 84hp 1.2-litre petrol is well worth the extra outlay. If you fancy a bit more poke, the 100hp 1.0 T-GDi turbo in the sportier N Line feels surprisingly potent and looks better with a sportier Hyundai i10 front bumper.

Once up to motorway speeds, the i10 remains composed, with decent refinement and ride comfort for such a small car. The precise steering and well-judged suspension ensure it's still a giggly thing to hustle along B-roads - especially the slightly firmer N Line.

How practical is it?

Despite its diminutive dimensions, Hyundai has worked wonders with the i10's packaging. There's enough space up front for six-footers, while even lanky teenagers won't feel too cramped in the back. The 252-litre boot is small but still usefully larger than an Up or Aygo.

Thoughtful interior design boosts versatility, with a decent glovebox and plenty of cubby spaces. Folding the 60/40 split rear seats expands the load bay to a useful 1,050 litres. Just bear in mind there's an annoying step on the floor when they're folded.

What's it like inside?

Step inside, and you're greeted by a modern, solidly constructed cabin - even if there are many scratchy plastics. The uncluttered layout is refreshingly simple, with precise instruments and sensibly placed controls.

Every i10 has an 8.0-inch touchscreen that's easy to operate and features smartphone mirroring as standard. Plusher trims also get a wireless charging pad and some classy hexagonal dashboard inserts.

N Line versions gain some sporty red accents to complement their racy body styling, while a leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard across the range. Overall, it feels just as nice inside as a VW Up.

How much will it cost?

Affordable pricing has long been a strong suit of Hyundai, and the i10 continues that tradition with competitive cash and finance costs—especially versus pricier Euro rivals like the VW Up. Resale values should be sturdy, too.

Go for the 67hp 1.0-litre, and you're looking at an official 56.5mpg and £190 yearly tax bill. The more powerful engines naturally drink a bit more, but not excessively. The 1.2 returns a still impressive 52.3mpg, for example.

Hyundai includes its excellent five-year unlimited mileage warranty as standard, giving added peace of mind. Factor that in, plus the reasonable purchase prices, and the i10 makes excellent sense for cost-conscious buyers.

The Verdict

Hyundai's i10 proves tiny cars can be big on talent with its zesty dynamics, spacious cabin, and impressive kit levels—it really is spot on for urban driving. 

The only real let down is a slightly undernourished entry-level engine, so avoid that model, and you'll be looking at a cracking all-rounder—especially in N Line or Premium flavours. 

If top value and fun are your priorities, this Hyundai should be on your shortlist ahead of the Skoda Citigo and Toyota Aygo X.