Hyundai’s Grand i10 – a small hatchback that has great appeal among young first car buyers, car rental companies and families looking for a second vehicle as a run-around – has received a fresh new appearance with the addition of a few new body panels and new wheels.
First launched in South Africa in 2014, the Grand i10 has been a solid seller in the passenger car line-up of Hyundai Automotive SA, presenting a perfect fit – in terms of size as well as price – between the entry-level i10 and the bigger hatchback, the i20.
“The Grand i10, which is in the middle of its lifecycle, has been an attractive small hatchback since its original launch, and a drawcard in Hyundai’s local range. With the restyling of soft body panels and the addition of new alloy wheels for the flagship derivative, this cheeky little hatchback has been given an even better appearance,” says Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
The new Grand i10 is still available in three derivatives in South Africa, with slight changes in the specification levels. They are the Grand i10 1.25 Motion with a 5-speed manual gearbox; the Grand i10 1.25 Motion with a four-speed automatic gearbox; and the Grand i10 1.25 Fluid with a 5-speed manual gearbox and a higher level of standard features.
The body shell of the Grand i10 yields one of the roomiest occupant cabins in its market segment, as well as an impressive 256 litres of trunk capacity. Up to 1 202 litres becomes available when the rear seats are folded – also one of the best in its class.
High levels of craftsmanship can be found in the spacious interior, together with levels of comfort and safety equipment commonly only found in higher market segments.
Design and styling
The Grand i10, which was originally designed at Hyundai Motor Europe’s Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, never fell short in the exterior styling department. Soon after its launch, the coveted Red Dot Award for design was bestowed on the Grand i10, recognising its outstanding aesthetic form, innovation and ground-breaking ideas.
In its refreshed guise, the new Grand i10 features a redesigned front fascia incorporating Hyundai’s signature hexagonal front “cascading” grille with a honeycomb mesh, while the fog lamp enclosures in the redesigned front bumper have been thoroughly updated for an increased sporty appearance.
At the rear, an integrated thin roof spoiler with a stop lamp and rear combination lights combine with a redesigned rear bumper to form an attractive picture. A new set of 14-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels (on the Grand i10 1.25 Fluid manual) adds character to the compact hatchback. Colour coded door handles and side mirrors, with turn indicators built into them, combine with the well-sculpted door panels to create an attractive car.
At 3 765 mm, the Grand i10 is one of the longest cars in the segment. Likewise, the Grand i10 is also the widest in its segment at 1 660 mm.
The low roofline of 1 520 mm creates an athletic on-the–road stance, complemented by the sleek proportions of the body shell which is highlighted by the sharp beltline.
The Grand i10 has a drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0,35, which is aided by windscreen sealing that does not protrude into the airstream. The aerodynamic shape reduces wind noise as well as fuel consumption, contributing to very low noise levels.
Extensive list of standard features
Interior styling of the Grand i10 is still fresh and modern, offering standard grey cloth seats with grey inserts and a wide range of standard convenience features. They include a manual air conditioner, a sound system with a radio, USB and AUX inlet plugs, and a CD and MP3 player. Integrated Bluetooth is also a standard feature in all three derivatives.
The Grand i10 1.25 Fluid manual offers an additional remote central locking key and remote keyless entry, electrically adjusted side mirrors, electrically operated front and rear windows, and a rear park assist system as standard equipment to confirm its status as the flagship derivative.
A handy trip computer displays inter alia fuel consumption and range left with the fuel in the tank.
Spirited Kappa engine delivers excellent fuel economy
The Grand i10’s 1,25-litre engine belongs to Hyundai Motor’s popular “Kappa” engine family and incorporates a range of advanced technical features that raise power and torque and enhance smoothness and driveability.
Outstanding features of the modern engine include A dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), dual continuously variable valve timing (CVVT), a very stiff cast aluminium block with cast-iron liners, aluminium cylinder head, lighter connecting rods and maintenance-free long-life timing chain.
The 1 248cc engine delivers 64 kW peak power at 6 000 r/min. and reaches its maximum torque delivery of 120 Nm at 4 000 r/min. The power is delivered in a spirited fashion and the small, yet perky engine never gives the impression that it is labouring.
Fuel consumption can be as low as a measured 5,9 litres/100 km, with emissions of 133 g/m, in the 1.25 Motion manual and 1.25 Fluid manual derivatives, and 6,9 litres/100 km with emissions of 147 g/km for the 1.25 Motion with the four-speed automatic gearbox.
Suspension and road manners
The McPherson strut front suspension of the Grand i10 features geometry and a tie-rod design that enhances steering feedback and precision while improving handling characteristics.
At the rear, a coupled torsion beam suspension ensures comfortable driving with a stable and firm grip on the road, secure handling and good ride quality. A motor driven power steering provides sharp responses and accurate handling. The firm underpinnings also yield low levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), which are recorded as low as 38 decibels (dB) at idle and 65 dB at highway speed.
Dual airbags – one for the front passenger and the other for the driver – and an Advances Brake System (ABS) take care of safety in the Grand i10.
Pricing
At a price range from R186 900 to R203 900, with Hyundai’s 7 year/200 000 km warranty, as well as 5 year/150 000 km roadside assistance thrown in, the Grand i10 offers exceptional value. A service plan is an optional item.
The Grand i10 range with its recommended retail prices is:
Grand i10 1.25 Motion manual R186 900
Grand i10 1.25 Motion automatic R203 900
Grand i10 1.25 Fluid manual R202 900
The Grand i10 is available in eight colours, ranging from Start Dust, Phantom Black and Pure White to a lovely Golden Orange, Marine Blue and Red Passion. Twilight Blue and Sleek Silver completes the colour range.