The Hyundai Grand i10 first entered our market about a decade ago. It was Hyundai‘s entry into the growing A-segment. It enjoyed its time as a popular, decently equipped econobox. Fast-forward a few years later and it was replaced by the much more refined second-generation model.

This time Group 1 Hyundai received the then new Grand version, a longer wheelbase model originally developed for India. This one was positioned above the new entry-level Eon and the subcompact Accent. It was a nicely styled hatchback that featured European-inspired looks. Its roomy interior was also a big plus. Sadly, what could have been a serious Mitsubishi Mirage fighter was hurt by its uncompetitive pricing. The mini car eventually faded away from the dealership.

During its absence from our market, it received a minor refresh. Up front, it gained a restyled front fascia with a more dynamic looking cascading grille. Reshaped fog light housings now have integrated LED daytime running lights and air curtain openings for improved aerodynamics. At the rear is a new bumper with large round reflectors flanking the license plate recess. New alloy wheels complement the car’s updated design, too. Changes inside are mostly trim-related, which is not a bad thing since the Grand i10 had a nice dashboard layout, to begin with. While these changes are only cosmetic, it gives the little hatch a more upmarket appearance.

Outside India, the 2018 Grand i10 is offered with a pair of inline-4 gasoline engines: a 1.0-litre Kappa mill that makes 65hp and 94Nm; and a 1.2-litre Kappa unit producing 86hp and 120Nm of torque. In India, a 74hp 1.2-litre U2 CRDi oil-burner is also available.

In our post-TRAIN law market, a small gap has opened up between the tiny city cars and the subcompacts. Perhaps Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. should consider bringing back the Grand i10 to fill the void between the Eon and the Accent. A rematch between the Korean hatch and the Mirage would be interesting to see.

Article source: https://we-love-hyundai.weebly.com/blog/the-2018-hyundai-grand-i10