Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS Pros And Cons: A Worthy Swift Rival?

Hyundai cars have been around for a very long time and the sense of trust it has built, starting from the market-storming Santro, then the Santro Xing to the current hit, Hyundai Creta. With the same strong footing, the entry-level Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS has been a decent seller for the brand, considering it sits alongside the mass favorite Maruti Swift. In this section, we will explore the Pros and Cons of this affordable hatch and find out if it can challenge the segment king. But before that, make sure to join our 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel, specifically curated for all the avid petrolheads with extensive coverage of the latest news and insights from the automotive space.

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PROS

1. Most Affordable Car With 6 Airbags

Hyundai introduced the facelifted Grand i10 Nios with 3-point seatbelts for all passengers. Hyundai further enhanced the safety of the Grand i10 Nios by making 6 airbags standard across all variants. This update positions the NIOS as the most budget-friendly car in India to offer 6 airbags. This comes after Hyundai decided to include 6 airbags as standard across its entire portfolio.

2. Feature Loaded

The Grand i10 Nios offers a comprehensive array of features for its segment. Key highlights include automatic climate control, rear AC vents, keyless entry with push-button start/stop, power-adjustable mirrors, steering-mounted controls, a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, halogen projector headlights, projector fog lamps, a rear defogger, and a rear washer and wiper. This makes it one of the most feature-rich offerings in the segment, something Hyundai has been known for doing across segments.

3. A Range Of Engine Options

Hyundai initially offered the Grand i10 Nios with a range of powertrain options: a 1.2L petrol manual, a 1.2L petrol automatic, a 1.2L petrol-CNG manual, and a 1.0L turbo petrol manual. However, in July last year, the company discontinued the 1.0L turbo petrol manual variant. Additionally, the Grand i10 Nios had previously been available with 1.2L turbo diesel manual and automatic options, but these were also phased out.

CONS

1. Lower GNCAP Safety Rating, But...

Global NCAP has yet to evaluate the facelifted Grand i10 Nios. The earlier version of the model earned a low 2-star rating for adult occupant protection and also scored 2 stars for child occupant safety, with its body shell being classified as unstable. With the recent addition of 6 airbags and 5 three-point seatbelts across all variants, the facelifted Grand i10 Nios might achieve a better safety rating. However, the latest testing will be done under the BNCAP testing protocols here in the country, if the brand volunteers it for the same.

2. Some Missing Features

Despite being a well-equipped hatchback, the Grand i10 Nios misses out on a few features that should have been provided at its price level and in 2024, such as front and rear armrests and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, it's important to note that with the January 2023 facelift, Hyundai introduced TPMS and cruise control, which were not available in the previous model, which is a welcome move, but the longing for something more remains.

Read more: Hyundai i20 Old Vs New: Here's All That Has Changed!

3. Ride Quality Could've Been Better

The limited suspension travel in the Grand i10 Nios leads to noticeable jerks when driving over potholes at high speeds. When a vehicle's suspension is stiff, it often results in a not-so-pleasant ride, with increased road vibrations and a rougher experience over uneven surfaces. This can make the car feel unsettled when navigating potholes or bumps. This is something I would like to see countered with the next update.