Hyundai Grand i10

The Hyundai Grand i10. Image: Supplied

Grand entrance: Hyundai launches all-new, big-hearted i10 in SA

New-look top-seller: Hyundai has just unleashed an all-new version of its top selling Grand i10 onto South African roads.

Hyundai Grand i10

The Hyundai Grand i10. Image: Supplied

It is solid, it is stylish and it comes with a full package of features.

This was Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s (HASA) bold description of the all-new and fresh version of its top-selling Grand i10, which was launched in South Africa shortly before November.

In its announcement around the launch of its latest offering in the southern African market, Hyundai SA — the parent company of which is headquartered in South Korea — was brimming with confidence around its new compact passenger car which is manufactured in India.

“An all-new, fresh version of Hyundai’s biggest seller in South Africa has arrived with style and flair, roominess, a comprehensive list of features and road manners that belies its compact size. The new Grand i10 really is a small car with a big heart and makes a big statement,” said Hyundai

Hyundai Grand i10: Bold new look

“From the beautiful, bold new grille and fresh exterior styling to its exemplary driving characteristics on the road, the new Hyundai Grand i10 feels and looks like a bigger car,” commented the company.

“Yet when it comes to fuel economy and price, it answers positively to two very important criteria of car buyers in the entry-level segment.

“Characterised by its young, dynamic design, comprehensive safety package and class-leading connectivity, the i10 offers Hyundai customers many features that are not always seen in a car of its size.”

Hyundai Grand i10
Image: Supplied

Global popularity

Hyundai said its Grand i10 – built in India and exported to 87 countries – had a tough task as a successor of the hugely successful Getz in South Africa, but it more than lived up to the challenge.

The model is now in its third generation, with more than 1.15 million Grand i10s having been exported from its manufacturing facilities in India.

A significant total of 49 252 of those have been sold locally between 2014 and 2020.

Already Grand, but geared for more growth

“In fact, it has become Hyundai’s best-seller in South Africa and it takes a very important position in our wide range of Hyundai models for the local market,” said Stanley Anderson who is HASA’s sales and operations director.

“We believe that, especially in the present economic conditions and the global COVID-19 crisis, it has a very important role and that there is still growth in its segment which has plenty of competitors.”

“Entry-level cars do not have to remind you of that status because of the way they drive, the way they sound when you close the doors, their lack of head and leg room and sparse features list.

“The new Hyundai Grand i10 with its solid body, good looks, spacious interior and extensive specification list proves that, and gives you the experience of a bigger car despite its compact dimensions,” continued Anderson.

Hyundai Grand i10
Image: Supplied

Exterior styling delivers the edge

According to Anderson, it is the exterior styling that gives the Grand i10 its “attitude”.

“Admire it from any angle, and the Grand i10 will catch your eye with its bold stance and contemporary design visibility. New LED daytime running lamps and fog lamps (in the Fluid versions), combines with the stylish bold grille to give the i10 a bold road presence. 

“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,” asserted the director .

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.

The Grand difference

The Grand i10 Motion versions are also differentiated from its Fluid siblings by their 14-inch steel wheels with an attractive cover, while the Fluid derivatives are equipped with alloy wheels.

The one-litre Fluid version comes with a 14-inch alloy wheel, and the 1.2-litre flagship Fluid derivatives sport 15-inch alloy wheels with a different design.

Hyundai said Grand i10 buyers can choose from five body colours which include Polar White, Phantom Black, Typhoon Silver, Titan Grey and Fiery Red. The Fluid version offers additional two-tone options: the Polar White and Fiery Red body colours with a black roof.

Toyota Grand i10
Image: Supplied

Attention to interior styling and ‘big car’ convenience features

“When perusing the list of features in the new Grand i10, it is surprisingly long for a car of such a small stature. For the Fluid version it ranges from, inter alia, heated side rear-view mirrors to a multi-function steering wheel, artificial leather seat covers with sassy red stitching and rear park assistance,” said Hyundai, adding that additional attention had been paid to seating and interior climate.

