HYUNDAI GRAND I10 VS GRAND I10 NIOS

Hyundai has launched the new generation of Grand i10, but there is a twist. It will not replace the existing Grand i10 but will exist alongside it. The badge of NIOS is what the new Grand i10 gets. The Irish term ‘NIOS’ simply means ‘more’. Hyundai Grand i10 was first brought to Indian shores in 2007. The car remained a best seller for Hyundai and continues to be. The second generation was launched in 2014. The design was very different from the earlier one and was noticeably a more premium offering. Hyundai did launch a mild facelift but an all-new generation was in the works.

Hyundai understands the Indian market well as it has significant market share in the hatchback segment. The Santro, Grand i10 and Elite i20 have been successful and Hyundai wants to encash on the success of these models. Hyundai has decided to slot in the Grand i10 NIOS between the Grand i10 and the Elite i20. Fair enough as the customer will now have more options to choose from, given that the NIOS is not just badging but offers much more than the existing Grand i10. Let’s see if the all-new Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS actually offers more?

DIMENSIONS

The dimensions of the NIOS with respect to the previous model are as follows:

• Overall Length: 3805 mm (+40 mm over the older model)
• Overall Width: 1680 mm (+20 mm over older model)
• Overall Height: 1520 mm (Same)
• Wheelbase: 2450 mm (2425 mm over older model)
• Wheel Size: 15 inches (+1 inch over older model)

It is evident that the new Grand i10 NIOS gets a longer wheelbase giving it an improved stance. The 15-inch diamond-cut alloys are similar to the ones on Venue. 

EXTERIOR

At first glance, it is quite evident that the Grand i10 NIOS looks more stylish and premium than the Grand i10. While the Grand I10’s design was not bland, it simply lacks the character of NIOS. The huge front hexagonal grille, flanked by LED DRLs, shaped in the form of boomerangs, gives the hatchback a unique look. The stretched back headlamp unit is all new and gets projector headlamps, unlike the halogen ones offered on the current-gen.

 

The crease lines and the side profile are sharper than before. The side profile does resemble Tata Bolt. Sharp lines on the bonnet are not much seen on hatchback nowadays. The rear profile is much more striking and gets new taillamp unit as well, which looks quite similar to many other hatchbacks out there in the market. If you are guessing Tata Tiago and Ford Figo, then you are absolutely right. The floating roof profile, new bumper design, G-10 branding on C-Pillar and the black cladding adds to a sporty touch to the hatchback.

INTERIOR

Just like the exterior, the interiors of the Grand i10 NIOS too witness a lot of enhancement. The fit and finish of the dashboard and other plastics are certainly more upmarket. It gets new grey dual-tone interiors, new seats, dashboard and steering wheel as well. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment, the same as the one offered on Venue is integrated into the dashboard, unlike the previous gen. The previous-gen had controls located below the touchscreen while on NIOS these are surrounding the touchscreen on both sides. The analogue instrument cluster has been replaced with a larger 5.3 inch one with a digital speedometer. The steering wheel too has an all-new layout and gets a silver spoke rather than the all-black steering seen on the previous gen.

ENGINE

The Grand i10 NIOS will be offered with two engine options: a 1.2-litre petrol engine (Kappa) producing 82 BHP and 114 Nm of torque and a 1.2-litre Diesel engine (U2 CRDi) producing 74 BHP and 190 Nm of torque. The petrol engine has a fuel efficiency of 20.7 kmpl while the diesel returns 26.2 kmpl. The transmission options available are a 5-speed manual and Smart Auto AMT. Thus, the Grand i10 NIOS carries the same engines forward from the Grand i10. The earlier Grand i10 had claimed mileage of 18.9 kmpl in petrol and 24 kmpl in diesel. The petrol engine is already BS-VI compliant while the diesel engine will be made BS-VI compliant soon.

 

PERFORMANCE

The 4-cylinder engine is very refined, especially petrol one. The diesel engine has its usual harsh sound which does seep inside the cabin. The NVH levels for petrol engine have been contained extremely well. It should also be noted that the engine was refined earlier as well but with NIOS, Hyundai has upped the ante. Though the NIOS runs smoothly till the 100 kmph mark, the engine does feel constrained if you accelerate further. The gearbox response is timely and the manual transmission does perform better than its automatic counterpart.

