Hyundai Grand i10 Nios review, road test

This new generation of the Grand i10 has a lot to offer. But does it tick all the right boxes?

Published on Jan 07, 2020 06:00:00 AM

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Hyundai Grand i10 Nios review, road test

Sportz (top spec for AMTs) gets stylish alloys with 165/70 R14 tyres.

Ample charging provisions, including a wireless charging pad. 12V socket present at the rear too.

Digital speedo with an analogue tachometer is a nice combination.

We have seen Hyundai moving away from conventional interior designs with their recent launches, and the Nios is a fine example of this. Its dashboard design surely stands out, with a clean layout and a big 8.0-inch touchscreen taking the centre stage. An interesting design element is the piano-black panel that extends from the touchscreen to the instrument cluster, making it look like a big, single unit. The part-digital instrument cluster has an analogue tachometer that looks neat, and the 5.3-inch display provides plenty of information. The new steering wheel has all the telephone- and infotainment-related controls on the left spoke, but the right spoke is bare, reminding you of the features Hyundai could have included (like cruise control) but didn’t. The panel above the glovebox, which has a honeycomb pattern, feels premium and looks stylish. Overall, the quality of materials used in the cabin is quite impressive and the fit-finish levels are top-notch, like what we have come to expect from Hyundai.

Several textured materials feel great to touch, and light colours brighten up the cabin. Fit-finish is still top-notch.

The tall stance liberates good vertical room and, with its light-grey theme, there’s a good sense of space inside the cabin. The seats are high-set, so getting in and out is a breeze, and visibility all round is very nice. The fabric seats are comfy and the cushioning is on point; although some might find the lumbar support a bit excessive. And those with wider body frames might find the front seats to be a bit narrow. Like the Grand i10, even the Nios misses out on adjustable head restraints for the front seats.

Long seat base is angled, so finding an ideal driving position takes a while.

Get in the rear seats and the backrest is reclined at a comfortable angle and it is quite supportive. There’s ample legroom even for six-footers, and the long seat squab ensures decent under-thigh support as well. Headroom is generous, thanks to the high roof, and the large windows bring in plenty of light and make the cabin feel spacious. However, seating three people abreast would be a squeeze due to the narrow seat width. Passengers here get the comfort of a rear AC vent and a 12V charging socket, both of which are segment exclusives. And unlike the front seats, the rear seats get adjustable neck restraints.

Impressive space, comfy backrest angle. Width makes it best for only two.

There are plenty of storage spaces in the cabin to keep knick-knacks, including a well-sized glovebox, above which sits a usable open cavity, cupholders, and space for a large smartphone in front of the gear console. Even the door pockets are quite accommodating and can hold one-litre bottles with ease. The Nios’ 260-litre boot is sufficient for a weekend getaway, and the low boot lip ensures that loading heavy cargo is quite easy.