Just a few years after its launch, the successful Hyundai i10 has been given a new look and fitted with more economical engines.

Its hexagonal grille, sharp headlights and re-profiled front bumper bring its design in line with the newly released Hyundai ix35 and ix20. Soon, all Hyundais will have this striking new face.

Prices start from £8,195 with a five-year warranty, five-year breakdown cover and five years of car health checks all included, making it such a tempting package it almost doesn't matter how well it drives.

We are pleased to report the i10 is very good on the road. A slick gearchange, precise steering and good brakes instil confidence in the drive and allow the i10 to easily keep pace with bigger, more powerful cars.

First we sampled a newly available 1-litre, three-cylinder i10 Blue model with 68bhp. The big news here is its emissions of 99g/km, making it free to tax and London Congestion Charge exempt. Perhaps more usefully it'll also cover 67.3mpg, meaning you'll visit the petrol station less often.

On paper it takes a lethargic 14.8 seconds to reach 62mph, but in reality it feels quicker, with an off-beat engine sound which encourages you along. It's a similar driving experience to the fun Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1.

Stop at the traffic lights and the engine will cut out, thanks to stop and start technology Hyundai calls Intelligent Stop and Go (ISG).

The £9,195 i10 Blue is also fitted with low rolling resistance tyres and an eco-shift indicator, which displays which gear to be in for the best economy. Air-con, electric front windows, central locking and a six-speaker CD player with USB and aux inputs are also standard.

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Improvements have been made to the 1.25-litre engine too, available in the i10 Classic, Active, Active Auto and Style trim levels. It now has 85bhp instead of 77, while emissions drop to 108g/km of CO2 from 119. The automatic model emits 129g/km of CO2, a reduction of 10g/km.

Compared to the peppy new 1-litre, the bigger engine initially feels less fun. But, it's a more grown-up motor which is smoother and better suited to longer drives. If you regularly drive on the motorway, it would be a sensible choice.

Averaging 61.4mpg it's also an economical car, even without the ISG technology fitted to the i10 Blue.

Unless you really need an automatic gearbox, it's an option best avoided. As well as the increase in CO2 it cuts economy by 10mpg (to 51.4mpg) and struggles to choose the right gear when shown a demanding hilly road. In the city it's much better, changing gears with little fuss.

All Hyundai i10s get a new interior look, with blue dials and illumination on the central console, chrome door handles and gear knobs and an optional leather steering wheel and handbrake. Seat fabrics have been improved and there's a cup holder for back seat passengers too.

Not only does the i10 rival models including the Aygo, 107, C1, Fiat 500 and Ford Ka, it offers the most complete overall package of the lot.