Hyundai India has finally decided to enter the entry level sedan segment with its new prototype, based on the Grand i10 platform. This new generation car will be an exciting news for domestic buyers who are intending to make a purchase soon. Speculations are rife that the model will be unfolded at the Auto Expo 2014 in February and is sure to turn the heads. The South Korean auto manufacturer is leaving no stone unturned to promulgate its new innovation and the rest shall be unravelled soon.
Hyundai India has been a mass auto maker in all segments of domestic market and is considered the pioneer of car manufacturing in the country. However, the company lagged behind in the entry level sedan section, in which all the well established companies have made their mark. With astute marketing strategies, the company decided to clone its existing Grand i10 and replicate the concept to create a new generation sedan.
Not much time has passed since the advent of next-generation i10 in the Indian market. Carrying the legacy of previous generation model, the new Grand i10 was lauded with praises by consumers. In a short span, the car created a benchmark in its segment and evoked by its accomplishment, Hyundai's innovators decided to extend the wheelbase of the car so as to make it more spacious. Furthermore, the new 1.1 CRDi engine in the Grand i10 proved to be a competent performer and the company agreed on carrying the same mill in the new prototype sedan, ensuring a better mileage and fine performance from the latter. That is how the new sedan was recreated from an existing hatchback.
Amidst anticipations, sources are surmising that the new prototype sedan has been doing regular testing, regarding its performance. It is expected to share same interiors and body layout as the Grand i10, except for minor twitches. The roofline is expected to bend and form the boot rather than raking down, which will be a distinguishing feature, separating both cars in the terms of designing. The upcoming sedan will share its engine with the ongoing hatchback, having the options of 1.1-litre diesel and 1.2-litre petrol. Also, rumour mill has hinted that i20's 1.4-litre diesel might also be tapped after some retuning in the new sedan. Transmission options of 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic might also be available, with latter gearbox only melded with the petrol version.
The new generation sedan is supposed to be superior in all features of the existing Grand i10 and will bear a moderate price tag between Rs. 5 lakh and Rs. 7.7 lakh. industry experts belie that the inception of this model will give domestic buyers an array of options to chose from. Straight away, the sedan will be facing stiff competition from the already residing Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire, Toyota Etios and Chevrolet Sail. The first three models, however, have been largely spotted on the Indian roads and the left out Chevrolet is also striving hard to get acknowledgement. It will be really interesting to see how Hyundai disseminate and advertise its new creation. But one thing is assured that the new generation Grand i10 sedan will abridge the wide gap among the company's premium hatchback i20 and mid-level sedan Verna and assist Hyundai to intensify its domestic presence.
