One of the most anticipated car to be showcased in the forthcoming year is surely Hyundai Grand i10 sedan, which will be arriving earlier than the previously speculated dates. It was conjectured that the car will be launched during Auto Expo 2014 starting in February. But the company has unveiled the new plans of introducing its creation on 4th February, that is a day before the exhibition commences. Experts believe that apparently Hyundai is too anxious to offer its entry level sedan in the Indian market.
The sedan is said to be the successor of Hyundai Accent and would definitely aim to regain the latter's lost glory. Based on the Grand i10 platform, this car is almost a replica of the ongoing hatchback but with minor tweaks, which will differentiate the duo in outlook. Grand i10 sedan is believed to have a slightly elongated wheelbase with a measurement of almost 4 metre. Roofline of the car displays a minuscule bent, and forms a boot at the rear. The sedan is more commodious and is expected to serve as a full purpose passenger car.
Engine specifications are the same as the hatchback and Grand i10 sedan will be incorporated with an option of either 1.2-litre petrol or 1.1-litre diesel engines. The former variant will be engineered with the trademark Kappa technology, whereas, the latter unit will be composed of a newly developed U2 technology, assuring better mileage. Icing on the cake is the widely known conjecture that Hyundai will also launch a new variant in the sedan, which will be equipped with a i20's 1.4-litre engine. 5-speed manual transmission system will be provided with both engines, but interestingly the Kappa engine will also have an option of a 4-speed automatic gearbox.
Hyundai had recently launched its Grand i10 hatchback in the domestic auto market and the car has been an immense success at present. Claiming to have sold over 35,000 units, the South Korean auto giant has kept its legacy perfectly with this car. This hatchback was recently accorded with the grant of Indian Car of the Year 2014 award for its achievement in the respective segment. Reasons contributing to the global extols of Grand i10 are its aggressive marketing, sensible pricing and efficient fuel economy statistics. Similar to its hatchback version, Hyundai is expecting that the same performance will be delivered by the new sedan.
It must be noted that Hyundai is a patent auto maker in the domestic auto market and has accomplished some magical feats with its creation. The advent of Grand i10 sedan will be an addition to the everlasting prestige of Hyundai. The company is showing resilience and intellect in its marketing strategies and with a moderate price tag of Rs. 5 lakh - Rs. 7.7 lakh, this sedan is sure to see a whole hearted welcome by auto fanatics. However, stiff competition is awaiting the car, by its rivals Honda Amaze and Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire. Both the models have been equally renowned in the sedan segment and have reported massive sales. Experts are of a view that it would be slightly difficult for Hyundai to match with the standards of the abovementioned cars, but in a given time, Grand i10 sedan will be a prudent sedan from the company.
