South Korean maker Hyundai will launch the latest model of their mid-size hatchback -- Grand i10 NIOS -- on 20 August, 2019. This is a model update for the hatchback that will take on the likes of Maruti Suzuki Swift and Ford Figo once launched in the Indian market. Ahead of the launch, there are reports doing rounds on the internet stating that the upcoming hatchback from the brand will be sold in a total of 10 variants in the market. The bookings of the hatchback have already started at a token amount of Rs. 11,000 and the same can be made via a walk-in in the dealerships or via the online website. However, the maker has no plans to immediately discontinue the current Grand i10 in the market and the two hatches will be sold alongside in the Indian market. This will mean that the Grand i10 will become a budget offering in the segment and will give an even tougher time to the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Ford Figo.
Out of the total 10 variants of the Grand i10 NIOS, the petrol trims will make up 7 variants while the diesel trims will constitute 3 variants of the hatchback. The upcoming hatch from the brand is based on the platform used in the newer version of Santro and it has been extended the form the underpinnings of the new larger hatch. The new platform will not only make the upcoming i10 NIOS bigger, it will also help the hatch shed a lot of weight. Talking about the different variants of the Grand i10 NIOS, the petrol variant lineup will start with the Era variant which will come with a 5-speed manual gearbox only. Next up will be Magna and Sportz variants and the duo will get an AMT option but the Sportz Dual Tone variant will only get a manual box. Same will be the case with the top-end Asta variant as it will only get a manual box. Then the diesel variants will start with the Magna variant that will be offered with a manual gearbox only. Next up will be the Sportz variant which will be offered only with the AMT gearbox. The top-end variant here will be the Asta and as in the case of the petrol variants, here too it will come only with a manual box. Therefore, the Sportz variant will be the only choice for those who are looking for a diesel automatic variant.
The Grand i10 NIOS will come with a 1.2L petrol engine rated to deliver 81 Bhp and 114 Nm and this engine is expected to be BS-VI complaint at the time of the launch in Indian market. On the other hand, the diesel engine will be a 1.2L unit rated to deliver 74 Bhp and 190 Nm. Both the engine options will come with the choice of either a 5 speed manual or a 5 speed AMT unit (as stated variant wise). Moreover, the diesel engine too is expected to be BS-VI compliant ready at the time of launch.
Talking of the design of the Grand i10 NIOS, the new hatch comes with arrow shaped DRLs integrated in the front grille. The headlamps have been updated to be projector units, with LED treatment making a possible appearance here. The alloy wheels add a distinct look to the hatch and give it a sharp touch, so does the front grille sans chrome elements. While there will be no changes in the mechanical department of the hatch, one can expect some new features to make their way to the new Grand i10 NIOS.