Evolution of the Hyundai Grand i10 across the years

It would not be a stretch to suggest that Hyundai is one of the top carmakers in India today thanks to the performance of its Grand i10 hatchback. Since 2007, the Korean manufacturer’s compact runabout has found many homes, and the Grand i10’s formula continues to work to this day. That’s not to say that it hasn’t evolved; on the contrary, the Grand i10 Nios has seen continuous additions, updates, and improvements to cater to India’s growing middle class. In this guide, we will run through how the compact hatchback has consistently managed to appeal in a segment that’s seen relentless advancement.

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Launch of the First-Generation Hyundai i10 in 2007

The journey of the Hyundai i10 began in 2007, a period when the Indian automotive market was on the edge of transformation.

Launch Year and Key Specifications

Hyundai introduced the i10 in November 2007 as a compact hatchback designed specifically for the Indian market but later exported globally. It featured a 1.1-litre iRDE petrol engine, which offered a balanced mix of power and fuel efficiency. The car also debuted with a 5-speed manual gearbox and an optional 4-speed automatic transmission, which helped it reach a wide audience.

Initial Design Philosophy and Target Audience

The i10 was designed to meet the urban commuter’s needs, combining a small footprint with ample interior space. The tall-boy design, a popular choice for Indian buyers, allowed for an airy cabin and easy ingress and egress. Hyundai targeted first-time car buyers, small families, and those looking to upgrade from entry-level hatchbacks like the Maruti Suzuki 800 or Alto.

Sales Performance

The Hyundai i10 became an instant hit, receiving positive reviews for its refined engine, premium interiors, and smooth driving experience. Within a year of its launch, the i10 sold over 1 lakh units in India, earning accolades like the “Indian Car of the Year 2008” and reinforcing Hyundai’s position as a key player in the Indian market.

Hyundai i10 Facelift Launched in 2010

Three years after its launch, Hyundai refreshed the i10 to maintain its competitive edge in a market that was becoming increasingly crowded.

Key Highlights

The facelifted i10 introduced Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language, aligning the hatchback with Hyundai’s global design philosophy. Key updates included a new hexagonal front grille, redesigned headlamps, and an upgraded interior with improved materials.

Styling Changes

The exterior changes gave the i10 a more refined and sporty look, appealing to younger buyers. Inside, Hyundai added features like a two-tone dashboard, steering-mounted controls, and an integrated audio system, features that were uncommon in this segment at the time.

Second Generation Launched in 2013, Called Grand i10

The year 2013 marked the arrival of the second-generation i10, now rebranded as the Grand i10 in India. It was positioned as a premium hatchback, combining the i10’s compact charm with added space and features.

Key Highlights

The Grand i10 was larger than its predecessor, offering significantly more cabin space. It came equipped with features like rear AC vents, keyless entry, a cooled glove box, and a touchscreen infotainment system, redefining the expectations for hatchbacks in India.

Engine Options

The Grand i10 introduced a 1.1-litre U2 VGT diesel engine alongside the existing 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine. The diesel variant catered to the rising demand for fuel-efficient options in a market where diesel cars were gaining traction due to lower fuel costs at the time. The ARAI-rated fuel economy for the diesel Grand i10 was 24 kmpl.

Safety Highlights

Hyundai equipped the Grand i10 with dual airbags, ABS, and impact-sensing door unlock as standard on higher trims, emphasising the company’s commitment to safety. These features were particularly notable in a segment that often compromised on safety to cut costs.

Third Generation Launched in 2019, Called Grand i10 Nios

With changing customer expectations and a rapidly evolving market, Hyundai introduced the third-generation Grand i10, branded as the Grand i10 Nios, in 2019.

Key Changes

The Grand i10 Nios was a complete departure from its predecessors in terms of design and technology. The car sported a refined and futuristic design, featuring Hyundai’s cascading grille, projector headlamps, and LED DRLs. The interiors saw a major upgrade, with a dual-tone theme, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and premium materials.

Key Highlights

The Grand i10 Nios came packed with segment-first features like wireless charging, a digital instrument cluster, and voice recognition. It also offered a BS6-compliant 1.2-litre petrol engine, a 1.2-litre diesel engine, and 5-speed manual and AMT options, giving customers a wide range of options to choose from.

Third Generation Facelift Launched in 2023

To keep the Grand i10 Nios fresh and competitive, Hyundai introduced a facelift in 2023 with updated features and improved safety standards.

Key Highlights

The 2023 facelift brought subtle design changes, including a new grille, redesigned LED DRLs, and new alloy wheels. Hyundai also introduced new dual-tone colour options, making the car even more attractive to young buyers. The interior updates included a larger infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and additional ambient lighting.

Safety Highlights

Safety remained a top priority, with the 2023 Grand i10 Nios facelift offering 6 airbags, ESC, and hill-start assist as standard on higher trims. Hyundai also focused on improving the structural integrity of the car, making it compliant with India’s updated crash-test norms.

The facelifted third-generation Grand i10 Nios remains mechanically unchanged, so it gets the same 1.2-litre petrol engine that makes 83 bhp and 113 Nm. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. The compact hatch also gets a factory-fitted CNG option with the 1.2-litre petrol engine, which makes 69 bhp and 95 Nm of torque. For the CNG, the only transmission option is the 5-speed manual. The previous version’s 100 bhp, 172 Nm 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine, however, was discontinued. In terms of efficiency, Hyundai claims 20.7 kmpl for the petrol-manual versions, while the petrol AMT returns 20.1 kmpl. The CNG, on the other hand, returns 27.3 kmpl. The Grand i10 Nios is offered in four trims: Era, Magna, Sportz, and the top-spec Asta.

Comparing Old vs New Hyundai Grand i10 Models

The Hyundai Grand i10 has evolved tremendously over its three generations. To highlight the differences, here’s a side-by-side comparison of features, design, specifications, and other key areas across the first-generation i10, second-generation Grand i10, and third-generation Grand i10 Nios.

Conclusion

Over the years, the i10 and its iterations have become synonymous with value, reliability, and innovation in India’s hatchback segment, much like other Hyundai cars. From its humble beginnings in 2007 to the feature-packed Grand i10 Nios facelift of 2023, the car has consistently evolved to meet the needs of Indian buyers. By offering a perfect blend of style, performance, and practicality, the Hyundai Grand i10 remains a top choice for millions in the Indian automotive market, cementing its legacy as one of India’s most loved hatchbacks.