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The all-new Hyundai Grand i10 feels and looks like a bigger car. Interestingly, it is bigger than the car it replaces. Yet when it comes to fuel economy and price, it answers positively to two particularly important criteria of car buyers in the entry-level segment. Covid-19 is real: everyone has been affected financially, but the good news is that the i10 really does offer something grand in all aspects.

The Grand i10 is Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s best-seller with 49 252 units having been sold in South Africa from 2014 to 2020. I would say this model will continue the trend.

The new model features LED daytime running lamps and fog lamps (in the Fluid versions), combined with the stylish bold grille to give the new Grand i10 a road presence of its own. All bumpers and door handles are body-coloured, but the budget-friendly 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 neat chrome finish and the addition of daytime 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 with an attractive cover, 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.

When perusing the list of features in the new Grand i10, it is surprisingly long for a car of such a small stature. For the Fluid version, it ranges from, inter alia, 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 smartphone via a cable to a USB port on the system’s interface. A second USB port at the bottom of the centre console provides charging of any suitable device.

The new Grandi10’s seats are designed to provide a relaxed and comfortable drive for all occupants. The bolstered front seats ensure superior comfort for both driver and passenger, especially while cornering, and the bolstered rear seats’ back support were designed for optimum comfort during long journeys and while cornering.

The flat rear seat bench provides comfortable seating for three passengers. The seats have been given enhanced thigh support for comfortable long journeys.

The range is offered with two engine and gearbox options. A 998 cc 3-cylinder engine and a slightly bigger 1.2-litre 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/94 Nm, while its 1,2-litre sibling – which drives two of the Fluid versions – reaches its power peak of 61 kW/ 114 Nm.

Even at the high altitude of Gauteng, the 1-litre engine delivers enough power via the 5-speed manual gearbox to the front-drive wheels. 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 litres per 100km, while the same engine coupled with the 4-speed automatic gearbox delivered 5.9 litres per 100km 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 litres per 100km, and 6.9 litres per 100km using the 4-speed automatic gearbox.

The new Grand i10 is arguably the best small city car on the market. A firm favourite of mine in the past, and especially in its newest guise. I would happily purchase this vehicle and enjoy driving it as my city run around.

The competition

KIA Picanto, Nissan Micra, Peugeot 108, Suzuki /Swift Celerio and Toyota Starlet.

Pricing

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

Service and warranty

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.

www.hyundai.co.za