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Hyundai offers a fantastic range of stylish, reliable, and well-equipped vehicles, but their naming convention—the 'i' series—can sometimes leave potential buyers wondering: what's the real difference between an i10, an i20, and an i30?
At Brindley Hyundai, we're here to break down the key features that set these three popular models apart. Whether you're a solo commuter, a small family, or someone needing extra space and power, there's a perfect Hyundai 'i' waiting for you.
While all three models boast Hyundai's signature 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty, modern styling, and an excellent array of safety and technology features, their size, focus, and performance capabilities cater to a wide variety of lifestyles.
The Hyundai i10 is the smallest and most compact model in the trio. It's a classic city car, perfectly suited for navigating tight urban streets, making short-distance commutes, and slipping into small parking spaces. It’s ideal for solo drivers, couples, or those who primarily stick to town driving and need a highly economical runabout. It's our most affordable starting point. However, it’s not averse to motorway trips or longer commutes.
The Hyundai i20 steps up as a supermini hatchback. It bridges the gap between the compact city car and the larger family hatchback. The i20 offers a greater balance of practicality and agility, making it a great all-rounder for small families, couples, or drivers who mix city driving with occasional longer journeys. This is the versatile mid-range option.
The Hyundai i30 is the largest and most spacious model, firmly placed in the family hatchback segment. Designed for comfort, longer distances, and maximum passenger space, the i30 is the go-to choice for families or anyone needing a practical, capable car for motorway cruising and carrying more luggage. This is Hyundai’s flagship hatchback for comfort and space.
The most immediate difference is size, which directly impacts their use cases, increasing incrementally from i10 to i30. But there are also some key body style differences between the models.
Its compact size is its biggest asset, with a length of around 3,670mm and a width of approximately 1,680mm, making it nimble and simple to park in busy urban areas. It features short overhangs and often includes stylish design touches like a wide cascading grille. Depending on the trim, you'll find it sitting on 15-inch alloy wheels (Advance) or sporty 16-inch N Line alloy wheels (N Line).
The i20 is longer at about 4,065mm and wider at 1,775mm, giving it a more dynamic stance and reflecting its more versatile nature. It includes modern LED lighting and distinctive styling lines. Features start strong with 16-inch alloy wheels and LED lighting on the entry-level Advance trim, moving up to 17-inch alloys on Premium and Ultimate trims.
As the flagship hatchback, the i30 presents the most refined and mature design, with a substantial presence at approximately 4,340mm in length and 1,795mm in width. It features sharp LED headlights and more premium exterior detailing. The i30 offers a choice of 16, 17, and even 18-inch alloy wheels (on N Line) for individuality and ride comfort.
As the vehicles increase in size, so too does the cabin space, comfort, and available technology.
The i10 is a master of efficient packaging. While compact, the boot capacity is generous for a city car, offering 252 litres with the seats up, expanding to up to 1,050 litres with the rear seats folded. Its functional, modern cabin is surprisingly roomy. Technology includes an 8" touchscreen with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ from the Advance trim, along with convenience features like a rear-view camera and rear parking sensors, all backed by essential safety features like Lane Follow Assist (LFA).
The i20 offers significantly more room than the i10, comfortably seating four adults, and boasts a more generous 352-litre boot, which expands to up to 1,165 litres when the rear seats are folded down. The interior features a more dynamic styling, with technology highlights including a large 10.25" Touchscreen Navigation system and a 10.25" digital cluster on many trims, creating a modern digital cockpit. Higher trims can also include a Wireless Charging Pad and enhanced safety systems like Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA).
Offering the most generous cabin space and an impressive 395-litre boot (seats up), which grows to 1,301 litres with the seats down, the i30 is built for comfort and capacity. The sophisticated interior focuses on premium materials and driver-focused ergonomics, with available features like a heated steering wheel and heated front seats on the Premium trim. The technology inside is top-tier, including the 10.25" Touchscreen Navigation system and features like dual-zone climate control and a smart key with button start.
Performance and engine choices are tailored to each car’s size and intended driving environment, increasing in power and motorway comfort across the range.
Primarily a city car, the i10 focuses on fuel economy and low-speed agility. It's typically offered with economical 1.0-litre (66 HP) and 1.2-litre (82 HP) petrol engines. The 1.0L is perfect for city driving and the school run. The larger 1.2L offers more flexibility for occasional faster roads, while a more powerful 1.0-litre T-GDi (Turbo) engine (98 HP) is available on the N Line trim, making it the most capable i10 for motorway use.
The i20 handles mixed city and motorway driving better than the i10, offering a more responsive experience. Its powertrain typically features the efficient 1.0-litre T-GDi (turbocharged) petrol engine, often with Mild Hybrid technology, offering 98 HP or 118 HP. These turbo engines provide excellent mid-range performance, making motorway cruising more comfortable and overtaking easier. It offers the choice of a manual transmission or a quick-shifting 7-speed DCT automatic.
The i30 is engineered for long-distance comfort and smooth motorway driving. It features more powerful engine options, including a 1.0 T-GDi (118 HP) and a larger 1.5 T-GDi (156 HP) petrol engine, often with 48-volt Mild Hybrid technology for improved efficiency and power delivery. The powerful engines and refined chassis ensure a stable, relaxed drive at higher speeds, making it an excellent motorway cruiser with plenty of power for confident acceleration.
Pricing reflects the size, features, and performance of each model. At Brindley Hyundai, we stock a wide range of models and trims.
The Hyundai i10 is the most affordable starting point, with trims like Advance, Premium, and N Line. New i10 Advance models start from approximately £16,030 OTR (as per Brindley's site at the time of writing).
The Hyundai i20 steps up in size and technology, with trims including Advance, Premium, Ultimate, and N Line S. New i20 Advance models start from approximately £21,530 OTR (as per Brindley's site at the time of writing).
The Hyundai i30 is the highest priced in the 'i' hatchback range, reflecting its larger size and premium features. Trims include Advance, Premium, and N Line. New i30 N Line models start from approximately £26,655 OTR (as per Brindley's site at the time of writing).
The best way to understand the difference between the Hyundai i10, i20, and i30 is to get behind the wheel. The feeling of agility in the i10, the balance of the i20, and the comfort of the i30 are best experienced firsthand.
Our expert teams at Brindley Hyundai are ready to help you compare the models, answer your questions, and find the perfect specification for your needs.
Choosing the right Hyundai 'i' model comes down to your priorities. No matter which one you choose, you'll benefit from Hyundai’s renowned reliability and our commitment to outstanding customer service at Brindley Hyundai. Book your test drive today and find your perfect match!
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