According to an Interbrand survey, Hyundai now ranks 5th among automotive brands and 36th overall.
The i10 has sold 49 252 units from 2014 and 2020. With an average warranty burn rate of R119 per unit, per month and an industry-leading warranty offer, I have always considered Hyundai a serious value-for-money brand.
Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director for Hyundai South Africa, indicated that the brand is doing well despite all the Covid-19 related challenges.
Bigger it certainly is
The new i10 will be available in three derivatives: a 1.0 Motion, the 1.0 Fluid and the 1.2 Fluid.
This new Grand i10 is longer (40mm) and wider (20mm) and with the new in-your-face grill, it certainly looks “bigger” in more than one sense of the word.
The bumper design, with the fog lamps right in the corners, strong deign lines down the bonnet and cat-eye like head light clusters with daylight running lights, the i10 will be forgiven should it want to claim big car status.
The shoulder lines are edgy and dynamic.
The rear end is well defined and those reflectors, again right in the corners of the rear bumper, leaves one with a wider impression of the car.
The tailgate window now measures 1 001mm. And while referring to this, the angle of the A-pillar has been improved – the door mirrors are larger and thus all-round visibility has been greatly improved.
And depending of your choice of derivative, the car is fitted with either 14-inch or 15-inch rubber.
Interior
My first observation upon getting into the driver’s seat, was that when my co-driver sat down, I did not at all experience a lack of space.
The i10’s new seat design offers greater thigh support and improved support during cornering. Although I did not sample the rear seat, Hyundai claims it to be much more accommodating to three adults than in the previous generation.
ISOFIX child seat attachments are standard as is a 60/40 split of the rear seat so as to enlarge baggage space.
The fascia design is uncluttered, understated and stylish. I like it! Nothing distracts or encourage fiddling around and everything is well placed. The touch screen infotainment system is easy to use and allows for access and management of various features.
It also features and integrated USB port. Seamless Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility allows one to stay connected while driving. I love the simplicity and clarity of the LCD instrument cluster.
Performance
The i10 will be available with two engine offerings: a 1.0-litre 49kW and 94Nm or the 1.2-litre offering 61kW and 114Nm. Power is directed through the front wheels and with the help of either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox.
On our launch drive we were not too concerned about fuel consumption but Hyundai claims a 5.4l/100km and 5.9l/100km for the 1.0-litre manual and automatic respectively. The 1.2-litre requires 5.9l/100km (manual) and 6.9l/100km (automatic).
In town driving and on rough roads, sound feedback into the cabin can be a bit harsh. This applies to most cars in this segment though.
The engine is responsive and the car is a breeze to drive in traffic. We were truly impressed with the little cars behaviour on the open road. The open road, as I indicated, introduced us to a comfortable and stable through the corners, drive.
The suspension soaks the road and this new i10 is really much more solid when driving at speed than the previous generation.
We did not do much of the latter but she is quite capable of cruising long stretches above the national speed index.
Steering is light but confident and this ads to a relaxed and pleasant driving experience.
Conclusion
Does the new Grand i10 compares well with its competition?
It most certainly does equal and improve on many offerings to the extend that you cannot, not have it on your shortlist when you are buying in this segment.
It is, in my mind, a big small car – offering more than what the price tag suggests.
The durability and reputation of the brand also offers value for your bucks and the 7-year / 200 000km manufacturer warranty offers peace of mind for even the most discerning owner.
Pricing starts at R191 900. Top model Grand i10 1.2 Fluid AT is priced at R256 900.
