Down here in Mzansi, there's a buzz in the air as Hyundai's beloved entry-level hatch, the Grand i10, debuts its revamped avatar. Not only has its facade been refreshed, but it's also introduced a new family member – the Grand i10 Sedan.
Hopping under the bonnet, the familiar 3rd gen Grand i10 hatchback continues to be propelled by either the punchy 3-cylinder 1-litre petrol engine or the more powerful 1.2-litre 4-cylinder variant. Interestingly, the sedan variant, entering our shores for the first time, has opted exclusively for the latter powertrain.
Whether you're coasting along the Garden Route or navigating Jozi's bustling streets, both engine options come with a trusty 5-speed manual transmission. And if you're looking for a smoother ride, the 1.2-litre variant also throws in a 4-speed automatic option, effortlessly driving the front wheels.
"Hyundai's top-tier performer in SA has long proven its mettle as a hatchback that marries impressive features with excellent fuel economy. With this latest upgrade, the Grand i10 sports a trendier look but retains the core strengths we've grown fond of," mentions Stanley Anderson, a pivotal figure at Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
Complementing Anderson's sentiments, he further remarked, "Hyundai's design team has once again hit the mark with the new Grand i10. It not only looks more grandeur but also packs improved handling and a smoother ride."
The Grand i10 Hatch's New Wardrobe
The Grand i10 hatchback now dons a bolder front, swapping its older hexagonal grille for a much more dapper, expansive honeycomb design, which stretches almost bumper-to-bumper, lending it a broadened stance. This revamp is further enhanced with boomerang-styled daytime running lights (exclusive to Fluid variants), giving it a neater frontal impression.
Around the back, the tweaks are subtler, but equally impactful. Simplified horizontal lines and a redesigned tail lamp arrangement give it a fresher and more modern look.
While the side profile remains largely unchanged, new alloy wheel designs—15-inch for the Fluid variants and stylised 14-inch covers for the Motion versions—spruce things up.
Colour me impressed! The Grand i10 now flaunts a choice of six captivating shades: Typhoon Silver, Titan Gray, Fiery Red, Phantom Black, Atlas White, and the delightful new Spark Green. And for those wanting to up the ante, Phantom White, Fiery Red, and Spark Green variants with Fluid trim can sport a contrasting black roof. However, the sedan skips the Spark Green in favour of a dark and mysterious Starry Night hue, without offering two-tone options.
Inside the Grand i10: Comfort and Features Galore
Inside, there's a slight variation between the hatchback and sedan. The hatch goes for an all-black theme, while the sedan mixes things up with shades of black and grey on its dashboard and door trims. Yet, both interiors come adorned with black fabric seats enhanced by red detailing on the air vents and seats.
The in-cabin experience is further elevated with an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system, compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This screen also doubles up as a reverse camera, making parking in tight Cape Town spots a breeze.
The other creature comforts include electric window operations, adjustable outer mirrors, and multiple charging options—USB-C, 12V, and a conventional USB port. And for those opting for the Fluid versions, your outer mirrors come with an electric fold-in feature.
Engines and Performance
The 1-litre engine—featured in both Motion and Fluid hatchback models—churns out a decent 48,5 kW at 5 500 r/min and 94 Nm torque at 3 500 r/min. The 1.2-litre variant, which powers both Motion and Fluid models including the sedan, offers a tad more grunt with 61 kW at 6 000 r/min and a torque of 114 Nm at 4 000 r/min.
Even in Gauteng's higher altitudes, the 1-litre powerplant, mated to the 5-speed manual gearbox, ensures a spirited drive.
Safety First
All Grand i10 variants come packed with essential safety features. From driver and passenger airbags to ISOFIX child seat attachments and seatbelt pretensioners for the front seats, the Grand i10 is set to keep our roads safer. Standard across the range are an Advanced Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD).
Pricing in Mzansi Rands
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
Driving off the showroom floor, each Grand i10 is backed by a 7-year/200 000 km manufacturers’ warranty, a 1-year/15 000 km service plan, and 5-years/150 000 km roadside assistance.
As Hyundai's Grand i10 gears up to charm South African roads, one thing's for sure: it's poised to be a compelling chapter in Hyundai's Mzansi story.
Also worth a look: the Hyundai Creta: Matte Edition Headlines 2024 Refresh and the IONIQ 5 N Wins TopGear's 2023 Car of the Year.
FAQ
Q: What does the Hyundai Grand i10 cost in South Africa?
The Hyundai Grand i10 hatchback starts from around R249,900 for the base Motion model with the 1.0-litre engine, while the top-spec Fluid variant with the 1.2-litre engine will set you back approximately R319,900, and the new Grand i10 Sedan kicks off at roughly R289,900.
Q: What engine options are available in the new Grand i10?
The Grand i10 hatchback offers two petrol engines: a zippy 3-cylinder 1.0-litre unit producing 49kW and a more powerful 1.2-litre 4-cylinder engine delivering 61kW, while the sedan variant exclusively gets the 1.2-litre engine paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Q: Is the Hyundai Grand i10 fuel efficient?
Absolutely, the Grand i10 sips fuel like a proper miser with the 1.0-litre engine achieving around 5.2 litres per 100km in combined driving, while the 1.2-litre variant manages approximately 5.8 litres per 100km, making it one of the most economical choices in the entry-level segment.
Q: What's new in the updated Grand i10 design?
The refreshed Grand i10 sports a bold new honeycomb grille that stretches almost bumper-to-bumper, boomerang-styled daytime running lights on Fluid variants, simplified horizontal lines at the rear, and redesigned tail lamps that give it a much more modern and sophisticated appearance.
Q: Should I choose the Grand i10 hatchback or sedan?
If you need extra boot space and a more formal look, the sedan with its 475-litre boot capacity is your best bet, but if you prefer easier parking and a sportier vibe around town, the hatchback with its 260-litre boot and nimble handling makes more sense for most South African drivers.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the revamped Hyundai Grand i10 remains the best entry-level car under R320,000 in South Africa. With prices starting from R249,900 for the hatchback and R289,900 for the sedan, you're getting excellent build quality, proven reliability, impressive fuel economy, and now a much sharper design that doesn't look like a budget compromise. The 1.2-litre Fluid variant at R319,900 offers the sweet spot of features and performance, while the 1.0-litre Motion provides unbeatable value for first-time buyers or city commuters. Hyundai's 7-year/200,000km warranty seals the deal, making this the smartest choice for anyone wanting a proper car that won't break the bank or leave you stranded.