“The height of the driver’s seat in all derivatives is adjustable and the rear seats’ backrest can fold forward – as a full bench for the Motion derivatives, and in a 60:40 split for the Fluid versions. In all derivatives the occupants can stay cool thanks to a manual air conditioning system, with air vents for rear passengers as well,” revealed Anderson.

“The new model’s seats are designed to provide a relaxed and comfortable drive for all occupants.

“The bolstered front seats ensure superior comfort for both driver and passenger, especially while cornering, and the bolstered rear seats back support were designed for optimum comfort during long journeys and while cornering.

“The flat rear seat bench provides comfortable seating for three passengers. The seats have been given enhanced thigh support for comfortable long journeys,” he continued.

Hi-tech infotainment

hyundai grandi10
Image: Supplied

All Grand i10 versions are equipped with an infotainment system with a 6,2-inch touch screen which displays Apple’s CarPlay or Android Auto when connected to one’s smart phone via a cable to an USB port on the system’s interface. A second USB port at the bottom of the centre console provides charging of any suitable device.

A choice of engines

The Grand i10, according to HASA, offers a choice of two petrol engines, manual and auto transmission.
A 998 cc three-cylinder engine and a slightly bigger 1,197 cc Kappa four-cylinder engine are used to drive the new Grand i10 range. 

The one-litre engine – used in both the Motion and Fluid derivatives – delivers 49 kW peak power at 5,500 r/min. and 94 Nm maximum torque at 3,500 r/min, while its 1.2-litre sibling – which drives two of the Fluid versions – reaches its power peak of 61 kW at 6,000 r/min. and maximum torque of 114 Nm at 4,000 r/min.

“Even at the high altitude of Gauteng, the one-litre engine delivers ample power via the five-speed manual gearbox to the front-drive wheels. There is also a choice of a four-speed automatic gearbox for both the one-litre and 1.2-litre Motion and Fluid derivatives,” said Anderson.

Frugal on fuel

According to Hyundai, fuel consumption for the Grand i10 with the one-litre engine and five-speed manual transmission was measured at 5.4 litres per 100km, while the same engine coupled with the four-speed automatic gearbox delivered 5.9 litres per 100km in a test cycle that combined city and open road driving.

Conversely, the 1.2-litre Grand i10 Fluid with the manual five-speed transmission recorded fuel consumption of 5.9 litres per 100km, and 6.9 litres per 100km using the four-speed automatic gearbox.

hyundai Grand i10
Image: Supplied

Nuts and bolts

MacPherson struts with shock absorbers are used for the front suspension, and a coupled torsion beam, also with shock absorbers, at the rear.

In terms of safety, the model versions come with driver and front passenger airbags, ISOFIX child seat attachments on the rear seats and pretensioners for the front seat occupants’ seat belts.

An Advanced Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) are standard features in all derivatives.

What you will pay for a Hyundai Grand i10:

  • Grand i10 1.0 Motion (manual) – R191,900
  • Grand i10 1.0Motion (automatic) – R216,900
  • Grand i10 1.0 Fluid (manual) – R216,900
  • Grand i10 1.2 Fluid (manual) – R230,900
  • Grand i10 1.2 Fluid (automatic) – R256,900

A seven-year/200,000km manufacturers’ warranty is part of the package, as well as a one-year/15 000km service plan and five-years/150,000km roadside assistance.

Hyundai in drive to fight COVID-19

In August, Hyundai Automotive South Africa and the Hyundai Motor Company donated 10,000 face masks, 7,000 bottles of hand sanitiser and 3,000 sets of protective clothing to the Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg to assist them with the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Earlier this year, five H100 trucks (also called “The Bakkie”), one H-1 Bus and two Grand i10 Cargo panel vans – were donated by Hyundai Automotive SA to Gift of the Givers and FoodForward South Africa.

The organisations use the vehicles in their drive to get food to communities where families have no income and suffer from a severe food shortage.

“The donation of the personal protective equipment and the vehicles form part of the Hyundai Motor Company’s global drive to improve and protect the lives of people who are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Hyundai Automotive SA CEO Niall Lynch.