THE Hyundai i10 Blue may be small in stature - but boy does it pack a punch when it comes to value for money motoring.

The special ‘eco' edition of the city car - incorporating Hyundai's Blue Drive technology - comes with a new efficient 1.0-litre three-cylinder ‘Kappa' engine emitting just 99g/km of carbon dioxide gaining it an exemption from road tax and the London congestion charge.

For a five-seat car with a price-tag below £10,000 this is pretty impressive stuff - especially when partnered to low insurance costs and an excellent five-year unlimited-mileage warranty with roadside assistance.

There are several neat ideas contained within Blue Drive that allow a wallet-friendly average fuel economy figure just north of 67mpg to be achieved.

They include Intelligent Stop and Go - a system that automatically kills and re-engages the engine when the car is idling to save fuel - low-rolling resistance tyres, an alternator management system and an ‘eco shift' indicator to help the driver use the car as efficiently as possible.

Hyundai is planning to roll out more Blue models across its range of cars with a special badge fitted to highlight their environmentally-friendly credentials.

Its intention is to be a global leader in environmental technologies with the i10 Blue in the vanguard of a set of vehicles designed to help the company reduce its European average emissions figure.

Normally the amount of equipment included takes a hit when the price is so competitive, but the i10 Blue includes air conditioning, electric front windows, a CD-radio system with an i-Pod connection, central locking and tinted glass.

Step up to the Active trim and remote locking, alloy wheels, powered rear windows and front foglamps are added.

The top-of-the-range Style model comes with an electric sunroof and heated front seats.

City cars are also not renowned for the amount of space on offer, but the i10 is a pleasant surprise in this department with more than enough head and legroom to ensure that everyone can sit comfortably.

Hyundai's designers have produced a neat cabin which is easy on the eye with a nice atmosphere ensuring long journeys are anything but a chore - even in a small car such as this.

The boot is no cave but is big enough to cater for a couple of overnight bags while split-folding rear seats allow the load area to be extended.

There are two petrol engines available.

The Blue model is fitted with the 68bhp version which is extremely nippy and quite happy cruising along at motorway speeds, while the four-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol power unit simply adds to the qualities of its less powerful brother.

The ride is pretty smooth for a small car with the suspension handling the worst the nation's roads have to offer in the way of potholes and bumps.

The steering is light at low speeds allowing good manoeuvrability around town and the car also handles well if you take it down a country lane.

It's nice to drive helped by the gearshift which is neat and accurate.

The i10 Blue is an excellent city car that is keenly priced, cheap to run and rain forest-friendly - a winning combination if ever there was one.