The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is the Korean automaker’s contender in the popular mid-size hatchback segment in India. Launched in 2019, the Nios replaced the successful i10 hatchback carving its own identity as a more contemporary, feature-rich alternative.
With sporty styling, potent engines, and lengthy features list, it hopes to sway buyers looking at usual favorites like the Maruti Swift or Tata Tiago. This in-depth review covers all details regarding pricing, fuel efficiency, technical specifications, equipment, ownership experience and more to help decide if the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios fits your budget and needs.
Introduction
Hyundai holds second spot for passenger vehicle sales in India thanks to a strong product portfolio spanning budget hatchbacks to premium SUVs. Over the last two and a half decades, Hyundai has cemented its brand image as one offering modern designs coupled with extensive features even in lower segments.
The i10 hatchback has long served as Hyundai’s volume churner luring first time buyers. But the success of refreshed rivals urged the introduction of the new Grand i10 Nios boasting major upgrades to capture shifting customer tastes better.
So what exactly does the Hyundai Nios improve upon over the i10:
- Sportier exterior design and imposing street presence
- Two frugal engine options carried forward (1.2L petrol/diesel)
- Upgraded safety kit including 4 airbags and ABS standard
- Addition of segment-first equipment like wireless charging
- Enhanced instrumentation incorporating connected tech
- Improved ride quality and high speed stability
On paper, Hyundai seems to have armed the Nios adequately to match intensifying competition. Does that translate to a premium ownership experience? Let’s analyze across multiple parameters.
Pricing and Variant Lineup
Hyundai retails the Nios across 12 variants priced between Rs 5.3 lakh to Rs 8 lakh approximately. Given below are indicative prices of popular trims:
| Variant | Price |
|---|---|
| Era | Rs 5.3 lakhs |
| Magna | Rs 6.34 lakhs |
| Sportz | Rs 7.13 lakhs |
| Asta | Rs 7.90 lakhs |
It packs in features cleverly even in mid and lower variants making them appealing buys. Extra creature comforts are reserved for Asta variants targeted at urban users wanting cutting edge tech. Overall, Hyundai’s attractive pricing strategy enhances Nios’ affordability.
Mileage and Performance
Customers get to choose between 1.2L petrol and diesel motors when buying the i10 Nios. The proven 1.2L Kappa petrol puts out 81 bhp power & 114 Nm torque while the 1.2L diesel generates 74 bhp & 190 Nm. Gearbox options on both include a 5-speed manual and smart auto-AMT automatic transmission.
Certified ARAI mileage figures stand at:
- Petrol MT: 20.7 kmpl
- Petrol AMT: 20.5 kmpl
- Diesel MT: 26.2 kmpl
- Diesel AMT: 26.1 kmpl
For everyday city usage, one can expect around 16-18 kmpl from the petrol version while the oil burner returns close to 22-24 kmpl thanks to strong torque delivery. Out on open roads, these improve further to approximately 18-20 kmpl and 26-28 kmpl respectively depending greatly on driving style.
Performance stays peppy matching hatchback expectations with ample power for confident overtakes, incline climbing or cruising abilities even when fully loaded. The automatic gearboxes augment convenience without compromising fuel efficiency much.
Exterior Design and Appeal
Influenced by Hyundai’s sporty Sensuous Sportiness design, the Grand i10 Nios turns heads through its sharp styling. The imposing cascading grille flanked by sweptback LED headlamps gives it personality that rivals can’t match.
Side profile highlights include:
- Sloping roofline
- Blacked out pillars
- Machine cut alloy wheels
- Contrast roof option
The rear is sophisticated with claw shaped wrap-around taillights and chunky bumper. With its lowered height and wider stance, the Nios seems richer than before while still packing a sizeable boot.
Interior Space and Comfort
That athletic exterior wraps around an ergonomic and spacious cabin made up of quality materials. You get leather wrapped gear knob and steering adding to premium edge. Olive brown/black interiors with metallic accents on air vents, door handles etc modernize things further vs rivals.
Front seats provide ample support and height adjustment range catering to both tall and short occupants. Long journeys shouldn’t test comfort levels.
Although headroom and shoulder room is slightly compromised due to lower roof and coupe-like windows, the rear bench offers adequate space still. Three adults can be accommodated in a squeeze. Boot space stays unchanged at 260 litres capable of consuming couple of large bags easily.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Going big on gadgetry is what defines Nios’ interior. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered in Sportz and Asta variants is equipped with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, navigation and Bluetooth telephony. USB fast charging support allows juicing phones rapidly.
You also get segment first equipment like wireless charging, air purifier and wearable smart key band. The Arkamys tuned audio system ups the ambience with crisper acoustics. Other small touches like rear AC vent, cooled glovebox, push button start/stop across trims enhance everyday convenience.
Hyundai also packs segment leading connected technology through BlueLink enabling features like remote start/stop, door lock/unlock, vehicle status & service due reminders, stolen vehicle tracking etc via an app.
Safety Equipment
Hyundai has upped Nios’ safety quotient brightly reflecting shifting customer priorities. Even base variants get dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, seat belt reminders and central locking as standard. The range topping variants feature 6 airbags with ESC, hill-assist and vehicle stability management for added protection.
Ownership and Service Support
Hyundai enjoys a strong network comprising over 2,300 service touchpoints across India’s urban and rural areas facilitating easy maintenance. Running costs remain affordable too – calculated over 1,00,000 km ownership, it totals approximately around Rs. 1.25 lakhs. Extended warranty options help lower after-sales headaches.
The Grand i10 Nios finds itself among the top 5 best selling Hyundai cars attesting customer reception. From young college goers to seasoned buyers, reviews suggest the sporty exterior styling, extensive equipment list and drive dynamics make it hard to ignore while choosing your next family hatch.
Yes it skimps on rear passenger space and high speed ride could be better but considering everything else at offer, the Nios makes complete sense.
Verdict
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios impresses as a well-rounded package for car buyers wanting modern designs fused with latest gadgets. Potent engines, generous features even in mid variants, spacious & quality interiors, sharp handling and brand trustworthiness make it a tough contender in India’s hotly competed mid-size hatch category.
Given Hyundai’s increasing focus on technology coupled with reliability, expect the Nios to uphold its appeal in coming times too. For those seeking style, comfort and peace of mind without going overboard on budgets, the Nios warrants your consideration surely.
