Hyundai Grand i10 Nios for India – first images shown

Hyundai Motor Europe may have only just released a sketch of the upcoming i10, but the South Korean carmaker’s Indian arm has already spoiled the party, showing us the first photos of the new A-segment hatch. Now, this is not exactly the car that Europeans will get, as this car is badged the Grand i10 Nios.

The “Grand” in its name likely signals a longer wheelbase exclusive to the South Asian nation, just as the previous Grand i10 was a stretched version of its Continental sibling. Still, it looks pretty much identical to the aforementioned sketch – minus the outlandish stance, of course.

All the design elements are present and correct, including the shapely projector headlights and Hyundai’s Cascading Grille, flanked by twin vertical slits that direct air around the wheels. On the Nios, the circular daytime running lights have given way to arrow-shaped units, and fog lights have also sprouted within the slits. There’s also no lower air intake here, only a taller grille.

Along the side, there are prominent haunches over the front and rear wheel arches, along with a window line that rises sharply upwards towards the rear. The teaser video below also shows G-i10 badging on the C-pillars, which are blacked out. There are also SUV-style roof rails.

The interior takes its cues from other new Hyundai models, including a layered dashboard design, horizontal centre air vents and an upright infotainment touchscreen on top of the dash. One can also spot the circular corner air vents and automatic air-conditioning, and this particular model comes with a rather neat two-tone colour scheme – with white panels for the dash and door cards.

Hyundai says that the European-market i10 will be available with Blue Link smartphone connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless smartphone charging and a reverse camera, along with safety features that include autonomous emergency braking, Driver Attention Warning, lane keeping assist and auto high beam. As usual, the specification will likely be watered down for the Indian market.

Expect the i10 to soldier on with the same engines as before, which include a 66 PS/94 Nm 1.0 litre three-cylinder petrol mill and a larger 87 PS/120 Nm 1.25 litre four-cylinder. The Nios is also expected to receive a 1.1 litre three-cylinder turbodiesel, while Europeans should get the Picanto’s 100 PS/172 Nm 1.0 litre turbocharged three-pot petrol as well.

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