Hyundai is no longer a fringe player. For years the Korean automaker was considered an ‘also-ran’ behind the likes of the more established brands from the East and Europe, but those days are long gone. Hyundai is represented in every major segment that matters in SA and its local line-up just grew this week with the introduction of the Hyundai Grand i10.

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One in each size

Despite the ever-increasing size of the small SUV sector, South Africans still buy five-door hatchbacks in numbers. This segement alone is worth 30 per cent of the SA new car market. Hyundai has no fewer than four different models in this space: the Atos, i20, the high performance i30N and newcomer Grand i10.

Check out Hyundai’s newest pocket rocket at this link.

The Grand i10 is an existing nameplate in SA, with two previous versions being offered locally, but the model launched this week is all-new. It has be completely revised from the ground up. A completely new aesthetic is the most obvious change. Angular headlamps and a gaping front airdam are quite European in execution (even though the car is made in India). Rakish lines are carried over to the flanks and pert taillamps round off the rear. If you are keen on a red or white paint finish, you can opt for a dual-tone colour scheme to help set your Grand i10 apart. Appearance aside, the newest Grand i20 has also grown in all necessary directions. It is wider and longer, though slightly shorter, and has a longer wheelbase to allow for great passenger room in the cabin.

Fresh inside

The upgraded appearance continues inside the new Grand i10. There are two trim levels available locally: Motion and Fluid, the latter being the higher-spec car. All models come standard with keyless entry, air-conditioning (with vents for the rear-seat passengers), dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes and a touchscreen infotainment system that offers Bluetooth connectivity as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality – pretty nifty for an entry-level car. The Fluid versions come standard with faux leather upholstery, a multi-function steering wheel and an LCD display for the instrument cluster.

Two engine options

Hyundai SA offers the new Grand i10 with the choice of two engines, both are naturally aspirated petrol units. The smaller is a 1,0-litre three-cylinder that produces 49 kW/94 N.m while the larger is a four-pot measuring 1,2 litres that develops 61 kW/114 N.m. Both engines can be mated with a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. See below for a full breakdown of the range.

First-hand

On the national ride and drive event recently held in the Western Cape we experienced the Fluid version first hand. Right off the bat we have to say that it is an agreeable little car. The ride quality is composed which makes the car feel more ‘grown-up’. As the temps on the day rose, we found need to crank up the a/c which chilled the cabin and seemed to have no noticeable effect on the engine’s output. Speaking of… The small powerplant is a willing companion in the new Grand i10. One has to stay on-top of the powerband but doing so means you aren’t caught flat-footed and can easily keep up with all motorway traffic. Thankfully the gear shift action is lightly sprung so shifting is not a bother in any way. We suspect the four-speed auto may be a tad lethargic in its responses when coupled with a small engine.

Summary

The new Hyundai Grand i10 has its work cut it for it. It compete with perennial market favourite the VW Polo Vivo and the recently launched Toyota Starlet. However, just shy of 50 000 units of the previous-gen Grand i10 were sold locally between 2014 -2020, which means Hyundai is doing something right. Couple the keen pricing (see below) with a class-leading seven year/200 000 km warranty, one year/15 000 km service plan and five years/150 000 km of roadside assistance and we can see why the Grand i10 can be an attractive proposition for shoppers in this segment.

Pricing

Hyundai Grand i10 1,0 Motion MT R 191 900
Hyundai Grand i10 1,0 Motion AT R 216 900
Hyundai Grand i10 1,0 Fluid MT R 216 900
Hyundai Grand i10 1,2 Fluid MT R 230 900
Hyundai Grand i10 1,2 Fluid AT R 256 900