Earlier this year, Hyundai introduced its freshened up Grand i10 range with new features and a new entry derivative designed to have greater appeal to the entry-level model. The revised line-up Hyundai Grand i10 range comprises; six derivatives starting with the new entry-level model, the Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 Motion 5-speed manual which has replaced the i10, to the Grand i10 1.25 Glide 5-speed manual which is the flagship of the range and is the derivative we feature today.

The Hyundai Grand i10 is a top seller in its category and the new model retains its fluidic design language, which has worked wonders with all the current Hyundai models. The new Grand i10 features sleek and substantial lines that make the hatchback somewhat larger than its actual dimensions.

The sleek exterior design of the Grand i10 ensures a drag coefficient of just 0.35, which is aided by detailed improvements such as windscreen sealing which does not protrude into the airstream. The aerodynamic shape reduces wind noise, as well as fuel consumption, contributing to very low noise levels. The new i10 Grand model is recognized by its new hexagonal grille, which has become the signature front end for Hyundai Motor's cars, and is chromed for the Grand i10 Glide derivative. Standard are the colour-coded door handles and side-mirrors, with built-in turn indicators, a rear combination lamp with a spoiler and built-in LED lamp, and LED daytime running lights In front. The Grand i10 Glide rides on sporty alloy wheels with “Diamond Cut” design which on the press vehicle was shod with Korean Hankook 165/65R14 radials.

The low roofline creates an athletic on-the-road stance, complemented by the sleek proportions of the body shell which is highlighted by the sharp belt line. The body shell of the Grand i10 yields one of the roomiest occupant cabins in its market segment. There’s ample space up front for driver and passenger, and at the rear, the bench seat is wide enough for three passengers and there are three headrests. However despite the car’s low roofline, a 6-footer will be comfortable enough with quite generous legroom. However the middle passenger may find things a bit tight for long journeys. All seats have adjustable headrests. To assist in getting in or out, there are three grab handles mounted above the side windows. Storage for oddments are provided for by the handy tray under the front passenger seat, in the door pockets and in the decent sized cubby hole. Luggage space is pretty generous for a hatchback with a 256 litre boot, and if more loading space is required, capacity can be increased to 1 202 litres by folding the rear seats down.

Moving inside, the Grand i10 Glide features black leather and red cloth and sports red inserts on the instrument and door panels, as well as the center console. Standard features include manual air-conditioner, electric front windows, electric motor assisted power steering system, USB and AUX inlet plugs, height adjustable multi-function steering wheel with buttons for the audio, Bluetooth and trip recorder, which displays fuel consumption and the range left from the fuel in the tank. The tank holds 43 litres.

Also standard is remote keyless entry, front and rear electric windows, electric heated and folding side mirrors, an excellent Infotainment system, black leather and red cloth upholstery, leather covered gear-lever, and steering wheel and rear park distance control.Another nice touch with the Glide specification is that the buyer has the option of buying a SD memory card for R2 500 to activate the navigation system on the infotainment system.

The suspension system has also been tweaked with its electric motor assisted steering system up front and a coupled torsion beam suspension at the rear for comfortable driving with a stable and firm grip on the road. From a driver’s perspective, the steering wheel is adjustable for height only, but the driver’s seat is height adjustable, as are the seat belts shoulder mounting point. Both front seats are well shaped and all-round visibility is good.

Safety equipment includes; driver and front passenger airbags, and ABS brakes are now standard. The Grand i10 1.25 Glide manual is powered by Hyundai’s 1.25-litre engine from the "Kappa" engine family and incorporates a range of advanced technical features that raise power and torque, which enhances smoothness and drive-ability.

The 1.25 Fluid manualis powered by Hyundai’s proven 1 248 cc 4-cylinder dual overhead cam petrol engine with continuously variable valve timing, and develops 64 kW peak power at 6 000 rpm and maximum torque of 120 Nm at 4 000 rpm, with drive delivered to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. Hyundai claim that petrol consumption can be as low as 5.9 litres/100 km’s, however, over the week I had the press vehicle, the trip recorder showed a reading of 6.8 litres per 100 km’s which is really very good. Seated behind the wheel, with the variable adjustable driver’s seat, I had no problem finding a comfortable driving position, and once seated, the first thing that impressed was the sensible layout of the instruments, buttons and levers, the infotainment system, and the excellent all round vision.

Driving the new i10 Grand around town is actually grand. The nicely weighted clutch makes for smooth take off, and the car is so nimble it’s easy to make your way through the morning traffic without offending anyone. On the freeways, the extra power of the new 1.25 litre engine is immediately noticeable, and as it builds up speed, the motor runs significantly quieter, in fact quieter than most small engines I’ve sampled recently, and the improved drivability allows you to hold the car in higher gears without any signs of protest from the engine. The short gearing sees the engine spinning at a high-ish 3 600 rpm at 120 km/h in 5th gear, but it’s nice and quiet in the cab and you hardly feel the speed. In a short acceleration test, taking the rev counter right up to the 6 200 rpm red line before changing up, the speedo needle passed the 100 km/h mark from standstill, in just under 12 seconds with two gear changes. Top speed is just under 170 km/h. In the stopping department, the Grand i10 is fitted with disc brakes up front and drums at the rear, and in testing, stomping hard on the brake pedal at 100 km/h brought the vehicle to a complete stop in just under three seconds, which is very good.

Hyundai has updated the suspension of the new Grand i10, and it’s made quite a difference. On some of the very poor back roads, the Grand i10 did a great job in ironing out the bumps. Poor tar roads and undulations are absorbed with only a muted sound entering the cabin and all told, ride quality is top notch. The steering is light, quick and accurate, and the car feels stable and composed through the twists and turns, and runs quietly on the motorways. At fairly high speeds through the bends, it showed good grip and very little body lean; however on steep or long inclines, it is necessary to drop a gear or two, to keep up the momentum.

Hyundai’s new and improved Grand i10 5-speed manual is a pleasant car to drive. It has good styling, lots of features, spacious cabin and boot, and is very well priced. The recommended retail selling price of the new Hyundai Grand i10 1.25 Glide 5-speed manual is R202 900 which includes a 2-year / 30 000 km service plan and Hyundai’s 7 year/200 000 km warranty