The last couple of reviews I’ve done have been on cars that are, let’s be frank, more aspirational than attainable. Well, for most of us anyway. It’s good to dream. It’s good to have goals. But it is also good to live within one’s means. Hyundai, although it has many aspirational models in its lineup, also knows what it means to have a rather limited budget. The Hyundai Grand i10 is testament to this. And it stems from the humble beginnings of Hyundai before SUVs took over the world.
All the bells and whistles
The updated Grand i10, which is now available in sedan guise, has arrived in South Africa offering customers a truly value-for-money proposition. It’s had some exterior styling tweaks, besides the obvious boot being added to the sedan version. Inside sees black cloth in both versions, but the sedan has a mix between black and grey on the dashboard and inner door trims. Two trim levels are up for grabs, the Motion and the Fluid. Both are generously specced with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, not to mention a rear-view camera with sensors. Oh, and electric windows and mirrors and a multi-function steering wheel. The Fluid adds cruise control and a rear bench that can split 60:40. All models come with two airbags, Isofix child attachments, and ABS with EBD. Unfortunately, no Electronic Stability Control, but that’s common in this segment.
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Shift into high gear
There are two petrol engines to choose from. There is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder pot with outputs of 49 kW and 95 Nm which is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. This is only available with the hatchback versions. If you want a little more spring in your step, there is a 1.2-litre four-cylinder unit that produces 61 kW and 114 Nm. This is mated to either the five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic ‘box.
This is the only engine option available on the sedan models. Bearing in mind that the Grand i10 is not made as a highway cruiser, but more of a city slicker. With that said, the 1.2-litre engine is certainly responsive, and you will be fine heading out on the long road when needed. Its compact dimensions mean it is a doddle to manoeuvre, especially in tight parking spaces. Fuel consumption is claimed at a low 5.9/100km for the manual, but a bit higher for the auto at 6.9l/100 km. The 1.0 engine claims a reading of 5.5l/100 km.
The hatchback has a generous 360-litre boot which is more than many of its rivals. Which, if you are looking in this segment, includes the likes of the Suzuki Swift, Toyota Vitz, Citroën C3, and Volkswagen Polo Vivo. The sedan would be up against the Honda Amaze, which actually has a bigger boot than this sedan version which is claimed at 402 litres.
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Pricing of the Hyundai Grand i10
If you are a first-time car buyer, an empty nester who is no longer in need of space, or perhaps you’re on the hunt for a car for your child, the Hyundai Grand i10 is something to consider. It has a fantastic warranty of seven years/200 000 km and the price point is very competitive.
- Grand i10 1.0 Motion (manual) – R229 900
- Grand i10 1.2 Motion (auto) – R269 900
- Grand i10 1.0 Fluid (manual) – R264 900
- Grand i10 1.2 Fluid (manual) – R279 900
- Grand i10 1.2 Fluid (automatic) – R309 900
- Grand i10 1,0 Fluid Sedan (manual) – R279 900
- Grand i10 1,2 Fluid Sedan (auto) – R309 900
- Grand i10 1,0 Motion Cargo Van – R245 900
Juliet McGuire
Juliet McGuire is South Africa’s leading female motoring journalist. She’s been a motoring journalist for the past 14 years and she is here to help you make an informed decision when buying a car.
