Hyundai Motor India has unveiled its all new compact car "Hyundai i10". Priced between Rs 3.39 lakh and Rs 3.98 lakh, "Hyundai i10" formerly known as 'Hyundai PA (code name)' - is the first car from the company to make its world's debut from here with India being the full production and export hub for the car.

“Hyundai Motor India is poised to play a very important role not only in India but also in HMC global plans. We hope that with India becoming the hub for small cars we would see a significant increase in the company presence in many more countries. We are very proud of the i10 as it brings the best of Hyundai design and technology and I am confident that it will be a very big success” said Jae Kook Choi, President of Hyundai Motor Company during the launch.

The launch of the i10 symbolises the second phase of operations for Hyundai Motor India in the country where it enjoys a market share of well over 18% and which is poised to grow to 20% in the next calendar year. The i10 marks the entry of stylish, performance driven compacts from Hyundai, which offer the latest to its customers.

Speaking at the launch function, Hyundai Motor India Managing Director, H. S. Lheem said, “Hyundai Motor India is starting its second phase of operations with the launch of this brand new compact i10 today. The Indian operations will become the global hub for small cars and after the launch of the i10 today we at Hyundai Motor India and all Indians can take pride in the fact that we make world-class cars, which are driven, across the world.”

The new i10 is powered by 1.1 litre iRDE petrol engine which delivers a 66 PS @ 5500 rpm and is mated to five speed manual transmission with a console mounted ergonomic, short throw, i-shift gear box which frees up the space between the driver and the passenger seat and also gives an unique look - a first for this segment. To make in-city driving effortless it comes with an electric power steering.

The i10 has attractive exteriors and plenty of cabin space. All the i10 models have AC/heating, folding rear seats, dual tone beige interiors, rear seat belts and an electronic trip and odometer as standard equipment. While the top-end model of the i10 comes with features like a panoramic sun-roof (a first for this class of cars), rear spoiler, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, keyless entry, 2-DIN audio system The sleek, flowing contours and large clear eyed headlamps with an attractive front grille give the i10 a distinctive look. Body coloured bumpers with detachable inserts and an integrated air dam for the front bumpers reinforce the lightweight steel body.

The suspension set-up with Macpherson struts in the front and coil springs coupled with torsion bar in the rear ensures that the ride is supple and the passengers travel in comfort. Features like full front and rear arm rest, plenty of leg and shoulder room for the rear seat
increases the comfort factor making it easy for 5 adults to sit comfortably. A tilt steering wheel makes it easy for the driver to find the spot-on driving position. A wheelbase of 2380 mm, which is the longest in this segment, gives it the additional stability and added cabin space.

There are many other safety features include anti-lock braking system (ABS), seat belts with pretensioner, dual airbags, impact sensing autodoor unlock system which automatically unlocks the door on impact and a high mounted stop lamp in the rear. The car will have four
variants D-Lite, Era, Magna and an Automatic version.

Hyundai i10 is expected to compete with Maruti's Zen Estilo.