Competition in the hatchback segment is getting all more competitive day by day and now with the scheduled launch of Grand i10, it is elated to get more intense. Recently the leading passenger car manufacturer of India, Maruti Suzuki launched its new model named Stingray, which is basically an iteration of already established WagonR model. On the other hand, Hyundai India is gearing up for the launch of Grand i10, which will directly compete with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Stingray.
On the engine and performance section, the main advantage that wrest in hands of Grand i10 is its diesel engine as compared to Stingray. Grand i10 shall be equipped with a 1.1-litre U2 diesel engine which is expected to churn out a peak power output of 70 bhp. Post its launch, Grand i10 will become the least priced diesel car of Hyundai that will be on offer in India. Apart from it, the petrol variant of Grand i10 shall have the 1.2-litre Kappa engine that would generate 83 bhp of power. Competing with the same, Stingray is provided with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder K-Series engine that generates a maximum power of 67 bhp while attaining a maximum torque of 95 Nm.
It must be noted that the main distinction between hatchbacks of Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai lies in the availability of Grand i10 in both petrol and diesel engine, whereas Stingray is only offered in a petrol variant as of now. On the comfort and convenience front, Maruti Suzuki Stingray is equipped with an advanced music system, which is compatible with USB, AUX-in and Bluetooth. The car is also provided with steering mounted controls. While for Grand i10, it is expected to have features like push start/stop button, automatic air conditioning, steering mounted audio controls and Bluetooth connectivity. Besides to these, the stand out feature of Grand i10 will be the provision of rear air conditioning vents.
In terms of safety and security, Stingray is provided with driver side airbag and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), whereas Grand i10 is expected to come out with slightly more advanced features. Coming to the department of fuel efficiency, Stingray is expected to maintain its lead over Grand i10 in terms of mileage. As per the claims made by auto maker, Stingray gives away an average of 20.51 kmpl owing to its lighter 1.0-litre K10 engine. However this average is expected to change while driving on tough road conditions. On the other hand, Hyundai Grand i10 may not be able to perform in this department as compared to Stingray.
In terms of price, the petrol variant of Grand i10 is rumoured to come in a price range from Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 7.2 lakh, while its diesel version is likely to carry a price tag of Rs. 5.5 lakh for the base model. For Stingray, the base model starts at Rs. 4.09 lakh while top end variant has been offered at Rs. 4.67 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom).
According to industry experts, it seems that both Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki are devising new strategies in order to lure the price sensitive Indian customers. Stingray and Grand i10 are basically derived from the existing models and both the cars will be slotted in between an entry level and premium hatchback by their respective companies. Both the cars are fully loaded; however Grand i10 shall have an upper hand over Stingray. But considering the kind of brand value Maruti Suzuki has, it will be hard for upcoming Grand i10 to efficiently square off against the likes of Stingray.
