I bought my i10 (Era) in 2008 and this is more like a long term experience review. The original comments are here - https://mouthshut.com/review/Hyundai_i10-156995-1.html
I have completed close to 25, 000 kms since Feb 2008 and have taken my car over all types of surfaces and really abused it at times. Every time the i10 has come out without any complaints and it still feels as fresh as it was on day 1.
Driving Experience:
One word, exceptional, in the city. No problem with power (mine is 1.1lts IRDE), very comfortable and very sharp. Steering response is very good, but not much of feel... but not complaining. Very good on the highway till around 100kmph, but not very comforting around the curves at high speeds. It is capable of 120kmph with ease (on odometer reading) on straight roads. On hill climbs, it is a different story. The he 1.1 ltr is a struggle. We had driven to ooty and had to drive it like my father’s 2002 Indica with only 2 people on board.
The suspension is not as good as many other cars and you are reminded of every pot-hole on the road. The other issue is with engaging 1st gear. Many a times the gear does not engage and I have to move the car a few millimeters to engage it. It is a problem when I am not a flat surface. The service station has not been able to resolve it in the last 2 years.
The average city mileage is around 13kmpl with a max of 19 on the highway at speeds of 60-70kmph. All figures with 50% AC.
Maintenance:
I have spent approx Rs 9, 000 in last 3 years on scheduled service. This includes regular engine oil changes, wheel alignment, balancing etc. I understand there are rumors that i10 is expensive to maintain, but I have not faced that. Interiors tend to get dirty due to beige color and hence had to change the seat cover to black. No other issues. No problems with the so called glare on the windshield due to beige.
Build Quality:
No squeaks, no rattles, no loose parts, and the build quality is really good, one would assume. But this is one area I am not happy about my i10. In a recent accident I realized the cost cutting done. All the front end supports are made of plastic that cracked when I hit a dog! The service station showed me the internal parts and I was left shocked to see many cracked/ broken pieces. It cost me a fortune to get them replaced. The front bumper costs around Rs 5, 500!!!
A motorcycle guy hit my back bumper (minor hit at 10kmph) and caused a 2 inch crack. Understand that the part will cost me some Rs 2000 odd (Alto back bumper costs Rs 900) to replace. Overall, a good refined city car that will deliver performance and easy to maintain, but take it out of its comfort zone, it will struggle. The parts are fairly expensive for a small car. Will recommend for city use.