IT is not so long ago that if you wanted refreshing back-to-basics motoring all you had to do was jump behind the wheel of Hyundai’s smallest car. Not any more.

Now even the i10 city car has put on airs and graces.

The latest version of the firm’s best-selling model starts with the same price as the outgoing one, but levels of refinement, quality and safety have all been raised.

And a raft of new standard and optional equipment has been made available, some of which you would only expect to see on much larger luxury cars.

The original i10 has proved an instant hit in the UK with more than 110,000 sold since 2008 – a third of all European sales.

The new model, which is designed and engineered in Germany and built in Turkey, is likely to continue that sales success, particularly as its safety credentials are so high, with the standard fitment of a tyre pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control and six airbags.

Stand next to the new car and it is instantly obvious that it is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, with a boost for both legroom and luggage carrying capacity.

Oxford Mail:

The stylish dash

It is also sleeker, which in turn helps to cut wind noise while improving fuel consumption.

Get behind the wheel and it is also equally obvious that improvements have been made throughout the cabin in reducing noise and vibration and that, in turn, makes for a more relaxing ride.

Power comes from a choice of two economical petrol engines. The test model was fitted with a peppy 66 horsepower 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine. If you want a little more punch, there is also a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder engine that delivers 87 horsepower.

Even with the 1.0-litre engine, the car happily zips along, with plenty of space for four adults and five at a pinch.

Trim level choice is also simple with a choice of three specifications, but none of them deserve to be described as basic. For another £175 a ‘connectivity pack’ adds Bluetooth phone link with voice recognition, rear speakers and steering wheel controls.

Oxford Mail:

Smart and well-designed

Keep pushing the boat out and you can have a heated leather steering wheel, heated front seats, rear parking sensors and cruise control with speed limiter.

If you really want some no-nonsense motoring, go for the S trim model, but even then you will get central locking, electric front windows, a CD tuner, daytime running lights and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel – whether you like it or not.

At A Glance

  • Model: Hyundai i10 SE + Connectivity Pack
  • Cost: £9,925
  • Insurance group: One
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 60.1mpg
  • Top speed: 96mph
  • Length: 366.5cm/144.3in
  • Width: 166cm/65.3in
  • Luggage capacity: 8.9 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 8.8 gallons/40 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 108g/km
  • Warranty: Five years/unlimited mileage