Hyundai Grand i10: Sporty, efficient, tougher...

Simple, iconic, sporty and compact, yet roomy aptly fit the Hyundai Grand i10, Hyundai Motors and Investment (Ghana) Limited’s latest addition to the automobile market in Ghana.

A retouch of the Hyundai i10, the Grand i10 is powered by a 1.25-litre engine with manual and automatic transmission options.

Its aerodynamic-designed bumper means the second generation i10 has a technology that reduces forward air-flow resistance and rear spoiler effect for improved fuel economy and driving stability.

That was a unique selling point Mr Karthik J. Nayak, the Sales and Marketing Manager of the company, could not resist re-emphasising at the launch of the vehicle in Accra last Thursday. 

“The aerodynamics makes the car much smoother to handle. It also gives it a better fuel economy,” he said. 

He also spelt out a rather ambitious plan for the brand’s competitors in Ghana; “by 2015/2016, we want to overtake Toyota in Ghana. The demand for Hyundai is so high that production is not even able to meet the market demand,” he explained. 

The company also launched the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe on the same night.

Targeted at entry-level buyers, the Hyundai Grand i10 demonstrates combining comfort, razor-sharp styling and price to produce a vehicle that positions itself as a vehicle of choice for young professionals. 

The interior

Inside, the Grand i10 is amazingly roomy for a car of its size. Perhaps it is living up to its name.  There is plenty of head and legroom for both front and rear passengers.

The finish has been kept simple and neat. The buttons and knobs are straight forward, simple and easy to use.

While coming with admirable seat designs and fabrics, the accents are unique and appealing and complement the overall finishing of the seating arrangement, providing enough space and impressive cabin size. 

Ergonomically designed bucket-type front seats and spacious and cushioned rear seats with adjustable headrests offer ample support and comfortable seating.

The inside rear view mirror comes equipped with day/night modes to reduce trailing-vehicle glare while driving.

Equipped with a sound system that includes radio, MP3 player, CD-player and a USB-friendly slot, boredom is a forbidden word in the Grand i10 lexicology.

While the frontal visibility is a driver’s wet dream, the rear view is not obstructed by large rear-seat headrests, making it easy to snake your way through traffic. 

The car is loaded with convenience. The centre console integrated with the shift lever makes room for a cupholder, mobile phone, ipods or any small gadget you cannot do away with. Controls are easy to access and the pocket in each door panel is handy to tuck in your stuff. 

Notwithstanding all these features, Mr Nayak said the company had an open door to customise the vehicle for its customers.

Comfort is guaranteed with a car designed with wheels pushed out to the corners to further enhance interior space and maximise the wheelbase for smooth ride and contribute to stability and impressive drive dynamics.

Outside

For external looks, the glittering and uniquely carved headlamps increase the appeal of the car, and rear curves and ending tail lamps are equally a delight to watch. Aerodynamically sculpted outside mirror is ornamented with LED-turn indicator for enhanced looks and safety.

Safety

In the Grand i10, Hyundai kept its safety gloves on with it rear parking assist system (RPAS) useful for parking in tight spaces, the parking assist detects obstructions while reversing with the help of a proximity sensing buzzer, and minimises the risk of a possible collision.

With a combination of a rugged body structure, driver and front-seat passenger airbags, safety belt pretensions and an anti-lock brake system, safety is a guarantee.

Hyundai Motors and Investment (Ghana) Limited gives 100,000 kilometres or five years warranty, whichever comes first.