Hyundai i10: The humble Hyundai i10 has come a long way since its introduction, evolving from a basic city runabout to a sophisticated urban companion. The 2025 model year marks perhaps the most significant transformation in the vehicle’s history,
with Hyundai injecting premium features and cutting-edge technology into its smallest European offering. This comprehensive redesign positions the i10 not merely as an entry-level option, but as a legitimate contender against vehicles from higher segments.
Striking Exterior Redesign
The 2025 i10 abandons the cute, rounded aesthetic of previous generations in favor of a more assertive stance. The front fascia now incorporates Hyundai’s latest design language, featuring a wider cascading grille with integrated LED daytime running lights that stretch toward the wheel arches. This creates a distinctive light signature that makes the i10 instantly recognizable even in darkness.
Sharper character lines run along the body sides, leading to a more angular rear section with newly designed LED taillights. The roof appears to float thanks to clever blacked-out pillars, while new 16-inch alloy wheel designs (available on higher trims) fill the arches more confidently than before.
Despite maintaining similar overall dimensions, the 2025 i10 features a slightly wider track and 15mm lower roofline, granting it more dynamic proportions without compromising interior space.
Premium Interior Experience
Step inside the new i10 and you might momentarily forget you’re in a city car. The dashboard layout has been completely reimagined, centered around a freestanding 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that appears to float above the center console.
Material quality has taken a substantial leap forward, with soft-touch surfaces in key contact points and contrast stitching on the redesigned steering wheel and seats. Ambient lighting, previously unheard of in this segment, now traces the dashboard and door panels in customizable colors.
The front seats offer improved lateral support and, on higher trims, heating functionality – another segment first. Rear passengers benefit from slightly increased knee room thanks to sculpted front seatbacks, while the bench itself features better cushioning for enhanced comfort on longer journeys.
Technological Integration
Technology integration stands as perhaps the most dramatic improvement in the 2025 i10. The aforementioned 10.25-inch infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while also housing Hyundai’s latest BlueLink connected car services.
A fully digital 8-inch instrument cluster replaces traditional dials, offering multiple display modes and navigation mirroring. This level of digital integration was previously reserved for vehicles several classes above.
Smartphone connectivity extends beyond mere screen mirroring, with the new Hyundai Digital Key 2.0 allowing owners to use compatible smartphones or NFC cards to unlock and start the vehicle without a physical key. The system even permits secure digital key sharing with family members or friends.
A wireless charging pad sits prominently in the center console, accompanied by multiple USB-C ports for device connectivity. The premium Bose sound system option, featuring 6 speakers and a subwoofer, delivers audio quality previously unimaginable in a vehicle of this size.
Powertrain Options
The 2025 i10 introduces Hyundai’s first mild-hybrid system in the A-segment. The base 1.2-liter MPI engine now incorporates a 48V electrical system with a belt-driven starter-generator, delivering improved efficiency and a subtle power boost during acceleration. Total system output stands at 84 horsepower and 118 Nm of torque – modest numbers on paper but perfectly suited to urban environments.
A turbocharged 1.0-liter T-GDI engine occupies the sportier end of the range, producing 100 horsepower and 172 Nm of torque. This powerplant transforms the character of the i10, providing surprisingly spirited performance for a vehicle of this size.
Both engines can be paired with either a refined 5-speed manual transmission or Hyundai’s newly developed intelligent Variable Transmission (iVT), which mimics the feel of a dual-clutch system while maintaining the efficiency benefits of a CVT.
Perhaps most significant is the introduction of the i10 Electric – Hyundai’s most affordable EV to date. Featuring a 40kWh battery and 100kW electric motor, it offers approximately 250 kilometers of range on the WLTP cycle. DC fast charging capability allows for 10-80% charging in under 40 minutes.
Enhanced Driving Dynamics
The chassis architecture has been comprehensively reworked, featuring increased use of high-strength steel and additional reinforcement in key structural areas. This provides not only improved crash protection but also greater torsional rigidity, benefiting both ride quality and handling precision.
