Hyundai South Africa recently invited us to the launch of their refreshed Grand i10 compact hatchback, Grand i10 Cargo hatchback and Grand i10 Sedan in the Western Cape. It was a very grand affair!
The outgoing Grand i10 is a firm favourite with southern Africans: from young families to thrifty seniors, as well as corporate clients and rental fleets. Having replaced the very popular Getz, the outgoing Grand i10 easily held onto third place in the small hatchback sales charts, just behind Volkswagen’s Polo Vivo and the Suzuki Swift.
Although most vehicle segments are conceding losses to the avalanching SUV and MPV crowd, this Korean brand did the right thing by upgrading the looks and tech of their entry-level model. At the same time, they seized the opportunity to freshen up the Cargo version (as a viable half-ton bakkie alternative) while also introducing a new sedan version of the Grand i10.
New Grand i10 Sedan
Because of falling sales numbers, Hyundai joined a small number of compact sedan offerings which, due to their space vs. value proposition, cater predominantly to young families, taxis and e-hailing operators. This newcomer hits the market in “Fluid” specification with a 1.2L 4-cylinder petrol engine and your choice of manual or automatic gearbox.
Design highlights include a gigantic black grill on the front bumper, flanked by stylish daytime running lights. These are complemented by swooping rear light clusters and a chrome boot bar; while the whole rear end has an integrated spoiler effect to its design. Side indicators in the power folding mirrors, shark fin antenna, third brake light and 15-inch alloys complete the exterior look.
Inside you’ll find niceties like electric windows and mirrors, air-conditioning, a very handsome (and manually adjustable) multi-function steering wheel as well as plenty of high-contrast shapes and patterns to liven up the cabin. The black fabric seats are covered in a fine honeycomb pattern and sealed with bright red stitching… which looks funky!
Safety is provided by two airbags, auto lights, ISOfix anchors and keyless entry, plus a Marie-biscuit type spare wheel. Other noteworthy inclusions in the grand new sedan are cruise control, rear parking sensors, a mood lamp (!), various leather and chrome trim pieces, as well as a clever day-and-night inside rear-view mirror.
The gauge cluster has a neat layout and small central LCD trip computer, while infotainment is taken care of by an 8-inch media system with Bluetooth voice recognitions and Android or Apple capabilities. Our tester approved of the clear reversing camera, physical volume and track knobs, as well as 12V and USB-C sockets.
Grand i10 Cargo
Believe it or not, we at NamWheels are genuinely interested in small commercial vehicles like this Grand i10 Cargo. We are perpetually perplexed why every manufacturer surrendered their opportunities in the half-ton bakkie market (perhaps due to safety or cost concerns?) but left the door wide open for converted hatchback vehicles like this one?
So, basically what you’re getting is a cheaper version of the Grand i10 with sturdy grids protecting the rear cabin (the back door windows are fixed, too) as well as the removal of the rear seats. Hyundai has other cargo options in their local line-up: the former Atos and new Venue, which together accounted for half of all segment sales in the recent past.
Although it still has interesting design touches, the Cargo version features basic light clusters, swish hubcaps and black plastic trim on the outside. The interior is also less shiny than its passenger counterparts but still offers air-con, airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, funky front seats, power front windows and that media system with various connectivity and charging options.
According to Hyundai, the Grand i10 has a full-size spare wheel and only comes with a 1-litre engine and 5-speed manual gearbox. This finally leads us to the Grand i10 hatchback, which is available with a multitude of spec levels, engines and transmissions.
Grand i10 (Hatchback)
The outgoing model still looks fresh and interesting – especially at the front – but Hyundai updated the nose with a cleaner (and slightly meaner…) looking apron. Three-pronged daytime running lights (Fluid models) and a large honeycomb pattern completes the front look, you’ll find new alloy wheels down the stylish flanks, while the obligatory light bar has been added to its rump.
Other design details and specifications are similar to those in the sedan (mentioned above) with six exterior paint choices: white, silver, grey, black, red or metallic green. A two-tone black roof option is available for some Fluid models. Speaking of which, the escalating Motion and Fluid specifications are best examined during a thorough test-drive at your nearest dealer!
In a direct comparison with the Grand i10 hatchback’s main competitors, it turns out that most of the specification levels trump their rivals’ with better infotainment, superior parking sensors (or cameras), number of power windows, remote locking functionality and other luxuries like cruise control or alloy wheels. Oh, and not forgetting Hyundai’s amazingly long warranty!
Prices
[ August 2023 ]
• Hyundai Grand i10 Cargo 1.0 Motion M/T – R245,900
• Hyundai Grand i10 Sedan 1.2 Fluid M/T – R279,900
• Hyundai Grand i10 Sedan 1.2 Fluid A/T – R309,900
• Hyundai Grand i10 Hatchback 1.0 Motion M/T – R229,900
• Hyundai Grand i10 Hatchback 1.2 Motion A/T – R269,900
• Hyundai Grand i10 Hatchback 1.0 Fluid M/T – R264,900
• Hyundai Grand i10 Hatchback 1.2 Fluid M/T – R279,900
• Hyundai Grand i10 Hatchback 1.2 Fluid A/T – R309,900