Hyundai Grand i10 Nios facelift review: The sensible city car

In a world of SUV this and electric that, cars like this Hyundai Grand i10 Nios seem to fly under the radar. In fact, Hyundai itself didn’t make half as much noise about this facelifted Nios as it did about the arrival of the updated Venue a couple of months ago. But let’s give the very sensible and very likeable Grand i10 Nios due space and talk of what’s changed.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios facelift: exterior

An enlarged grille, reprofiled bumpers and new LED DRLs are part of the facelift.

Of course, a facelift today means a larger grille, and that’s what you get on the Nios too. The grille makes up most of the redone front bumper and there are new tri-arrow daytime running lights lower down as well. There are no changes to the headlights or bonnet but a close look will reveal a flatter, satin finished Hyundai logo in place of the 3D chrome one from before.

15-inch alloy rims get a new design.

At the sides, it’s just the new design for the 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels that tells you this is the updated Nios. Styling at the back, though, has been jazzed up. The bootlid is reprofiled but what’s more prominent are the reshaped tail-lights that are linked by a band, something that’s trending now. But while the tail-lamps also get updated with LED elements, the band is merely a reflector and doesn’t light up. In all, the visual tweaks sure make the Grand i10 Nios a bit more eye-catching.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios facelift: interior, features, safety

Digital speedo has been dropped in favour of new analogue dials.

There are fewer changes inside. Lighter colours, new upholstery and a new instrument cluster with analogue dials (the last one had a digital speedometer) help the look in what is a practical and well thought out interior. Things like the relatively high-set seating, well-positioned touchscreen and loads of storage space mean the Grand i10 Nios remains a car that puts you at immediate ease.

The facelifted Grand i10 Nios now gets cruise control as part of the feature additions.

As before, the Grand i10 Nios comes feature-packed in higher-spec avatars. Keyless entry, push-button start, auto climate control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless phone charger and rear AC vents are part of the package on the top-spec Asta trim featured here. Feature additions in this update include a Type-C USB charging port and cruise control, though it’s the longer list of safety equipment that’s noteworthy. Front and side airbags are now standard across the range, while top-spec versions also add in curtain airbags.

There’s room for six-footers at the back but a third person will be a squeeze.

Electronic stability control, hill start assist, tyre pressure monitoring system and ISOFIX child-seat mounts are other inclusions on higher spec trims, all of which go above safety regulation norms. As before, the rear section remains surprisingly spacious for two occupants, while the 260-litre boot can accommodate a large suitcase with ease.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios facelift: engine and gearbox

The 1.2-litre engine in petrol or CNG-spec is now the only powertrain offered on the hatchback.

With the update, Hyundai has trimmed the Grand i10 Nios’ engine line-up further. The diesel was dropped early last year, while the Turbo variant with the fun 1.0-turbo-petrol engine has also been axed, leaving the 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol as the sole engine on offer. It’s available with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT, and there’s a CNG derivative too.

The engine has been made future-ready to meet the upcoming RDE (real world driving emission) norms and can also run on E20, which is petrol with a 20 percent ethanol blend. In driving feel, there’s no difference. It’s a refined and easygoing engine with sufficient power for city driving. It’s not got the pep or responsiveness of Maruti’s K12 1.2 petrol but it gets the job done.

The facelifted Grand i10 Nios offers a relaxed ride and sports a light steering. 

Helping the Grand i10 Nios’ case as a city car is its light steering, easy manoeuvrability and pleasant ride. For added convenience, you can opt for the AMT but the standard-fit 5-speed manual gearbox is light and friendly to use too. The Grand i10 Nios sees a slight price increase but, as before, slots in between the more affordable Tata Tiago and the pricier Maruti Suzuki Swift, both of which also get AMT options and CNG versions.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios facelift: verdict

We’ll bring the rivals together soon but for now, I can say that the revised styling does its job to refresh the Grand i10 Nios, though it’s the added safety features that are the bigger draw. As a package, the Grand i10 Nios remains a sensible family hatchback that’s home in the city.

Also see:

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios facelift video review

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios facelift image gallery