Skip advert
Advertisement

Sub £10k - Hyundai i30

Spend a little more, and there’s a wide choice of superminis. So, which is best?

If you’ve got £10,000 to spend, don’t think you can’t shop in the family hatchback market. Even buyers on a tight budget can have a decent sized car – and the Hyundai i30 is the proof. The 1.4-litre Comfort starts at £7,995 after Scrappage.

A low price isn’t the only attractive feature, though, as the Hyundai hatch comes very well equipped as standard. Comfort trim gets alloy wheels, air-conditioning, ESP stability control, electric windows, an auxiliary input for MP3 players and six airbags. That shames the smaller and more costly Fiesta Style.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The firm has embraced the Scrappage Scheme like few others, but its five-year warranty has been available for some time – and it also helps to set the i30 apart from its sub-£10,000 rivals.

While the Hyundai doesn’t have the image or visual appeal of the other cars here, its well proportioned, attractive five-door body is inoffensive and practical. The interior is thoughtfully laid out and well built, too, and the blue-lit instruments add a touch of class – only the high-set driving position counts against it.

It also performs well on the road. The 108bhp 1.4-litre petrol model isn’t fast, but it promises strong combined economy of 46.3mpg. Plus, the Hyundai has composed and secure handling, as well as light steering and compliant suspension which absorbs bumps effectively.

Hyundai’s family hatch was competitively priced before the Scrappage Scheme was introduced, so now it’s even more tempting. If you can stretch your budget a bit further, our pick would be the punchy but refined 1.6-litre CRDi. It has a list price of £13,400, and the diesel gives 60mpg – making the most of this great family car package.

Details

Price: £11,600/£7,995
WHY: Proof that you can have a decent family hatch for under £10k

Economy

46.3mpg

Residuals

34.5 per cent

Tax

F/£125

Insurance

13/N/A

Environment

145g/km

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success
Opinion - cheap EV

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success

Mike Rutherford thinks there would be demand for an electric car with a modest 100-mile range if it only cost £10k
Opinion
17 Nov 2024
Best used cars to buy 2024
Best used cars 2024

Best used cars to buy 2024

From city cars to large SUVs, here’s our annual pick of the star performers that’ll save you thousands when you buy them used instead of new
Best cars & vans
20 Nov 2024