In Euro NCAP crash testing Hyundai i10 safety levels have achieved a four-star rating. It scored 79 percent for adult occupant protection and 80 percent for child occupant protection. Euro NCAP’s comments were largely positive but the car was criticised for the rear door becoming unlatched in a side impact test and it was suggested that the rear head restraints provided marginal protection. Rival Volkswagen Up family models were awarded five stars by Euro NCAP when tested in 2011, scoring 89 percent for adult occupant protection and 80 percent for child occupant protection.

All versions have standard day running lights, which are LEDs on the flagship Premium specification. Those range-topping i10s also feature LED indicators in the door mirrors for increased noticeability.

The latest i10 is considerably stronger than before with almost a third of its construction made of high-tensile steel, with reinforcing panels at various points of the body.

Additionally, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and tyre pressure monitors (TPMS) are standard, as are six airbags.

Highly visible seatbelt reminders for all seats remind everyone to belt-up and the doors automatically lock as the i10 is driven off.

By growing from being one of the smallest in the city car class to the largest, Hyundai i10 practicality is significant selling point.

All i10s are five-door hatchbacks and unlike many key rivals, the rear windows wind down. Each door has a pocket to take a large bottle too. The rear bench seats three, apart from the thrifty BlueDrive version that has no centre seatbelt.

At 3,665mm the i10’s 80mm longer than the old model and 65mm wider at 1,660mm. By increasing the wheelbase by 5mm to 2,385mm and moving the gearbox 25mm further forward more interior space has been liberated, making it feel exceptionally spacious.

Open the 920mm wide tailgate to reveal the biggest boot in the class at 252 litres with the 60:40 split rear seats upright, bigger than both the VW up! (by one litre) and Fiat Panda (27 litres smaller). Tumble the seats forward and the 1,046-litre volume remains the largest in this segment.

Compared to the previous i10, the new model has a re-angled windscreen and slimmer pillars all-round to improve visibility, though it’s worth noting the rear pillars are thicker than they look outside as the two black panels are solid plastic and not windows as they initially appear.