14 Nov 08
4. Hyundai i10
Not the most exciting car we've driven this year, nor the best for journeys out of town, but you can't argue with Hyundai's high-value pricing; the i10 starts from just £6,745, including electric front windows, air conditioning and all the necessaries. Add in Hyundai's five-year, unlimited mileage warranty and excellent aftersales support, and it's an increasingly attractive proposition - no wonder Hyundai dealers have been reporting long waiting lists.
A 1.2-litre engine has been added to the range, offering a little more power without affecting either fuel economy or emissions (56.5mpg, 119g/km); it'll give a bit of extra go on the motorway, though in truth, that's not the i10's natural habitat - it's much happier pottering around.
The i10 can carry five adults in reasonable comfort, accommodate a decent amount of luggage and is easy to drive, manoeuvre and park. Buying and owning an i10 should be a hassle-free experience, if not particularly thrilling.
Cars for Sale: Hyundai i10
5. Suzuki Alto
Suzuki's all-new Alto promises to be both cheap and cheerful: priced from £7000 when it goes on sale in the UK early next year, it's a good-looking, sporty little thing which should appeal to much younger buyers than the old model ever did.
Just one engine is on offer, a three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol; it's by no means quick, but it's gutsy and well-suited to the lightweight, agile Alto. You don't necessarily need a lot of power to have fun, and this car gives a taste of Suzuki's rallying experience while still returning 62.7mpg and emitting only 103g/km (Band B tax).
The Alto isn't the smoothest-riding or quietest choice in this category, and its interior is rather cheapo, but it's very likeable. And if there's not a Suzuki dealer in your local area, the Alto will also come as a Nissan: its sister model, called Pixo, will appear at Nissan dealers later next year.
Cars for Sale: Suzuki Alto
