SMALL, well-equipped high-economy hatches are the buzz these days and they seem to be getting better and better.

And perhaps one of the most upbeat offerings is the new generation Hyundai i10 fitted with a remarkable 1.0 three-cylinder petrol engine.

At £9,610 on the road this car may be small but is a definite indicator of the way Hyundai's technology has progressed over the years.

Don't expect the earth in performance from the 1.0-litre i10 but do expect 60mpg economy and easy operational costs. As this is a petrol-engined car, CO2 emissions are slightly over the 100g/km mark at 108g/km, placing it in VED road tax band B.

The engine is a cheeky little number which growls way above its weight and has 96mph potential. It feels nippy and possibly quicker than its official 0-62mph sprint factor of 14.9 seconds.

This new generation model is manufactured in Europe, for European buyers.

It enhances Hyundai's ‘made-for-Europe‘ product line-up and introduces new standards to city cars, bringing class-leading space, levels of comfort and safety from the segment above, and sophisticated exterior and interior design.

As well as sales, the original i10 won numerous awards across Europe and generated loyalty rates above the segment average - 54% in the five biggest European markets compared to the segment average of 48%.

Another evolution over the original i10 is the introduction of what Hyundai calls ‘true value' - the addition of desirable features from segments above and emotional qualities such as dynamic styling to existing rational features such as high quality and high efficiency

The i10 features sleek and substantial lines that emphasise a surprisingly athletic stance and it comes with a five year unlimited mileage warranty. 

An enlarged wheelbase of the new generation i10 (up 5mm to 2,385mm) allows for a longer, wider bodyshell, which gives way to one of the roomiest cabins in its class.  Further cabin space has been created by moving the car's gearbox forward by 25mm.