Hyundai has a problem. Well, Hyundai has a few problems, but the one I am focusing on is their CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) numbers. As many of you know, Hyundai had to recant some of their mpg figures and it was a public relations mess. They need to boost their EPA standings, lift their overall mpg and do it in a way that makes them look good. Bringing the cute, little Hyundai i10 to the United States may be just the thing they need.
The Hyundai i10 is about to be significantly updated.
Currently, the Hyundai i10 has a variety of engines. The base engine is a little 1-liter gas, three-cylinder that makes 68 horsepower and about 70 lbs-feet of torque. Other engines include the 78.9 hp “Kappa2” 1.2-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes about 82 lb-ft of torque. All of the engines come with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
Now, I know you’re yelling, “We already have the Hyundai Accent you stupid ape!” Or something like that. Here’s the thing, the Hyundai Accent costs $14,545 base. It’s no longer the cheapest car sold in North America as the Nissan Versa sedan costs $11,990. If Hyundai can keep the overhead low (and I know they can) they may be able to bring the next Hyundai i10 at a competitive price.
What do you get for very little dough?
Adjusting for Imperial MPG vs. our MPG, the Hyundai i10 should achieve well over 50 MPG. In its class (overseas) the Hyundai i10 offers some of the most comfort and convenience goodies. Although overall performance is mediocre, reports have quite a few journalists enjoying the overall experience of driving a Hyundai i10.
Rumor has it that Hyundai is developing a supper efficient and torquey diesel for the next Hyundai i10 too.
Although small car sales are up in the USA, there are no head to head challengers for the Chevy Spark – the one vehicle that has four-doors of this size in the United States. The Hyundai i10 would definately be cross-shopped with the Spark and that’s a good thing for consumers. The more variety, the better the deals.
Hyundai’s PR has a lot of issues, including a weak presence in the Rocky Mountain region, but the introduction of a sweet little ride like the Hyundai i10 might ease public scorn over their inflated MPG numbers. It might sell well too. The Chevy Spark’s sales success is a testament to North American buyers digging small, cheap cars.
Here’s a fun Hyundai video review. Roman and I took one on to our off road course… and it was not too shabby!
Come on Hyundai, you need to step up!
