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The compact entry-level hatchback is an ever-popular choice of car, and there have been great successes in this segment. Not only in terms of sales but even overall good cars with a lot of character to them. The last few generations of Hyundai Grand i10 are evidence of such success. The Grand i10 embodies the nippy city hatchback motif, and the range has just been refreshed.
Related: Hyundai Grand i10 (2023) First Drive Review
The latest Grand i10 has a new look, interior changes and even a sedan version to add to the range. So the formula more or less remains the same: a reliable, fuel-efficient and trendy hatchback that's easy on the pocket. We had the 1.2 Fluid Manual in hatchback form on test.
Styling
Hyundai lately has been in the business of letting loose when it comes to exterior styling with avant-garde-looking vehicles that have hit the mark with the likes of the Staria and even the new Tucson. The refreshed Grand i10 hasn't been left behind on that front. The front fascia resembles a piranha with the larger honeycomb grille and scowling headlights with the tri-arrow daytime running lights flanking the large grille, much more presence than the pre-facelift model. The side profile is more or less the same as the pre-facelift, but it still looks trendy. The rear section now has a light bar and even a tiny diffuser trim piece. Wheel-wise, at least with this trim level, you'll find 15-inch machined alloy wheels.
The refreshed Grand i10 is daring to be different with its looks. Some would be divided on the radicalness of its styling, but in this scribe's opinion, it's something that needs to be daring rather than play it safe. In this instance, depending on what colour you pair this styling with will really make it pop.
Space & Interior
Looks are deceiving. The Grand i10 may be small, but it's roomy inside. The utilisation of space is done pretty well here. Interior aesthetics-wise, it's less radical than the exterior but feels trendy and welcoming. The black and silver colour palette and red seat piping accents are attractive in this vehicle. The seats are partial leather. It's hard plastic all around in this vehicle, and it would have been nice to have at least some armrest padding on the door cards. Rear occupants ride comfortably even with this scribe's laid-back seating position, and the roofline isn't too low for taller occupants. Regarding boot space capacity, you can expect 360 litres and extend it to 910 litres. Not too shabby at all.
Comfort & Convenience
The Grand i10 feature set is substantial enough for the little hatchback but doesn't feel overwhelming. You get automatic headlights, cruise control, a USB-C port, electric side mirror adjustment and the like. The Infotainment system is Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay enabled, but the system could use a bit of polish in its physical presentation and even the system UI. A speaker system with more body to it would help as well. Other than that, the switchgear in the Grand i10 is within easy reach and feels reassuring. The Grand i10 has a premium feel to it when it comes to overall comfort while commuting. NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) levels are decent in urban and open road settings. The engine noise is hushed, and the cabin noise suppression is quite good.
Performance
You have the choice of a Kappa 1.2 litre four-cylinder petrol engine or a 1.0 litre three-cylinder petrol engine. Our test unit had the 1.2 litre Kappa engine producing 61 kW and 114 Nm. Bear in mind the Grand i10 hatchback weighs 897kg (kerb weight). The Kappa engine isn't pulling much weight, and even then, with the 5-speed manual gearbox, it is quite pleasant to drive. The Kappa engine in this application doesn't really need to be revved out to get the most out of it, although it doesn't mind being revved in some instances. The gear ratios aren't set for breakneck acceleration or taller gears but are in a nice medium. Regarding handling, the Grand i10 is quite compliant for everyday commuting, although a more connected steering feel would be welcomed. Highway manners are behaved, and the vehicle isn't easily unsettled.
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Fuel Economy
Claimed fuel economy in the Grand i10 is rated at 5.5l /100km in 1.2 Fluid manual form. We managed 6.3l /100km.
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Safety
All versions of the Grand i10 come with:
- Driver and passenger front airbags
- ISOFIX Child seat anchors
- Front seatbelt pretensioners
- ABS and EBD.
Price
The Grand i10 purchase price comes with a 7 year /200 000km manufacturers' warranty, a 1 year /15 000km service plan and a 5 year /150 000km roadside assistance.
| Model | Price (incl. VAT) |
| Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 Motion Manual | from R229 900 |
| Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Motion Auto | from R269 900 |
| Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 Fluid Manual | from R264 900 |
| Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Fluid Manual | from R279 900 |
| Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Fluid Auto | from R309 900 |
| Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 Fluid Manual Sedan | from R279 900 |
| Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Fluid Auto Sedan | from R309 900 |
| Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 Motion Cargo Van | from R245 900 |
Competitors
- Kia Picanto
- Suzuki Swift
- Volkswagen Polo Vivo
- Fiat 500
Verdict
The refreshed Hyundai Grand i10 is a decent vehicle and not a bad choice to consider if you're in the market for a compact hatchback. It does need a little bit of pizzazz in its driving dynamics and in some other areas to make it really stand out, like how it did with Grand i10s of old. For what it is, though, it does what it says on the tin and does so just fine.