The suspension setup combines MacPherson struts up front with a torsion beam rear arrangement, but both have been retuned with a focus on balancing comfort and engagement. Larger diameter dampers improve impact absorption, while the electric power steering system has been recalibrated for more natural weighting and feedback.
Despite the clear focus on comfort, the 2025 i10 demonstrates surprising agility through corners. The N Line variant takes this further with sport-tuned suspension, unique steering calibration, and larger front brake discs for enhanced stopping power.
Safety Features
Safety has taken center stage in the development of the new i10, with Hyundai implementing many features from its larger models. The comprehensive SmartSense safety suite now includes:
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection
Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist
Driver Attention Warning
Blind-Spot Collision Warning
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning
Leading Vehicle Departure Alert
Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
The addition of Highway Driving Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering functionality, brings level 2 autonomous driving capability to the A-segment – a remarkable achievement that underscores Hyundai’s commitment to democratizing advanced safety technology.
Practicality Considerations
Despite its diminutive exterior dimensions, the 2025 i10 makes efficient use of available space. The luggage compartment offers 252 liters with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,050 liters when folded – figures that compare favorably with many B-segment hatchbacks.
Thoughtful storage solutions abound throughout the cabin, including a dual-level glovebox, large door pockets capable of holding 1.5-liter bottles, and a new center console design with dedicated smartphone storage.
The fuel tank capacity remains unchanged at 36 liters, but improved efficiency means the i10 can now travel approximately 700 kilometers between refueling stops with the mild-hybrid powertrain.
Connectivity and Convenience
The BlueLink connected services platform offers unprecedented connectivity for a vehicle in this class. Remote functions accessible through the smartphone app include:
Remote start with climate pre-conditioning
Vehicle status monitoring
Location-based services
Maintenance alerts
Stolen vehicle tracking
Over-the-air update capability
Voice recognition capabilities have been significantly enhanced, allowing natural language control of climate settings, navigation, and media functions. The system now understands contextual commands and learns user preferences over time.
Customization Options
Personalization options have expanded considerably for the 2025 model. Exterior color choices now include two-tone combinations with the roof finished in either black or contrast colors. Wheel designs range from 14-inch steel wheels on base models to diamond-cut 16-inch alloys on premium variants.
Interior personalization includes four color schemes with matching seatbelt colors and dashboard accents. The N Line trim adds distinctive red stitching, sports seats with integrated headrests, and aluminum pedals.
Digital customization extends to the infotainment and instrument displays, with multiple theme options and configurable widgets allowing owners to prioritize the information most relevant to their needs.
Market Positioning and Pricing
Despite the substantial improvements, Hyundai has maintained competitive pricing for the 2025 i10. Starting at approximately €14,000 for base models and extending to around €22,000 for fully-loaded premium variants, the i10 represents remarkable value given its feature set and refinement.
The electric variant commands a premium of approximately €8,000 over equivalent combustion models, but government incentives in many European markets significantly reduce this difference. Hyundai also offers attractive finance packages, including battery leasing options for the electric model to reduce initial purchase costs.
Sustainability Credentials
Environmental consciousness extends beyond just the electric variant. All 2025 i10 models incorporate increased use of sustainable materials, including recycled plastics for interior components and bio-based fabrics for seat upholstery.
Production processes at Hyundai’s Turkish manufacturing facility have been optimized to reduce carbon emissions, while packaging materials for parts and accessories are now fully recyclable.
Conclusion
The 2025 Hyundai i10 represents a paradigm shift in the A-segment, challenging preconceptions about what’s possible in a city car. By incorporating technology, safety features, and refinement previously reserved for larger, more expensive vehicles, Hyundai has created a compelling option for urban dwellers unwilling to compromise on modern amenities.
More than just transportation, the new i10 offers a premium mobility experience that acknowledges the changing expectations of today’s consumers. Whether chosen for its efficiency, technology, or surprising practicality, the 2025 i10 demonstrates that excellence comes in all sizes – perhaps none more impressively than in Hyundai’s smallest European offering.