While Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) will launch the
AH2 (2018 Santro) in October this year, its new car onslaught is far from
finished. The company has just commenced testing two all-new models that will
launch in 2019. At the starting gate is the QXi sub-4-metre compact SUV that we
reported on yesterday due in April. The other, arriving shortly after, is the
2019 Hyundai Grand i10 making its spy photo debut.
Spy images reveal that the 2019 Hyundai Grand i10
will sport the company's latest iteration of the cascading grille. It comes
with conventional headlamps with halogen bulbs. The silhouette looks a lot like
that of the current vehicle. That said, the test mule reveals a rising beltline
towards the rear and enlarged tail-lamps. The test car was seen riding on steel
wheels, but the top-end variant should get dual-tone diamond-cut alloy rims.
Typical of Hyundai models, the B1 hatchback will
likely offer a long list of features, including a floating type touchscreen
infotainment unit, multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control,
rear AC vent, and cooled glove compartment. The new model will have to comply
with the Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program (BNVSAP) safety
regulations. Apart from offering higher crash protection, all variants will
feature dual front airbags, ABS, reverse parking sensors, speed alert system
and seatbelt warning for front passengers, so hopefully there is no repeat of
the Zero-star NCAP result.
The next generation Grand i10 will reportedly offer
an optional automated manual transmission. The company will debut the AMT
technology, dubbed 'Smart Auto', in the Hyundai AH2. With these upgrades, the
2019 Hyundai Grand i10 will be able to challenge better the dominance of the
Maruti Swift. Its marketing launch should take place around the festive season
of 2019.
