Used car buying guide: Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

GOOD FOR: Cabin quality, Features list

LOOK OUT FOR: AMT gearbox, Suspension wear

The Hyundai i10 nameplate has proven to be very popular in India over the years, with buyers being drawn to its refined engine options, equipment levels and easy-to-drive nature.

The Grand i10 Nios, which was launched in August 2019, was built on its predecessors’ strengths and became an even more complete package with its premium interiors and expansive features list. The Nios comes across as the ideal city-friendly, family hatchback, but there’s some things to note before you decide to buy it.

The Grand i10 Nios was launched with 1.2-litre petrol and diesel engines. The CRDi diesel engine is a three-cylinder, turbocharged unit that puts out 75hp and 190Nm of torque and the petrol engine is a four-cylinder, naturally aspirated unit that produces 83hp and 114Nm of torque. Both engines can be had with either a 5-speed manual or AMT automatic gearbox.

In our road test review, the Nios 1.2 petrol manual returned 13kpl in the city and 16.21kpl on the highway while the petrol AMT managed a better 13.76kpl in city and 16.61kpl out on the highway. The diesels are very frugal though, with the manual returning 14.90kpl and 19.64kpl in the city and on the highway, respectively. The diesel AMT follows the manual closely, with 14.87kpl in the city and 19.36kpl on the highway.

Hyundai also introduced two more powertrain options after the initial launch. One was the CNG, which uses the same engine as the 1.2 petrol, but has a lower output of 69hp and 95Nm, and the other was the performance-focused Turbo, which uses a 1.0-litre, direct-injection, turbo-petrol engine that puts out 100hp and 172Nm.

In terms of features, the top-spec Asta variant comes equipped with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, an Arkamys sound system, auto climate control, a 5.3-inch part-digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, a cooled glove box, a leather-wrapped steering, keyless entry with push-button start/stop, rear AC vents, a rear parking camera, electrically adjustable and foldable wing mirrors and a rear wash/wipe. Safety-wise, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, seat-belt reminders and rear parking sensors are standard fitment across the range.

It’s best to go for either the range-topping Asta trim or the Sportz trim as they offer all the necessary features like touchscreen, alloy wheels and parking camera. In terms of the engine-gearbox, your usage should determine your choice. If you are a keen driver, the Nios Turbo is the one for you, but if you’re looking for cheap motoring, the CNG will serve you just fine. The 1.2 petrols too are smooth and frugal enough. However, the diesel AMT is now a unique proposition in this segment. Not only do you get the benefit of the higher fuel economy, but there’s also the convenience of the automatic gearbox. Furthermore, diesel costs less than petrol too, currently, so that’s another added bonus. 

The i10 Nios is known to be a reliable model which should offer you peace of mind. Spare parts are widely available and are priced more or less on par with others in the segment. Furthermore, there’s also Hyundai’s expansive service network in the country to fall back upon.

Buyer, beware…

AMT gearbox

As is the case with all AMTs, it’s best to inspect the clutch wear before making the purchase. On a test drive, make sure that the car’s creep function is working well, it rolls off the line smoothly and the shifts aren’t jerky. These are signs of a healthy AMT box.

Suspension wear

Some i10 Nios owners have reported early suspension wear from their cars. During the test drive, check if the car’s suspension makes any noises or crashes excessively on bad roads. This is a sign of a worn out suspension bushings, which will need to be replaced. 

AC cooling

Although this is not a common issue, few owners have faced problems of inadequate cooling from the Nios’ AC system. This could be an issue with the AC coil so it’s best to test this out before buying.

Also worth knowing

Before you make the purchase, it is always advisable to check the condition of consumable parts such as brake pads, tyres and fluids. Also, since the Grand i10 Nios is a relatively new model, look to buy one which has an extended warranty package as it’ll help your ownership experience.

How much to spend

Rs 5.5 lakh-7.5 lakh

Given that the Grand i10 Nios is a Hyundai model that’s still on sale, prices for the hatchback in the used market are on the higher side. Spending around Rs 5.5 lakh to 7.5 lakh, depending on the engine-gearbox combination and trim level, represents decent value.

Also see:

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios review, road test