The Hyundai Grand i-10 has become a highly sort after car. The previous generation was loved by many, old and young. Hyundai has now launched the new Grand i-10 and with the popularity of its predecessor, it has pretty big shoes to fill, but I am glad to report that the new Grand i-10 doesn’t disappoint.
Let’s start with the facts. The Grand i-10 comes in two flavours, you can have a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated engine or a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. There are 2 trim levels, there’s the Motion and the Fluid and you can get it in a manual or automatic.
I got to test the 1.2 Fluid with a manual gearbox. Hyundai made many changes to this new Grand i-10, it looks like a car that belongs in the city, in and out of malls at an office block for the young professional. It is very youthful and cheerful yet still good looking. The Fluid comes with day time running lights that look very in tune with modern-day car designs. Side note – they turn off when you put the handbrake up and I don’t get why.
Inside it featured faux leather with red trimmings, the dash has a very minimalistic touch to it but well designed. A touch screen has now been placed at the top of the dash which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Everything in the Grand i-10 was perfectly placed and had no trouble finding whatever I needed to get going.
While on the go, I did start to find some niggles that I do feel I need to address. Firstly the driver’s seat, it might not be an issue for some people but I have a problem with the way the seat base. it’s tilted upwards slightly putting my legs at an awkward angle and after a while making it uncomfortable. I could not find a way to bypass this and since I am not quite a tall bloke it did get quite uncomfortable.
The 1.2 engine in the fluid produces 61kW and 114N.m which does sound decent especially being naturally aspirated but it is sluggish at times. I found myself dropping gears at places I usually don’t when I drive my personal Ford Figo which is a rival for this car. Unlike the Figo, the Grand i-10 is very economical and feels, in most places, more premium than my precious Figo. Riding on 15-inch wheels the Grand i-10 is a very comfortable car for all passengers in it and can easily fit 3 people in the backseat without making things awkward.
If you are in the market for the Hyundai Grand i-10 but were looking for a sign to go for it, take this as the sign. I truly believe this car can make you smile on your worst days with its cheerful design. It also comes with a 7-year/200 000 km manufacturer warranty, a 1-year/15 000 km service plan, and as well as roadside assistance valid for 5 years/150 000 km.
Specs
- Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder
- Power: 61 kW
- Torque: 114 Nm
- Transmission: five-speed manual
- Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h – 12.3 Seconds
- Top Speed: 167 km/h
- Fuel Consumption: 5.9 l/100 km (claimed)
- Price: R 236 900
Images: Justin Jacobs