This is applicable to the diesel engine performance as well. The bigger tyres and longer wheelbase mean that body roll is minimised. Also, the braking is quite efficient on the new Grand i10 NIOS. All in all, the performance does not match that of Maruti Suzuki Swift, which has got a much peppier engine. The car is best suited for city rides as the power and torque figures certainly won’t match your requirements if you are looking for a highway runner. The petrol is surely a better choice, as remains the case with Grand i10.

 

RIDE & HANDLING

Grand i10’s ride quality is considered one of the best in its segment. The NIOS carries forward this trend with a more stable suspension system than before. It diminishes bumps, potholes and broken roads quite easily. The steering feel and response have also improved over the current-gen, translating to better manoeuvrability and high-speed cornering. The steering wheels heavy at higher speeds and the car feels well planted at highway speeds.

 

SAFETY

The Grand I10 NIOS gets a bunch of standard safety features such as dual airbags, rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD, driver & passenger seat belt pre-tensioners and load limiters, driver and passenger seat belt reminder and speed alert system. The Grand i10 NIOS has a strong body structure-65% (AHSS + HSS). Only dual airbags and ABS with EBD are standard safety features in the second-gen Grand i10.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

The rotary air vents have a turbine-like design, replacing the simple one of the earlier Grand i10. The dual-tone interior scheme stretches out to the doors and the glovebox, which is cooled. Ample storage spaces have been provided in the interior. The addition of wireless charging pad makes the interior all the more practical. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports Bluetooth, Voice recognition, android auto and Apple CarPlay. The addition of rear AC vents for the passengers at the back improves the comfort and convenience quotient of the hatchback.

Space has been created extremely well, with ample knee room, legroom and headroom for rear passengers. Seats are sufficiently cushioned and provide good under-thigh support, especially for long journeys. Three people can be easily seated at the back, thanks to the flat seating. There are several first in class features on the NIOS: Emergency Stop Signal, Driver Rear View Monitor, Wireless Phone Charger, Eco Coating Technology, Chrome Door Handles, Rear Chrome Garnish and Shark Finn Antenna.     

 

VARIANTS

The Grand i10 continues to be offered in four variants:

• Era
•  Magna
• Sportz
• Asta

 

PRICES

The Hyundai Grand i10 has been priced in the range of ₹ 4.99 Lakh to 7.99 Lakh. On the other hand, the older model is on sale at a price range of ₹ 4.98 Lakh to 7.63 Lakh.

NOTE: All the prices are ex-showroom Delhi.

 

COLOURS

While the colour options available on Grand i10 might not be fascinating, those available on NIOS certainly are. Additionally, the NIOS is available in two dual-tone schemes.

Grand i10: Typhoon Silver, Star Dust, Fiery Red, Polar White, Flame Orange and Marina Blue.

Grand i10 NIOS: Polar White, Typhoon Silver, Titan Grey, Fiery Red, Alpha Blue, Aqua Teal, Aqua Teal with Black Roof and Polar White with Black Roof.

 

WARRANTY

The Hyundai Grand i10 gets a different warranty programme as compared to the older model. It gets a variable basic warranty scheme: 5 years/40,000 km, 4 years/50,000 km and 3 years/100,000 km, which Hyundai claims are the first in the segment. The earlier model was offered with 3 years/100, 000 km basic warranty.

 

VERDICT

The Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS surely justifies the NIOS tag as it offers much more than the older Grand i10. Talking of exteriors, it is much more modern and stylish than the previous generation. The interiors too are much more premium than before. The performance is good, about ideal for a small city hatchback. The mileage offered is decent and the car drives superbly over broken roads. It gets a smart list of features, is good on safety front as well. Also, important to mention is the aggressive price tag it comes with. If you are planning to buy a fresh petrol hatchback, the Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS is definitely a good purchase.

You can find out more about the all-new Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS at:

https://mynewcar.in/india/mumbai/hyundai/grand-i10-NIOS

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