In the bustling streets of India, where compact cars reign supreme, the Hyundai Grand i10 has carved out a niche for itself as a versatile, efficient, and feature-rich option for the discerning buyer.
This popular hatchback continues to evolve, offering a compelling blend of modern features, peppy performance, and the brand’s renowned reliability. Let’s delve into what makes the Grand i10 a standout choice in the competitive B-segment hatchback market.
Design and Exterior: A Fresh Face in the Urban Jungle
The Grand i10’s design philosophy embraces a modern aesthetic while retaining the compact dimensions that make it perfect for navigating crowded city streets. Its refreshed exterior boasts a more assertive front fascia, characterized by a bold grille and sleek headlamps that give the car a contemporary look. The sculpted body lines and well-proportioned silhouette contribute to an appearance that’s both youthful and sophisticated.
One of the standout features of the Grand i10’s exterior is its dual-tone color options, which add a touch of premium appeal to the car’s overall aesthetics. The addition of stylish alloy wheels on higher trims further enhances the car’s visual appeal, elevating it above typical entry-level offerings.
Dimensions and Practicality
The 2025 Grand i10 strikes a balance between compact exterior dimensions and interior spaciousness. Measuring 3815mm in length, 1680mm in width, and standing 1520mm tall, it offers a commanding presence on the road without sacrificing maneuverability in tight urban spaces. The 2450mm wheelbase ensures stable high-speed performance and generous legroom for rear passengers.
Practicality is further enhanced by a boot space of 260 liters, providing ample room for luggage and daily essentials. The 165mm ground clearance allows the Grand i10 to tackle speed bumps and uneven road surfaces with ease, a crucial feature for Indian road conditions.
Heart of the Matter: Performance and Efficiency
Under the hood, the Grand i10 offers a range of powertrain options to suit different driving preferences and needs. The star of the show is the 1.2-liter Kappa petrol engine, known for its refinement and efficiency. This powerplant delivers a peppy 83 PS of power and 114 Nm of torque, providing ample performance for both city driving and highway cruising.
For those seeking even greater efficiency, Hyundai offers a factory-fitted CNG option. This eco-friendly variant sacrifices some power for significantly improved fuel economy, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers and those in areas with good CNG infrastructure.
Transmission options include a 5-speed manual gearbox and an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) for those who prefer a clutch-less driving experience. The AMT, in particular, has been praised for its smooth operation, providing the convenience of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual.
Fuel efficiency is a key selling point for the Grand i10, with the petrol variants delivering a claimed mileage of up to 20.7 kmpl for the manual transmission and 20.1 kmpl for the AMT. The CNG variant takes this a step further, offering an impressive efficiency of 28.5 km/kg.
Interior Comfort and Features: Small Space, Big on Amenities
Step inside the Grand i10, and you’re greeted by an interior that belies the car’s compact exterior dimensions. Clever packaging and thoughtful design create a sense of space that’s surprising for a vehicle in this segment. The cabin layout prioritizes ergonomics, with controls placed within easy reach of the driver.
One of the standout features of the Grand i10 is its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rarity in this price bracket. This system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. The inclusion of steering-mounted controls for audio and phone functions adds a touch of premium feel to the driving experience.
Other notable features include:
Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
Wireless smartphone charging
Rear parking camera with sensors
Keyless entry and push-button start
Electrically adjustable and folding ORVMs
Height-adjustable driver’s seat
These amenities, often associated with higher segments, contribute to the Grand i10’s value proposition, offering buyers a taste of luxury without breaking the bank.
Safety First: Protecting Precious Cargo
Hyundai has not skimped on safety features in the Grand i10, recognizing the importance of occupant protection. The car comes equipped with a range of safety technologies, including:
Dual front airbags
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Rear parking sensors
Speed-sensing auto door lock
Impact-sensing auto door unlock
Central locking
Engine immobilizer
Built on Hyundai’s robust platform, the Grand i10 benefits from improved structural rigidity, enhancing its crash protection capabilities. While it hasn’t undergone NCAP testing, the inclusion of these safety features demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to passenger security.
