By Khulekani Dumisa

Recently we attended the launch of the all-new Hyundai Grand i10 and we were impressed by how much the car has managed to improve on what is already an impressive package to offer buyers a compelling option in the segment. Indeed, competitors have increased with the likes of the new Baleno based Toyota Starlet entering the space for example, but we have no doubt that the segment still has space for the new Hyundai Grand i10 and that consumers will find a lot of value in it.

Looks

In terms of exterior looks, the Fluid models adopt a new chrome grille and new LED daytime running lamps, and fog lamps.  All bumpers and door handles are body-coloured whereas the Motion derivatives have a black front grille and black trim for the side rear-view mirrors.

The Grand i10 Motion versions are also differentiated from their Fluid siblings by their 14-inch steel wheels with a styled 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.

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.

Interior

All Grand i10 versions are equipped with a 6,2-inch touch screen infotainment system which features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two USB ports are available upfront with one in the infotainment and the other at the bottom of the centre console dedicated to charging.

Fluid models offer heated side rear-view mirrors, a multi-function steering wheel, artificial leather seat covers with 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.

We found the interior of the new Grand i10 to be quite roomy and offer all sorts of clever storage options including an open storage space above the cubby hole. Although full of hard plastics, the cabin looked good and those plastics actually felt good to touch. As much as the new infotainment boosts connectivity by offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, we found the unit to be a tad dark also delayed. It also looked like an afterthought as opposed to being well integrated into the otherwise neat design of the car.

Two petrol engines, manual and auto transmission

A 998 cc 3-cylinder engine and a slightly bigger 1 197 cc Kappa 4-cylinder engine are offered in the new Grand i10 range.  The 1-litre engine – used in both the Motion and Fluid derivatives – delivers 49 kW of power and 94 Nm of torque whilst the 1,2-litre mill – which drives two of the Fluid versions – pushes out 61 kW of power and 114 Nm of torque.

The 1-litre engine offers with a 5-speed manual gearbox and sends power to the front wheels. This engine and the 1,2 –litre unit are also offered with a 4-speed automatic gearbox.

Fuel consumption for the Grand i10 with the 1-litre engine and 5-speed manual transmission is claimed to be 5,4l/100km, while the same engine coupled with the 4-speed automatic gearbox delivers a combined 5,9l/100km.

The 1,2-litre Grand i10 Fluid with the manual 5-speed transmission sips 5,9l/100km, and 6,9l/100km using the 4-speed automatic gearbox.

At launch, we had a go at the manual 1,0-litre Fluid and to our surprised it proved to be quite punchy or rather punch above its weight. It took quite a while to get to speed but once it got going, it felt like there was no stopping it. The car also managed to hold onto its hard-earned power and didn’t require a lot of shuffle down gears when attacking inclines or keeping and/or building power when overtaking. The car was also quite comfortable and fairly quiet by segment standards. Buyers can really look forward to a hustle free and a mostly relaxing drive behind the wheel of the 1,0-litre Grand i10

Safety

All new Grand i10 versions come with driver and front passenger airbags, ISOFIX child seat attachments on the rear seats and pretensioners for the front seat occupants’ seat belts.

An Advanced Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) are standard in all derivatives.

Pricing

The prices of the Grand i10 range are as follows:

• 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

Prices include a 7-year/200,000 km manufacturers’ warranty, a 1-year/15,000 km service plan (come on Hyundai!) and 5-year/150,000 km roadside assistance.