Hyunda i10, the Korean city car becomes big, grows in size and above all in quality

FRANKFURT – The new Hyundai i10, an important machine for the Korean manufacturer in Europe, is the first car signed by Davide Varenna, 30 year old Italian pencil. Which explains what design means to him: "The fusion of form and function, which is perfect when these two components succeed in exalting each other". Not only from his point of view evidently the utilitarian exteriors embody this synthesis, given that his project was successful in the internal challenge. "Working on a compact – the designer pointed out – means being able to express oneself knowing that there are great limitations on costs and spaces, even if the real" dictators "are regulations, especially in terms of safety".

Expected on the market for the beginning of next year, the i10 will also be offered in an "eco" version thanks to a series of interventions aimed at reducing CO2 emissions below 100 g / km. For example the 14 "wheels, the specific gear ratios and, above all, the 4-seater type approval: the Idle Stop & Go system is standard on the entire range. Engineers and designers have succeeded in obtaining a wheelbase of 40 millimeters longer (2.45 meters) compared to external dimensions substantially unchanged, always around 3.67 meters.

The car transmits greater dynamism due to the ribs on the bonnet, but also a certain extra muscularity due to its increased presence on the road, having gained 20 millimeters in width. It is no coincidence that the manufacturer launches the model under the motto "Go Big". The trunk is still large (252 liters) and the equipment, even on request, of technological solutions for driving assistance and safety («the most complete A-segment package», ensures Hyundai) or connectivity and infotainment (the screen is 8 inches). Something, like the rear pillars, becomes smaller, helping to increase visibility. And something else goes down, like the threshold of the load compartment (3 cm less). The engines are the three-cylinder 1.0-liter petrol engine with 67 horsepower and 96 Nm of torque and the 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine with 84 horsepower and 118 Nm proposed in Italy in bi-fuel LPG version. Both units are available with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or with an automatic transmission, again in 5-speed mode.

Driver assistance systems include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, automatic management of high beams, active lane maintenance, detection of driver fatigue and speed limits. The i10 is integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging, the Connected Car platform and Hyundai I Live services are available, free for 5 years to those who choose the navigation system. The list has not yet been defined, but there is talk of prices around 11,000 euros, excluding promotions. Hyundai has also unveiled in Frankfurt the concept, naturally electric, which anticipates the style of future models for sustainable mobility.

The Ev 45 has its roots in the tradition of the Asian manufacturer, referring to the Pony Coupe Concept. The 45 marks, according to Hyundai, "the beginning of a new era", one that will not only lead to electrification and autonomous driving, but also to the creation of a "lifestyle brand for the future of mobility". Of technical details, such as engine power and battery life, not even talking about it. The same dimensions, which seem however not too far from the 5 meters, are "top secret". The Korean fastback mounts the batteries under the floor to make the most of the passenger compartment, without the central tunnel. Bright (even the storage compartments are transparent) and four-seater with swivel seats, the Hyundai 45 concept suggests a high level of automation. Among other things, the exterior mirrors are replaced by side cameras with built-in rotating module that always ensures the best visibility possible.