The Indian automobile market is one of the most diverse in the world, with customers looking for cars that combine affordability, performance, comfort, and style. Over the years, Hyundai has successfully won the trust of Indian families with its wide range of cars. One of its most popular hatchbacks, the Hyundai Grand i10, has played a key role in shaping Hyundai’s success in India.
The Grand i10 has always been celebrated for its compact size, premium features, and reliable performance, making it a favorite among first-time buyers, small families, and even urban professionals looking for a stylish yet practical ride. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the Hyundai Grand i10, covering its design, interiors, features, engine performance, driving dynamics, comfort, safety, pricing, and why it remains a strong contender in the hatchback segment.
The Legacy of Hyundai i10 and Evolution into Grand i10
The Hyundai i10 first entered the Indian market in 2007 and quickly became a best-seller. It stood out with its modern design, fuel efficiency, and ease of driving. Recognizing the need for an upgrade, Hyundai introduced the Grand i10 in 2013 as a more premium, spacious, and feature-loaded version of the i10.
The Grand i10 not only retained the practicality of the original but also brought in features that were previously unseen in its segment, such as rear AC vents, keyless entry, and touchscreen infotainment. Over time, it evolved into the Grand i10 Nios, a facelifted and modernized version that continues to attract buyers.
Exterior Design and Styling
The Hyundai Grand i10’s exterior design is a perfect mix of elegance and sportiness. With fluidic design language and aerodynamic lines, it gives a contemporary look while being compact enough for urban traffic.
Key design highlights include:
- Hexagonal front grille with chrome accents.
- Swept-back headlamps and stylish fog lamps.
- Body-colored bumpers and door handles for a premium feel.
- 15-inch alloy wheels (in higher trims) that add to the sporty stance.
- Roof rails and rear spoiler that enhance the hatchback’s appeal.
Its compact proportions make parking and maneuvering in tight city spaces effortless, yet it looks bold enough to make a statement on the road.
Interior Comfort and Features
Step inside the Hyundai Grand i10, and you’ll notice how Hyundai has maximized space within a compact cabin. The interiors are thoughtfully designed with high-quality materials and excellent ergonomics.
Highlights include:
- Dual-tone interior theme for a premium look.
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Rear AC vents – a rare feature in hatchbacks at the time of launch.
- Ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.
- 60:40 split-folding rear seats to expand boot space when needed.
- Multiple storage spaces for bottles, phones, and small items.
The seats are comfortable for long drives, and the air-conditioning system is well-suited for India’s hot climate.
Engine Options and Performance
The Hyundai Grand i10 has been offered with multiple engine options to cater to different customer preferences:
- 1.2L Kappa Petrol Engine
- Smooth and refined.
- Produces around 81 bhp and 114 Nm torque.
- Available with both 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission.
- 1.2L U2 CRDi Diesel Engine (discontinued in later models)
- Highly fuel-efficient and torquey.
- Produced around 74 bhp and 190 Nm torque.
- Preferred by long-distance drivers.
The petrol engine stands out for city driving thanks to its refinement and responsive nature. The lightweight steering, small turning radius, and smooth gearbox make the Grand i10 a pleasure to drive in urban conditions.
Driving Dynamics
Hyundai tuned the Grand i10 for comfort and practicality rather than sporty handling. The suspension setup absorbs potholes and speed breakers effectively, offering a smooth ride quality.
- Light steering makes it easy to drive in city traffic.
- Compact size ensures hassle-free parking.
- Good visibility from the driver’s seat adds confidence.
While highway performance is decent, the Grand i10 truly shines in city driving where ease of maneuverability is crucial.
Fuel Efficiency
One of the biggest reasons for the Grand i10’s popularity is its impressive fuel efficiency.
- Petrol variant delivers around 17–19 km/l under real-world conditions.
- Diesel variant (when available) offered close to 23–24 km/l, making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment.
For budget-conscious buyers, this fuel efficiency ensures lower running costs without compromising comfort.
Safety Features
Hyundai has equipped the Grand i10 with essential safety features to keep occupants secure. Depending on the variant, safety highlights include:
- Dual front airbags.
- ABS with EBD.
- Rear parking sensors (and camera in higher trims).
- Impact-sensing auto door unlock.
- ISOFIX child seat mounts.
While some competitors offer additional features in newer models, the Grand i10 provides a balanced safety package for city and highway use.
Variants and Pricing
The Grand i10 was launched in multiple trims such as Era, Magna, Sportz, and Asta. Each variant offered different feature combinations, allowing buyers to choose according to their budget and requirements.
The pricing was competitive, starting from around ₹5 lakh for base variants and going up to ₹7.5 lakh for top trims (ex-showroom, depending on year and location).
Competitors in the Segment
The Grand i10 competes with popular hatchbacks like:
- Maruti Suzuki Swift
- Ford Figo (before its discontinuation)
- Tata Tiago
- Honda Brio (earlier competitor)
Among these, the Grand i10 stood out for its premium interiors, feature-rich cabin, and Hyundai’s strong after-sales service.
Why Indian Buyers Love the Hyundai Grand i10
- Perfect city car – compact yet spacious.
- Premium features like rear AC vents and touchscreen infotainment.
- Excellent fuel efficiency for both petrol and diesel engines.
- Smooth and refined driving experience.
- Strong brand value and service network from Hyundai.
These factors ensured that the Grand i10 remained one of the best-selling hatchbacks in India for several years.
Final Thoughts
The Hyundai Grand i10 represents the perfect blend of practicality, affordability, and comfort. It may not be the fastest or most powerful hatchback, but it offers everything an Indian family could want – stylish design, spacious interiors, modern features, and fuel-efficient engines.
Even after the introduction of the Grand i10 Nios, the original Grand i10 still holds a special place in the hearts of many buyers. For anyone looking for a dependable hatchback that is easy to drive, easy to maintain, and loaded with thoughtful features, the Hyundai Grand i10 remains a solid choice.