What does the Nios give you? True to its nomenclature, meaning “More”, the Grand i10 Nios by Hyundai has a lot more to offer its customers. Adding to the arsenal that Hyundai so aggressively promotes in India, the Nios is the newest entry. A composite bundle of exciting design, peppy performance, and interestingly cabin space. On our recent test drive we got to see what the Nios is all about.
Key Facts about the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
We got to drive the diesel AMT version powered by the 1.2 Liter U2 CRDi unit, generating 72Ps @ 4000rpm, with an ARAI fuel efficiency rated at 26.2 kmpl. Also available was the 1.2 Liter Kappa petrol unit churning out 83 Ps @ 6000 rpm, with a reported efficiency figure of 20+ kmpl. With these kinds of numbers in real world scenarios, you are guaranteed a fairly frugal and stylish hatchback which is loaded with a ton of interesting features. Both the petrol and diesel options are available in a 5 speed Manual as well as an AMT option. Match this with the 8 color options it can be purchased in and you get 32 fun probabilities to check out.
With a target demographic of a young couple or enthusiast buyer, this car comes loaded with a brilliant infotainment system, digital display for the driver, sporty and supportive seats, front and rear AC vents, plenty of shoulder room, and a very refreshing set of cabin design features. There is a lot to love about this car. It does offer a lot ‘more’ true to its name. The stand out design elements are the great visual cues on the exterior though. Accented DRL’s set in the front grill, tear drop shaped headlights, the Grand i10 Nios inset in the rear door quarter panel and the prominently placed Nios badging on the hatchback of the car. These features add to the stance and presence of this stylish hatchback.
So after getting a good look at these features and creature comforts it was time to take this car out for a spin and see how it performs in real world road conditions. For that we had the back drop of the beautiful city of Udaipur.
Out for a Drive
Powering up the diesel AMT unit, you could immediately tell that the NVH package in the car was up to the mark. The seating position, drive position and visibility for a tall person like me was surprisingly comfortable; adding a lot of credibility to the spaciousness of the car. Plugging in to the Apple Car Play, and getting the music going on the infotainment system, we were ready to take the car out for a spin. The first bit of drive through the city traffic meant slow speeds, a few potholes and navigating a couple of deep water puddles from the incessant rains in the area. The AMT gear box was seamless, and while not incredibly peppy, provided a comfortable drive experience. Some low lying road stretches in the city provided an interesting way for us to check out the road clearance of the NIOS. Glad to share that in 7-8 inches of water, the Grand i10 Nios was well up to the task with three fairly healthy people in the vehicle.
As we got out on the highway, with a punch of the accelerator, the Nios quickly sped up to a safe 80 kmph. The steering and handling felt on the spot and the car felt well planted on the road. Braking was efficient, and powering up after braking was effortless. The gear shifts with the AMT gear box were barely discernable, further adding to the drivability of this car. With 19.4 kgm @ 1750-2250, there was enough torque to ensure that overtaking was easy enough. Ample power delivery and a good gear box are always a recipe for a fun drive. The Grand i10 Nios did not disappoint on this front.
The safety package on this car is worth mentioning as well. ABS, EBD, Larger ORVM’s, Dual Airbags, Emergency Stop Signal, and speed sensing door locks are just a few of the features that add to the safety rating of this car. Added to this are the reinforced body structure with 65% advanced and high strength steel. Keeping safety at the very core of design, this car offers a very package that is both enticing and practical.
Overall, having spent a day with the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, we bargained for and got a lot “More”! The ergonomics, style cues, performance and safety provide a package that makes a lot of sense. Get ready to see a lot more of this car on the roads!