Things You Should Consider Before Buying a Used Grand i10

The Hyundai Grand i10 first made its appearance in 2013, but the model’s history dates much further back. The first i10 came in 2007 to replace the popular Santro hatchback: Hyundai’s first car in India. The i10 gave people an alternative to the hatchbacks in Maruti Suzuki’s portfolio. The i10 name was given to the five-door hatchback which offered remarkable levels of comfort and efficiency, thus it became popular. Over the years, there have been many engine and fuel choices with the Grand i10. A long list of variants is a given and it makes it even easier to find one which fits your budget and suits your needs. It makes a great first car and, if you are on a budget, there are some attractive deals on used Grand i10 models, too.

Hyundai Grand i10: Model Overview

There were three generations of the i10 sold in India and they all have different names. The first i10 was followed by the second-gen model called the Grand i10. The successive Grand i10 Nios was the third-generation model. The “i10” nameplate had been well-received.. The Grand i10 was welcomed warmly as Hyundai had developed the car in Europe and produced it in India. The compact hatchback offered commendable ride and handling characteristics at an attractive price tag. Initially both petrol and diesel engines were offered, but the diesel was discontinued soon after the BS6 norms came into effect. The current model was introduced in 2023 and offers a sole 1.2-litre petrol engine with a choice of affordable bi-fuel CNG+petrol variants as well.

First Generation (2007-2013, PA)

The Hyundai i10 was first introduced in India in October 2007. It replaced the Santro when it was launched in India in July 2007 and was on sale until 2010 when the facelift arrived.

The i10 was produced at Hyundai's plant in Chennai, India for both domestic and export markets. It had flowing styling and a narrow front grille with a larger air dam. It was offered with an evolution of the Santro’s 1.1-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, dubbed the “IRDE2”, making 65 bhp and 99 Nm. There were several variants from the entry D-Lite—which had black bumpers—to the Era and Magna. The Hyundai i10 offered goodies such as an integrated CD player and cool features including a sunroof and remote keyfob. In July 2008, Hyundai introduced the more powerful 1.2-litre “Kappa” engine with 79 bhp and 112 Nm. Two new higher variants, Sportz and Asta, were also added to the range. The i10 started from as low as ₹ 3.6 lakh for the base variant. A choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission was available.

The facelift i10 model arrived in September 2010. It had larger headlights and a larger and wider grille too. The same engine line-up continued with the updated 1.2 “Kappa2” petrol engine stepping in.

Second Generation (2013-2019, BA)

The Grand i10 made its entry in the second half of 2013, produced in India and bearing a smoother design which looked ahead of its time. It was much larger, having a 45-mm longer wheelbase and growing 200 mm in length over the i10. Befitting the new name, the Grand i10 looked more modern with striking lines and unique tail-lights, and had larger 14-inch wheels. It also offered many new features like dual-tone upholstery, a neat colour display in the centre console, steering-wheel mounted controls, and even segment-first rear a-c vents. At launch, the Grand i10 offered the 1.2-litre petrol with 82 bhp and 114 Nm as well as a 1.1-litre turbo-diesel with a potent 70 bhp and 160 Nm. A 5-speed manual was standard while the petrol also had a choice of a 4-speed AT. It also spawned the Xcent compact sedan.

This Hyundai Grand i10 was updated in 2017 with new equipment and a restyled front bumper but didn’t undergo a significant facelift at all, yet it is good value for money. It also received an LPG variant with the 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, which produced 68 hp and 94 Nm, and was paired with a 5-speed manual.

Third Generation (2019-present, AI3)

The arrival of the Grand i10 Nios in September 2019 made headlines as it was a bold new take on the popular hatchback. It was 40 mm longer than the Grand i10 and also 20 mm wider and had a 25-mm longer wheelbase. It addressed the needs of people wanting more from less, offering premium features in the compact segment. The standout features were the V-shaped LED daytime lights on the grille and dual tone paint option. Inside, was a new 8-inch centre touchscreen with a smartphone-like sliding menu, as well as illuminated dials and a TFT display for the climate control. The 82-bhp 1.2 petrol engine continued as is with a standard 5-speed manual transmission. However, it got the option of a 5-speed automated (AMT) box instead of the 4-speed AT of the previous generation. The diesel engine also grew 66 cc to qualify for a 1.2 CRDI badge and produced a higher 74 bhp and 190 Nm. The Nios also received a choice of 5-speed manual or AMT.

