It’s new and it’s grander!
Hyundai’s new Grand i10 has grown a tad in size, being longer wider and lower than its predecessor giving it a more planted stance both in looks and on the road.
From the bold new grille and fresh exterior styling it remains characterised by its dynamic design, comprehensive safety package and many features that are not always seen in a car of its size.
The Grand i10 – built in India and exported to 87 countries all over the globe – had a tough task as a successor of the hugely successful Getz in South Africa but, now in its 3rd generation, more than 1,15-million Grand i10s have been exported from India, and 49 252 of those have been sold in South Africa from 2014 to 2020.
“In fact, it has become Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s best-seller and it takes a very important position in our wide range of Hyundai models for the local market. We believe that, especially in the present economic conditions and the global Covid-19 crisis, it has a very important role and that there is still growth in its segment which has plenty competitors,” says Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
“Entry-level cars do not have to remind you of that status because of the way they drive, the way they sound when you close the doors, their lack of head and leg room and sparse features list. The new Hyundai Grand i10 with its solid body, good looks, spacious interior and extensive specification list proves that, and gives you the experience of a bigger car despite its compact dimensions,” says Anderson.
New LED daytime running lamps and fog lamps (in the Fluid versions), combines with the grille to give the new Grand i10 a more assertive road presence. All bumpers and door handles are body-coloured, but the Motion derivatives have a black front grille and black trim for the side rear-view mirrors.
The Fluid versions’ front grille is treated with a chrome finish and the addition of day-time LED running lights in the side corners.
The Grand i10 Motion versions are also differentiated from its Fluid siblings by their 14-inch steel wheels, while the Fluid derivatives are equipped with alloy wheels. The 1-litre Fluid version comes with a 14-inch alloy wheel, and the 1,2-litre flagship Fluid derivatives sport 15-inch alloy wheels with a different design.
Grand i10 buyers can choose from five body colours: Polar White, Phantom Black, Typhoon Silver, Titan Grey and Fiery Red. The Fluid version offers additional two-tone options: the Polar White and Fiery Red body colours with a Black Roof.
Feature for the Fluid version include heated side rear-view mirrors to a multi-function steering wheel, artificial leather seat covers with sassy red stitching and rear park assistance.
The height of the driver’s seat in all derivatives is adjustable and the rear seats’ backrest can fold forward – as a full bench for the Motion derivatives, and in a 60:40 split for the Fluid versions. In all derivatives the occupants can stay cool thanks to a manual air-conditioning system, with air vents for rear passengers as well.
All Grand i10 versions are equipped with an infotainment system with a 6,2-inch touch screen which displays Apple’s CarPlay or Android Auto when connected to one’s smart phone via a cable to an USB port on the system’s interface. A second USB port at the bottom of the centre console provides charging of any suitable device.
A 998 cc 3-cylinder engine and a slightly bigger 1 197 cc Kappa 4-cylinder engine are used to drive the new Grand i10 range. The 1-litre engine – used in both the Motion and Fluid derivatives – delivers 49 kW peak power at 5 500 r/min and 94 Nm maximum torque at 3 500 r/min, while its 1,2-litre sibling – which drives two of the Fluid versions – reaches its power peak of 61 kW at 6 000 r/min and maximum torque of 114 Nm at 4 000 r/min.
There is also a choice of a 4-speed automatic gearbox for both the 1-litre and 1,2-litre Motion and Fluid derivatives.
Fuel consumption for the Grand i10 with the 1-litre engine and 5-speed manual transmission was measured at 5,4 l/100 km, while the same engine coupled with the 4-speed automatic gearbox delivered 5,9 l/100 km in a test cycle that combined city and open road driving.
The 1,2-litre Grand i10 Fluid with the manual 5-speed transmission recorded fuel consumption of 5,9 l/100 km, and 6,9 l/100 km using the 4-speed automatic gearbox.
MacPherson struts with shock absorbers are used for the front suspension and a coupled torsion beam, also with shock absorbers, at the rear.
All new Grand i10 versions come with driver and front passenger crash bags, ISOFIX child seat attachments on the rear seats and pretensioners for the front seat occupants’ seat belts.
An anti-lock braking system and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) are standard features in all derivatives.
Pricing
The prices of the Grand i10 range are:
- Grand i10 1.0 Motion (manual) – R191 900
- Grand i10 1.0Motion (automatic) – R216 900
- Grand i10 1.0 Fluid (manual) – R216 900
- Grand i10 1.2 Fluid (manual) – R230 900
- Grand i10 1.2 Fluid (automatic) – R256 900
A 7-year/200 000 km manufacturers’ warranty is part of the package, as well as a 1-year/15 000 km service plan and 5-years/150 000 km roadside assistance.
