Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Expert Review by Maxabout

Overview

Hyundai has done successfully with the approach of branding the Grandi10 with NIOS (which means "more" in Latin). The automobile, as the name suggests, offers a little more than its competitors, whether it is size, features, comfort, or an upscale cabin. And now, with its turbo-petrol variant, it has improved the pep and linear power delivery. It would surprise fans seeking a hot hatch with its energetic engine which improved the car's drivability.

Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS Design and Style

The front end is classic Hyundai, with a massive 'cascading' grille taking centre stage. We appreciate the lack of chrome: the gloss black coating makes the face stand out. With white LEDs, cleverly integrated daytime running lamps glow. However, there are no more LEDs anywhere else. You get projector headlamps and fog lamps, but standard halogen bulbs power both.

The Nios' silhouette is reminiscent of an advanced Grand i10. Hyundai has attempted to spice things up with machine-finished 15-inch alloy wheels (available only in Sportz Dual Tone and Asta models) and a blacked-out piece on the C-pillar. The 'Gi10' trademark may be found here, displayed on an elaborate honeycomb background.

The honeycomb motif continues when you look inside the almond-shaped tail lamps. Also, there is a resemblance to Tiago here, nothing that would turn you off. It prominently displays the NIOS badge on the boot lid, borrowing inspiration from the Venue. Hyundai has also added a dash of sportiness with blacked-out details on the rear bumper. The delicate dot of chrome on the door handles, the thin strip on the boot lid and the shark fin antenna are all eye-catching elements.

Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS Engine and Gearbox

In India, Hyundai Motor India Limited has discontinued the diesel variants of the Grand i10 Nios. The Grand i10 Nios was India's most fuel-efficient diesel hatchback. Following the elimination of the diesel engine, the only powertrain options are the 1.2-litre petrol, 1.0-litre turbo petrol, and 1.2-liter Petrol + CNG.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios houses a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, direct-injection petrol engine, as opposed to the conventional Nios's 83 horsepower 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol mill. It's similar to the BS6 engine seen on the Venue, but it's tweaked to produce 100 horsepower and 171 Nm of torque like the Aura. Depending on the powertrain, the Grand i10 Nios BS6 engine comes with a five-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission. When you turn the key to start the engine, you'll notice how quiet it is. This motor's refinement is commendable since it can scarcely be heard at low rpm.

Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS Suspension, Brakes and Tyres

There is no discernible difference in ride quality between this Turbo and the ordinary NIOS. This is a wonderful thing because it avoids potholes and clears the biggest of bumps. At all speeds, the suspension absorbs road irregularities efficiently, with only a mild thud over sharp pothole edges and road joints. Yes, there is some road noise at high speeds, but it handles our roads nicely and maintains composure with minimal body roll.

It copes well with the increase in speed and readily rotates the automobile in the direction shown. The 175/60 R15 section tyres aren't the most grippy and cause wheel spin with every forceful launch. When driven aggressively in turns, it even has a tendency to under-steer. The brakes are competent, with a hefty bite and a progressive sensation at the pedal.

Interior and Instrument Console of Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS

The Nios lives up to its name by providing more value, more features, more space, and more excitement. This edition is no exception, as seen by its intriguing appearance and ergonomic architecture. The all-black interior isn't as brilliant as the basic NIOS' grey interior, but it looks sporty, with red highlights on the console and red piping and stitching on the seats. The one-unit binnacle that houses both the 5.3-inch instrument cluster and the eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system is attractive.

Hyundai has been astute in providing the highlight features with the NIOS. For example, the large 8-inch touchscreen will undoubtedly spark conversation. It's the same unit we saw in the Venue, minus the BlueLink technology. It also features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, as well as a reverse camera. This is linked with a four-speaker audio system that can be controlled via the steering wheel buttons. An analogue tachometer and a 5.3-inch MID are housed in the instrument cluster. The digital speedometer, fuel gauge, and parameters like distance to empty and efficiency are all displayed on this panel. It also features a handy readout that shows which door is open.

Hyundai is replacing BlueLink with the 'iBlue' app. This is simply a Bluetooth-enabled remote control for the infotainment system. This is useful if you're in the back seat and want to use the audio system to DJ. There's a wireless charger, a USB rapid charger, and a USB connector on the front for your phones. Under the back, the AC vent is a single 12V socket for the rear occupants.

Key Features of Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS

NIOS continues to be a well-equipped vehicle that offers more than its competitors. It comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an ARKAMYS sound system, and a part-digital instrument cluster with a multi-information display. To add to the comfort and convenience, there's wireless charging, smartphone connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a cooled glove box, fast-charging USB slots, automatic climate control, keyless entry, engine start/stop button, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, premium seat upholstery, driver-side height adjustment, rear AC vents, and electrically adjustable and folding outside mirrors. In terms of safety, the NIOS comes standard with ABS with EBD, dual airbags, rear parking sensors, driver and passenger seat belt reminders and pretensioners, and even a speed alert system.

Top Speed and Mileage of Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS

The Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS has a combined mileage of 20 to 28 km/l and a top speed of roughly 160 km/h.

Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS Colour Options

Hyundai offers the Grand i10 NIOS in 7 different colours: Polar White, Polar White/Black, Titan Grey, Typhoon Silver, Aqua Teal, Aqua Teal/Black and Fiery Red. The ERA trim is only available in polar white and titan grey body colours.

Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS Competitors

Some of the vehicles that compete with the Hyundai Grand i10 are the Tata Tiago, Renault Kwid, Volkswagen Polo, Tata Altroz, Datsun Redi-GO, Maruti Suzuki Swift, and Wagon R.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS is a far superior package to the Grand i10. It is a truly competitive automobile in its own segment, with a unique design. It also has a new set of features, several of which are sector firsts. The cabin is big and well-equipped for safety. With these two engines and manual and AMT transmissions, the car is fun to drive and will appeal to a wide range of purchasers. However, the price is the most important factor for any buyer, and fortunately, the automobile has been priced competitively.