Currently one of the most popular automotive brands in the country,
Hyundai South Africa owes much of its early success to entry-level models like the original Getz hatch. While similarly compact, urban-focused offerings like the i10 and modern Atos have continued the respective charm offensive by this Korean brand, it's now the turn of the recently updated
Grand i10 to carry the mantle of being the most affordable model within
Hyundai’s otherwise broad local portfolio.
Sourced from India where car makers are encouraged via a tax incentive to keep the overall length of vehicles within 4-metres, bumper to bumper, the big news in terms of the revised
Grand i10 range is the introduction of a new sedan derivative. Offering more than 400 litres worth of secure packing space, this booted model is set to compete against the likes of the Suzuki Dzire and VW Polo sedan while largely targeting monthly fleet sales.
Updates to the
Grand i10 hatch include a fresh bumper design that on top-spec Fluid derivatives incorporates new LED daytime running lights. While entry-level Motion specification comes fitted with 14-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, the more expensive derivative features 15-inch alloy wheels, colour-coded side mirrors and the option to have a two-tone paint finish (with the roof painted black).
Hyundai claims to have placed refocused effort into lifting the overall quality of the
Grand i10’s cabin. To this end, the new cloth-covered seats offer impressive comfort, with the driver’s item now adjustable for height – a boon in terms of finding an optimal driving position. On Fluid specification, the rear seat backrest can be folded in a 60:40 split to increase the car’s claimed 360 litres worth of luggage space.
Another nice-to-have feature in a vehicle at this price point is dedicated air vents for rear-seat passengers.
The
Grand i10 now includes an 8-inch infotainment screen capable of pairing either wirelessly, or via a cord, to your mobile phone. The standard inclusion of a multifunction steering wheel adds further convenience.
The updated range remains powered by a choice of two impressively frugal petrol engines. While a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder is available exclusively with a 5-speed manual gearbox, the altogether more appealing 61 kW/114 N.m, 1.2-litre option is offered with the choice of either the manual transmission or a four-speed automatic ‘box. Claimed fuel consumption on both engine options is less than 6.0 L/100 km.
Relatively lightweight, comfortable and easy to manoeuvre, the appeal of the
Grand i10 package is that offers class-competitive levels of standard specification throughout its now broader range, it feels suitably solid on the road, and it’s backed via an extensive local dealership network by
Hyundai South Africa’s comprehensive warranty.
The
Grand i10 is fitted with ABS-assisted brakes and features two front airbags.
The updated
Grand i10 range is priced between R229 900 and R309 900, with the 1,2 Fluid sedan available at the same price as its equivalently specced hatchback siblings, the manual and auto.
