In the updated Grand i10, Hyundai once again delivers a fuss-free entry-level offering, with a healthy amount of safety kit and practicality to boot.
Ah! There’s just something purist about driving a car that keeps things simple, that doesn’t have all the most advanced technology in the world, and has a manual gearbox to keep you honest. SUVs might be the darlings of most consumers, but compact passenger hatchbacks remain popular, mainly because they are actually affordable to most people.
Besides being cheaper to buy, small passenger cars are very light on petrol, which is vital in today’s economic climate where the price of fuel is way above R20 a litre. These vehicles are great for university students, small families that need a daily runabout, and couples.
This is where the Hyundai Grand i10 shines with a broad smile, and why it has been a massive local success for the brand. Just a bit of background – the Grand i10 is built in India and more than 1.15 million have been exported to 87 countries all over the globe, filling the tough role of successor of the Getz. 49 252 of those made their way to SA between 2014 and 2020.
What’s great about the Korean brand’s lineup is that it has a wide array of model variety, including hatchbacks, sedans, compact to premium SUVs, MPVs, LCVs and MCVs. This extensive lineup plays a vital role in customer retention and is also why their monthly sales figures look so healthy.
Getting to know the i10
There are two trim levels for customers to choose from as well as two engine options: a 1.0-litre three-cylinder (48.5kW and 94Nm of torque) and a 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine (61kW and 114Nm of torque). The changing of gears is done by either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual gearbox, with the latter having better fuel economy.
As you’d expect, fuel consumption is low with Hyundai claiming a figure of 5.5-litres per 100km for the manual and 5.9-litres for the automatic. Stick around for the final average consumption figure we ended up achieving over a week of driving. For customers that crave a bit more boot space, there’s also a sedan version.
The 1.2 Fluid model which we drove for a week is handsomely specced. It comes standard with LED daytime running lights, electric side folding mirror functionality, cruise control and 15-inch alloy wheels. Standard features across the range are ABS & EBD, driver & passenger airbags, electric windows all round, rear park camera, a 6.2-inch touch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto functionality and rear park assist. Those are the type of features you’d expect a modern-day B-segment hatchback to have.
The segment it competes in is populated with the likes of the Suzuki Swift and Kia Picanto. The Ford Figo was also in the mix for some time, but it’s no longer sold as a brand-new model locally anymore. The Swift currently dominates the segment, but the Grand i10 isn’t exactly lagging behind and brings in good three-figure numbers.
Styling, design and dimensions
Even though there was nothing wrong with the previous generation’s styling, the current version represents a sizeable step up. Customers can deck their i10’s with a choice of six solid body colours and three two-tone options, with the latter options only available in Fluid trim levels.
All bumpers and door handles are body-coloured, but the 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 day-time LED running lights in the side corners.
It has a boot capacity of 360 litres, compared to the previous generation's 256 litres, making it much more spacious than a Volkswagen Polo Vivo with 280 litres and a Suzuki Swift with 268 litres. Its 1680mm width means that parking is easy and it is great for navigating those sometimes-tiny spaces.
How’s the drive?
From a driveability aspect, the bigger displacement 1.2-litre is the one to get as it has slightly more power and torque. The manual gearbox has a bit of stiffness when switching between gears, but overall it is nice and easy, which the drivers of these cars want.
Even though the 1.2-litre is the stronger engine, it does suffer a bit when you add weight in the form of luggage or passengers. The ride quality is decent enough with very good insulation to keep out wind noise, though hitting the odd road imperfection can be felt from the driver’s seat.
Coming back to the point of fuel consumption, Hyundai claimed 5.5-litres for the manual, and having had the hatch for a week, we returned an average consumption of – wait for it – 4.9-litres. It’s not often that real-world figures are better than the claimed figures! This figure was achieved by driving with fuel consumption in mind, meaning that we didn’t accelerate hard and we shifted when the indicator on the instrument cluster suggested we do. People buying this car will most likely drive similarly and that represents a massive saving at the pumps in the long run.
The Grand i10 doesn’t have the best sound system in the world, but it’s decent enough and the infotainment system is very easy to setup and navigate. Sections like the dash and door cards are primarily hard plastic, but it doesn’t look cheap at all, mainly because the layout is set out ergonomically with climate buttons and USB ports easily accessible.
Hyundai has put together a good package with the Grand i10, and that is emphasised by its popularity with buyers. It drives well, has a big boot and sips fuel better than most models out there. There was a time when the i10 was priced at just R105 900, but since then inflation has had its way with the price of basically everything, especially the price of vehicles. That said, with a starting price of R234 500 (and R285 500 for the sedan), there’s still plenty of value to be had.
Pricing and aftersales
Grand i10 1.0 Motion (manual) - R234 500
Grand i10 1.0 Fluid (manual) - R270 500
Grand i10 1.2 Motion (auto) - R275 500
Grand i10 1.2 Fluid (manual) - R285 500
Grand i10 1.2 Fluid (auto) - R315 900
Offered standard across the range is a 5 Year / 150 000km manufacturer's warranty that includes an additional 2 Year / 50 000km manufacturer's powertrain warranty, a 1 year / 15 000km service plan, 7 year / 150 000km roadside assist and a 5 Year / 160 000km perforation warranty.
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