Variants and Pricing: Something for Everyone
The Hyundai Grand i10 is offered in a range of variants to suit different budgets and requirements. As of 2025, the price range for the Grand i10 starts at ₹5.98 lakh for the base Era model and goes up to ₹8.62 lakh for the top-end Asta variant with AMT (ex-showroom prices).
Key variants include:
Era: The entry-level offering with essential features
Magna: Adds power steering and air conditioning
Sportz: Includes the 8-inch infotainment system and power windows
Asta: Top-spec variant with additional cosmetic enhancements and features
This tiered approach allows buyers to choose a variant that best fits their needs and budget, making the Grand i10 accessible to a wide range of customers.
Driving Experience: Comfort Meets Agility
Behind the wheel, the Grand i10 offers a driving experience that balances comfort with engagement. The suspension tuning provides a smooth ride over various road surfaces, while still offering enough feedback to keep the driver connected to the road. The electric power steering is well-weighted, offering good feedback without being overly heavy in city traffic.
The 1.2-liter petrol engine provides adequate acceleration for daily driving, with enough pep for confident overtaking maneuvers on highways. The AMT option, while not as quick-shifting as a traditional automatic, offers a good balance between convenience and efficiency, making it an attractive choice for urban dwellers.
NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels are well-controlled, contributing to a refined driving experience that belies the Grand i10’s compact dimensions and price point.
Market Position and Competition
In the highly competitive B-segment hatchback market, the Grand i10 faces off against rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Tata Tiago, and Ford Figo. However, its combination of Hyundai’s strong brand value, extensive feature list, and competitive pricing gives it a significant edge.
The Grand i10’s positioning as an affordable yet feature-rich option has resonated well with first-time car buyers and those looking for a reliable second car for urban use. Its success is evident in its consistent sales figures, often ranking among the top-selling cars in its segment in India.
Ownership Experience: More Than Just a Car
Owning a Grand i10 extends beyond the vehicle itself. Hyundai’s vast network of service centers, numbering over 1,300 across India, ensures that maintenance and repairs are convenient and affordable. This extensive reach is particularly valuable for buyers in smaller towns and rural areas, where after-sales support can be a critical factor in the car-buying decision.
The Grand i10 also benefits from Hyundai’s reputation for low maintenance costs and excellent resale value. These factors contribute significantly to the overall cost of ownership, making the Grand i10 an economically sound choice in the long run.
Future Outlook: Evolving with the Times
As the automotive industry shifts towards electrification, questions arise about the future of compact petrol cars like the Grand i10. However, Hyundai has shown a commitment to evolving its product lineup to meet changing market demands and regulatory requirements.
While there are no immediate plans for an electric version of the Grand i10, Hyundai’s investment in hybrid technology and alternative fuels suggests that future iterations of this popular model may incorporate more eco-friendly powertrains. The current CNG option is a step in this direction, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional petrol engines.
Hyundai Grand i10 : Small Car, Big Impact
The Hyundai Grand i10 represents more than just an entry-level car; it’s a gateway to personal mobility for millions of Indian consumers. Its blend of affordability, efficiency, and modern features makes it a compelling choice in a segment where every rupee counts.
From its peppy performance and impressive fuel economy to its surprisingly well-equipped interior, the Grand i10 punches above its weight in nearly every aspect. It’s a car that doesn’t just meet expectations for its class – it often exceeds them.
As urban landscapes evolve and consumer preferences shift, the Grand i10 continues to adapt, staying relevant in an ever-changing market. Whether it’s a first-time buyer looking for a reliable runabout or a family seeking an efficient second car, the Grand i10 offers a solution that’s hard to overlook.
In the grand tapestry of Indian automotive history, the Hyundai Grand i10 has woven itself into the fabric of daily life, becoming not just a mode of transport, but a trusted companion on the journey of personal progress. It’s a small car that makes a big promise – and delivers on it with aplomb.