Hyundai i10 (2020) Review — Perfect First Car? Insurance, MPG & Reliability
Full UK review of the 2020 Hyundai i10. Is it the best first car in the UK? Covers insurance group, MPG, reliability, running costs and verdict.
52–60 mpg
Combined MPG
1–10
Insurance Group
£190/yr
Road Tax/yr
10.5–14.3 seconds
0–60 mph
Full Specifications
Overview
The third-generation Hyundai i10, launched in late 2019 for the 2020 model year, is a significant step forward from its predecessor. It's longer, wider, and more spacious inside, while remaining firmly in the city car category. Two engines are available: a 67ps 1.0 MPI naturally aspirated unit and a 100ps 1.0 T-GDi turbocharged version.
For most buyers — particularly first-time drivers — the 67ps 1.0 MPI is the right choice. It sits in the lowest insurance groups, is the simplest mechanically, and returns the best real-world fuel economy.
Why Is It Such a Good First Car?
i10 first car advantages
- Insurance groups 1–4 on base models — dramatically cheaper for new drivers
- 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating — reassuring for families
- Low servicing costs — a full annual service costs £120–£200
- 5-year Hyundai manufacturer warranty on new models
- Easy to park — short, narrow, with good visibility
- Simple controls — no overly complex tech to distract new drivers
Practicality
The i10 surprised reviewers with its interior space in 2020. Five adults can fit, though rear headroom is tight for taller passengers. The 252-litre boot is small but adequate for weekly shopping. The cabin quality is noticeably better than the previous generation — plastics feel more substantial and the 8-inch touchscreen (on SE Connect and above) is clear and responsive.
Reliability
The third-generation Hyundai i10 (2020 onwards) has an excellent reliability record. Hyundai's quality control has improved dramatically over the past decade and the i10 consistently appears in the top tier of reliability surveys. The 1.0 MPI naturally aspirated engine is particularly robust — simple and proven technology with few known weaknesses.
Known Issues to Watch
Estimated Annual Ownership Costs
Estimates based on average UK driver doing ~10,000 miles/year.
Verdict
The 2020 Hyundai i10 is one of the best city cars and first cars in the UK. Its combination of ultra-low insurance groups, good fuel economy, five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, and excellent reliability makes it near-perfect for new drivers. It's not the most exciting car on the road, but it's honest, dependable, and incredibly cheap to own. Highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hyundai i10 a good first car?
Yes — the Hyundai i10 is one of the best first cars in the UK. It sits in insurance groups 1–10 (making it extremely cheap to insure as a new driver), returns 52–60 mpg, is cheap to service, and has an excellent reliability record.
What insurance group is the 2020 Hyundai i10?
The 2020 Hyundai i10 sits in insurance groups 1–10 depending on engine and trim. The base 1.0 MPI 67ps SE model sits in group 1–4, making it one of the cheapest cars to insure in the UK.
How reliable is the Hyundai i10?
Very reliable. The third-generation i10 has an excellent reliability record. The naturally aspirated 1.0 MPI engine is simple and robust. Hyundai also offers a 5-year manufacturer warranty on new models, which transfers to used buyers.
What is the fuel economy of a 2020 Hyundai i10?
The 2020 i10 returns 52–60 mpg officially. Real-world economy typically comes in at 46–54 mpg in mixed driving, making it genuinely cheap to fuel.
Does the 2020 Hyundai i10 have a 5-star safety rating?
Yes. The third-generation Hyundai i10 received a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2020, making it one of the safest city cars available and a reassuring choice for new drivers and families.
When does a Hyundai i10 need its MOT, and how can I check its MOT history?
A Hyundai i10 needs its first MOT three years after its first registration date, then every 12 months. You can check any UK-registered i10's full MOT history — test dates, recorded mileage and advisories — free with MotR's MOT history checker using just the registration number.