Bruce Fraser

Bruce Fraser

Last Wednesday was the turn of Korean giant Hyundai to showcase their new entrant in the small-car market - the i10.

Already having a healthy presence in this key sector with the Atoz, Getz and Accent, Hyundai's introduction of the i10 comes at an appropriate time considering our soaring petrol prices and interest rates.

Positioned between the Atoz and the Getz, the i10 has scooped a number of awards in India, where a Hyundai plant has been established and from where South Africa will get its stock.

Locally, we will receive the i10 in two guises - a five-speed manual (R89900) and a 4-speed automatic (R99900).

Winding our way through Gauteng's picturesque towns of Muldersdrift and Magaliesberg, our short route gave us a brief taste of what the manual version is like.

Powered by a sprightly 1,1litre engine, the little i10 gave a comfortable ride and provided plenty of oomph for when tackling the hilly bits.

There is ample head and legroom.

First impression was a decidedly positive one!