Filed under: Economy, Hatchbacks, Hyundai, India
Hyundai considers sourcing city car from India
Click above for high-res gallery of the Hyundai i10.
Since last October, Hyundai has been selling the i10 minicar in 70 countries throughout the world. The diminutive sedan is just over 140 inches long (about 20 inches shorter than the Honda Fit), powered by an 80 hp, 1.2-liter four that returns up to 56 mpg and retails for between $7,800 and $11,200 in India. Those specs could be enticing for American consumers looking for a simple runabout that's smaller than the Fit/Yaris and larger than the smart fortwo, so Hyundai is seriously considering bringing it to the States.
According to a Hyundai source speaking with Automotive News, the i10 would retain its name and could be badged either a Hyundai or a Kia. Output would be increased, and its curb weight would grow by around 400 pounds in order to meet U.S. safety standards. But with features like keyless entry, ABS, dual airbags and fog lamps, the i10 could be a serious consideration for consumers looking for a cheap commuter with the amenities they've grown to expect.
Gallery: Hyundai i10
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
John Johnson 9:32AM (8/18/2008)
Ahh, just when they were trying to go upscale. So long, dreams of being a respected car company.
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Dazza 10:24AM (8/18/2008)
Respect for a company comes from its success in as many market segments as possible, and not simply from producing leviathan cars.
Seriously, yanks ...
homunculus 9:51AM (8/18/2008)
goodbye dreams of being respectable?
more like hello dreams of world domination.
ua5j32a2 9:55AM (8/18/2008)
Hyundai's roots lie in compact economy cars, and they haven't forgotten it. Elantra and Accent sales are through the roof because they are economical, affordable and reliable. Just because Hyundai reaching into the luxury vehicle domain, it doesn't mean they can't also succeed in other sectors of the market. You have got to diversify and be flexible in your products; otherwise you end up like the Detroit Three who were so focused on SUVs and trucks that now their inflexibility has put them years behind their competitors and struggling for survival.
tanooki2003 10:16AM (8/18/2008)
@ua5j32a2
You are absolutely correct. I couldn't have said it better myself.
jsjs 12:02PM (8/18/2008)
So what does that make Mercedes - which has plans to bring the A and B class to the States (the B class is already on the market in Canada)?
Not to mention all the Mercedes cabs in Europe.
Yeah, I guess Toyota and Nissan aren't "respected" auto-makers just b/c they sell "cheap" Yarises and Versas along w/ $60k+ Land Cruisers and GT-Rs.
reddy 9:45AM (8/18/2008)
56 mpg!! Wouldn't this be great for a single person use for his daily office commute? Even if Hyundai quality sucks(they are improving a lot these days though) you can buy a new car once this is totaled since its cheap. Wonder why the hype around Chevy Volt.
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jzief128 10:11AM (8/18/2008)
I don't think it will stay with 56 mpg once those additional 400 lbs are added.
Epyx 10:12AM (8/18/2008)
They are completly different things. The Volt could use no gas for that same single commuter if that person is driving less than 40 miles per day.
The Volt is a revolutionary this is a great job working in the context of what exists. The idea if the Volt is to make a step towards moving beyond ICE. The Volt wont be there yet but it is step in that direction.
Cars like this a great stop gap but not a move forward. The idea od the Volt is that the technology will allow automakers to make efficiant vehicles without compromise.
You can not really compare the two.
Epyx 10:23AM (8/18/2008)
Wow I butchered that! Here is the edited version:
The two vehicles are completely different things. The Volt has the potential to use no gas if driving less than 40 miles per day. I know I rarely drive anywhere near 40 miles per day.
The Volt is a revolution in cars (if it works) the Hyundai is a great job but simply working in the context of what exists. The Hyundai compromises size, power, safety and amenities for high MPG. This is a different approach than the Volt. The Volt is attempting to take a step towards moving beyond ICE. The Volt wont quite make that leap but it is step towards that end.
Cars like this a great stop gap but not a move forward and definitely fill a niche in the market. The idea do the Volt is that the technology will allow automakers to make efficient vehicles without compromise the Hyundai makes many compromises.
You can not really compare the two. Not that that is a cut on either. Different solutions.
Epyx 10:30AM (8/18/2008)
Last one is not much better I am stupidER on Mondays. :)
reddy 10:49AM (8/18/2008)
@Epyx
I totally get your point and I completely agree to that. I hope everyone thinks like you and move away from oil and instead hope for prices coming down or produce more oil by doing offshore drilling more. Its time we think of long term solutions for keeping in mind of the future generations.
I referred to volt as people behaved as they were eagerly waiting for it now! while they already have such small car alternatives to make their lives better in this times of high oil prices.
RDL 11:50AM (8/18/2008)
jzief128 @ Aug 18th 2008 10:11AM:
"I don't think it will stay with 56 mpg once those additional 400 lbs are added."
Indeed, but not only that. Hyundai sell the i10 (international spec) where I live. I already see 2 problems:
- Curb weight is 1008 kg (~2222 lbs) and, let me tell you, that little gutless air pump they call engine really struggles to move the car. And now, because of U.S. car regulations, the car's gaining an extra 400 lbs? Sheesh...
- I'm only 6 feet tall, and the interior felt so tiny. Woe to those poor Plus-Size, McDonalds consuming U.S. citizens if they even try get into the little i10.
Seriously, leave the car out of the U.S., it will only leave a bad taste in the mouth for those who wish to test drive it.
XJ 1:18PM (8/18/2008)
RDL: Check the article again. It says output will be increased as well.
Don't expect a +50mpg car with the extra weight and engine size. But even at +40mpg, it would be success considering Honda/Toyota doesn't have a non-hybrid car that gets over 40mpg.
Bob Zeliff 9:46AM (8/18/2008)
Hyendai has done a good job on reliability. I'm concerned that this car would not measure up.
However It could be a very good, lower cost alternative to the pricy four2 and the other.
400 pounds for safety is a lot.. big percentage ..hope that could be cut with same safety
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Colin Smith 9:51AM (8/18/2008)
I've driven it and it's good.
I can never understand the frame of mind that suggests that building small economical cars means a company can't be "respected". Very odd.
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wagonphile 10:08AM (8/18/2008)
Thumbs up on this idea. I wouldn't mind driving something like this as a daily runabout and keeping our larger "family car" in the garage until we go on vacation. Throw on a decent set of rims and the thing might almost be attractive (but even if it isn't, given the low ownership cost, who cares)?
As for the knocks on Hyundai's reputation for quality, if your opinion is based on the cars they built 10 years ago, then you need to update your paradigm. I wouldn't think twice about cross-shopping Hyundais and Toyotas.
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Tim 10:27AM (8/18/2008)
I agree hyundai has come a long way but is it true that parts and maintenance are more difficult than Japanese cars. I have heard that some garages refuse to work on Hyundais.
If this car was made in the US or Korea I'd look at it but things made in India haven't impressed me...
Also as far as crash tests I'll believe when I see it, scored poorly in Europe...
Bob D. 7:41PM (8/18/2008)
Wagonphile: Here's another twist on your idea... Why not buy/use the I-10 as your everyday commuter, sell your "family" car and rent one for your vacations? That way you don't have a car payment every month. Unless, of course, you need a big hauler sometimes during the week. Or you take monthly vacations... ;>
Avinash machado 10:30AM (8/18/2008)
It would also make a good first car for teenagers and college students. Hyundai should think of offering Scion like accessories and customizations for this car to make it appeal to the youth.
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