2017 Hyundai Grand i10 Facelift
Hyundai has two models constantly pumping volumes. The
i twins in the compact hatchback and premium segment have not aged much but in
order to have a sustained sales growth, the South Korean brand definitely needs
to bring in upgrades.
The Grand i10 is a direct rival to the Maruti Suzuki
Swift which is expected to receive an all-new generation next year. To stand in par with the competition,
Hyundai must deliver something very special and that could come in the form of
the facelifted Grand i10.
At the end of May, the special edition
i10 was launched with new body graphics, red and black interior theme and
6.2-inch AVN system. Subsequently, a new facelift is expected to arrive in 2017. Hyundai was earlier rumoured to
launch the i10 facelift towards the end of this year but it seems unlikely to
be the case as the first quarter of 2017 could be picked for the reveal. The
Era 1.2 Kappa VTVT base petrol is priced currently at Rs. 4.87 lakh and it goes
as high as Rs. 6.99 lakh for the range-topping Asta 1.1 CRDi (O). The facelifted
model could come with a certain premium between Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 40,000 from
these prices.
The dashboard design won’t have any
significant design change compared to the outgoing model. The sporty steering
wheel with mounted controls will have multi-tilt function amidst new seat
upholstery. The instrument cluster will be similar with a small TFT LCD screen
wedged in between while the centre console will have two adjusting knobs
instead of three with round-shaped air vents.
Between the knobs is the screen
displaying AC readings with button adjustments. The new Grand i10 is speculated
to get a new touchscreen infotainment system as an optional feature besides
availability of reverse parking camera. Hyundai could play the aggressive game
by stuffing more equipment to the options list and an imporved safety standard
will be key in luring customers as well.
The existing Hyundai Grand i10 petrol
variant packs a 1.2-litre Kappa engine that can churn out power of 82 bhp and
116 Nm of peak torque. The diesel model of the vehicle comes with a 1.1-litre
three cylinder U2 VGT motor engine that delivers 70 bhp power and 163 Nm of
torque. Both engines are coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox transferring
power to the front wheels.
The South Korean company’s volume
aspirations in terms of automatic sales could be realised with the new Grand
i10 facelift. The cheapest automatic variant in Hyundai’s line-up, the 1.2
Kappa 79 bhp Petrol four-speed AT, is more likely to be joined by another
automatic version supposedly fitted to the 1.1 CRDI motor. Hyundai is said to
be working on a new 1.2-litre U2 CRDi which could be housed in the i10 facelift
replacing the current diesel mill. The engines could be configured to return
close to 20 kmpl petrol mileage and around 25 km/l fuel economy for diesel
variants.
The proportions of the Grand i10
facelift will more likely remain same as the outgoing model. It could measure
3,765 mm in length, 1,660 mm in width, 1,520 mm in height and stay put with the
wheelbase of 2,425 mm. The ground clearance of 165 mm and boot volume of 256
litres with 43 litres tank capacity could remain identical to its predecessor.
The new European-spec i10 is 100 mm shorter in length and has 40 mm shorter
wheelbase which makes us thinking that the changes might be chosen for India as
well.
The 2017 Hyundai Grand i10 Facelift is
expected to come adorned with minor cosmetic updates. The front fascia is
likely to feature the signature hexagonal front grille with honeycomb mesh
while the fog lamp enclosures could be shrouded by inverted L-shaped LED Daytime
Running Lights. The line holding the Hyundai badge in the middle will be
eliminated. The curvy headlamp design could be carried forward with wing
mirrors shaped to direct airflow to the rear.
The side profile will remain as it
currently is with high-end grades featuring door garnished molding and
chrome-coated outside handles. Rear glass wiper, integrated thin roof spoiler
with stop lamp, a new set of 15-inch alloy wheels and rear combination lights
will add character to the compact hatchback. The bumpers up front and rear are
not likely to receive any changes.