India's largest car exporter, Hyundai Motors, is all set to launch Grand i10 in the Indian car market on 3rd of September. Since this announcement, a lot of hype has been generated in the Indian car market. Interestingly, Grand i10 will be first launched in India after which it will be introduced on the global platform. It is being learnt that Hyundai Indian has not confirmed the official commencing of bookings for Grand i10; however its dealers have already started taking pre-orders for the car. According to sources, Hyundai dealers spread across length and breadth of country have started taking bookings for Grand i10 at a nominal amount. In order to book the car, the authorised dealerships are taking small amounts ranging from Rs. 25000 to Rs. 50000.
Sources also cite that Grand i10 is drawing a large number of enquires from potential buyers and once Hyundai India officially commences bookings, the figure is expected to further go up. However, the company has not made any official announcements regarding the price of its upcoming model; however it is said that the petrol version shall be available in the Indian market within a range of Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 7.2 lakh. On the other hand, the diesel variant is likely to be offered at a introductory price of Rs. 5.5 lakh. Auto analysts feel that Grand i10 will be seen competing against the likes of Maruti Suzuki Swift, which is priced somewhere around Rs. 4.46 lakh for the base variant while the higher end one carries a tag of Rs. 7.23 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom).
The soon to be launched Hyundai Grand i10 shall co-exist between the current generation i10 and i20 models. It is more longer and wider apart from having a superior legroom as compared to the i10. In addition, the car has an extended wheelbase by 200 mm than the current generation model of its sibling. The upcoming model of Hyundai will be available in both petrol and diesel fuel options. Grand i10's petrol variant is believed to carry the same 1.2 Kappa engine as provided in existing version of i10. While the diesel one is presumed to get a 1.1 U2 CRDi engine. This newly developed drivetrain will be one of the smallest diesel engines offered by Hyundai in the Indian car market.
The technology of average bar pressure and turbo charging provided in the engine is new and gives much needed power to the car. In the section of performance, Grand i10 will face a stiffest opponent for Maruti Suzuki Swift, which is available in 1.2-litre K series petrol and 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine. It must be noted that the design concept of the car is borrowed from the company's fluidic design language, which can be seen on various models of Hyundai India.
The appealing interiors of Grand i10 are reported to carry the dual-tone dashboard. Besides, the car will not disappoint in terms of providing comfort and convenience as it will come equipped with features like electronically adjustable outside rear view mirrors, central locking and automatic air conditioning system. The main highlight of the Grand i10 will be addition of rear air conditioning vents, which could be hardly seen in any of the same segment models. Though there is no official confirmation regarding the features that will be available in the Indian version of Grand i10, it is expected to offer more against the Maruti Suzuki Swift.
Auto analysts believe that Grand i10 will be marketed as the cheapest diesel offering of Hyundai in the Indian car market. According to industry experts, the upcoming model might enjoy a huge amount of success due to its pricing and innovative features that might dilute the potential buyers of Swift.