The diesel engine in the Nios was discontinued at the end of 2022 ahead of the BS6-II emission norms. However, Hyundai also introduced the sportier Grand i10 Turbo Sportz at ₹8 lakh with the 1.0 TGDI engine making 99 bhp and 172 Nm. The Grand i10 Nios turbo was equipped with a 5-speed manual and rides on 15-inch wheels, to appeal to the enthusiasts on a budget. 

The Grand i10 Nios facelift arrived in February 2023 and is the model on sale today. It sports a new design for the air dam, with a lower nose and flatter profile below the front grille. The LED daytime light signature appears as arrow shapes where the fog-lamps used to be. What is new is the push for bi-fuel petrol+CNG models like never before. Hyundai’s new Hy-CNG Duo technology uses two CNG cylinders below the rear load floor instead of just one large cylinder like the old Grand i10. This improves boot volume as well as safety. It also has a filler nozzle next to the petrol filler under the fuel-filler lid.

Maintenance and Service Costs of the Grand i10

The service cost is an important factor to consider when you buy a second hand Grand i10 because it directly impacts the overall cost of ownership. Hyundai India has definitely enhanced the ownership experience over the years with new dealers and service centres and the popularity of their models shows the trust customers have in the brand. Here is the average service cost for the first five years of service for the Grand i10.

The parts for the Grand i10 are easily available as it has been one of the bestselling Hyundai cars over the years. Finding a Hyundai service centre is easy, and getting your Grand i10 serviced on time will help keep it running smoothly and reliably.

Apart from the periodic service schedule, a second hand Grand i10 may be sparingly used or even have some high mileage. A higher-mileage model will require a closer look and a more comprehensive service after 60,000 km or so. That could mean a replacement of parts such as spark plugs, brake pads and more may be required. The following are the costs that may be involved:

Brakes: Keep stopping power optimised by replacing the brake pads at around 25,000 km. The Grand i10’s disc rotors front and rear cost ₹1,000 and brake pads are around ₹1,600.

Under the Bonnet: An extensively used i10 will need some replacement or another under the bonnet to keep things smooth. The Grand i10 timing chain costs ₹1,000, fan belt costs ₹550, and spark plugs cost ₹700-1,150.

Clutch: A light car’s clutch will last for a long time with normal driving but would need to be replaced at around 60,000 km. The clutch plate replacement cost for Grand i10 is about ₹2,600 plus labour and consumables.

Resale Value of the Grand i10

The Hyundai Grand i10 is one of the most popular hatchback cars in India. It has garnered a good reputation and thus enjoys better resale value. On an average, a 10-year old Grand i10 Sportz retains about 40% of its original value, whereas a four-year old Grand i10 retains over 70% of its value. Because of ever-increasing new car prices, a 2nd hand Grand i10 is a sensible choice for those looking for an affordable and dependable first car, or looking to upgrade from an old hatchback to a compact but better equipped and feature rich modern hatchback. The resale value depends upon several factors such as:

Location: The city of registration and use of the car makes a difference as cars from suburbs and cities are valued higher than cars from coastal cities or traffic-dense metros.

Model Year: Newer car models will almost always have a higher resale value than older ones.

Variant: Higher variants including Asta or Sportz, and automatic models will be more expensive and also fetch a higher resale value because of their features and equipment. Factory-fit CNG models are also good value.

Condition: A well-maintained Grand i10 that has been regularly serviced and has service history available will hold its resale value.

Mileage: A more sparingly used car with a lower kilometre reading will certainly have a higher value.

Common Problems with a Grand i10

1. Battery charge level:
   Users taking to car forums report that the charge level of the battery is not as good as expected. If the car is not used often or lies idle even for a couple of weeks, it may experience trouble starting.
    
2. Clutch wear:
   There are reports of more rapid clutch wear than anticipated. Regular use in bumper-to-bumper traffic can contribute to this.
    
3. Keyfob unresponsive:
   For higher variants with keyless entry and go, the button cell inside the keyfob may not last even for a year. These are cheap to replace but can become bothersome.
    
4. Headlights:
   Some owners report inadequate headlight power on highway drives.
    

Specifications of the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios (2023–present)

Here are all the specifications you need for the current version of the Grand i10 Nios in India.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Grand i10 is a compact, highly practical and easy to drive hatchback. Being locally produced, genuine spare parts are easily available across a vast number of authorised dealers and stockists. It is popular in mostly all cities in India with CNG more popular in North India. The long list features in the compact size makes the Grand i10 a smart choice.