The Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS Turbo is Hyundai's attempt to invade the "hot hatch" segment where only the VW Polo plays at the moment. I've already told you that the Hyundai is quicker than the VW, so now look at the other parameters and analyze whether the Korean will be able to make its mark.
2020 Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS Turbo Review: Exterior and Interior
On the outside, this i10 Turbo has a calm demeanour, and it's only the subtle Turbo badges (just two) that will allow the keen eye to differentiate this one from its naturally aspirated siblings.
Thankfully, the interior is a lot more special. There's enough of the racy red in there to tell you that it's not your regular i10.
The quality of interiors is nice, and the ergonomics are absolutely spot on! Everything is within reach, and you never have to extend your limbs to reach for any buttons and swtiches.
I must also mention that Android Auto in this car connected the quickest of all the cars I have reviewed recently. And that's saying something because this is the only sub-ten-lakh-rupee car in that list; everything else was much more expensive.
Then there's a 20.25 cm touchscreen, wireless charging, etc., and you may check the complete list on Hyundai's website.
The climate control is brilliant and there are vents for the rear passengers as well. The best part is that this car AC unit is beautifully quiet. Therefore, you sure can have conversations without screaming your lungs out.
2020 Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS Turbo Review: Seating Comfort, Storage Space, and Boot Space
The seats are comfortable as well for, and there's adequate headroom and kneeroom for people who are around six feet tall. The fixed headrests all around, however, might not be appreciated by all.
This car also has more than enough storage space for Indian families. The door pockets will accommodate one-liter water bottles, and there would still be space left for a few other items. The glovebox is big, and there's an open shelf above it as well.
There are two cupholders ahead of the handbrake, and next to it there's space for your wallet and phone.
The boot is quite descent as well.
2020 Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS Turbo Review: Performance
The Grand i10 NIOS Turbo's engine puts out 100 PS at 6,000 rpm and 172 Nm at 1,500–4,000 rpm. The turbocharger gets in its act by 2,000 rpm but the car isn't lifeless below itin this car doesn't take long to spool, and even though you get that kick only around 2,000 rpm, the car's not dead below it. What that means is: you don't have to shift down to 1st, say, while crossing a speed hump in 2nd gear, unless the engine drops below 1,000 rpm.
In other words, despite being a turbo, it's not irritating between 1,000–2,000 rpm, and it's properly quick from 2,000–3,000 rpm onwards. The 0-100 kmph sprint is dismissed in under ten seconds and the top speed is more than 160 kmph. The tyres are not the best though, and I would recommend changing them at the first opportunity, unless the only spirited driving you do involves wheelspin at traffic signals. I mean, don't change them if you're not a cornering addict.
Well, you might not anyway indulge in high speed cornering on this one because steering is light, and suspension is soft. The offshoot of the latter is that the ride quality is brilliant.
2020 Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS Turbo Review: Fuel Efficiency
You can't do a tankful to tankful fuel efficiency test on first media drives, but I shall still give you an idea: you may expect around 12-13 kmpl in city and about 5 kmpl more on highways.
2020 Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS Turbo Review: Verdict
If you are an enthusiast, you need to understand that the buyers of this car won't take it to the track. In fact, more than 98 per cent of all Polo TSI and Abarth Punto owners don't either. Hyundai knows that and, therefore, it has not diluted the brand's core traits (read: "best-in-class equipment and features"). The additional performance is a welcome bonus.
And Hyundai did all of that while still making it the least expensive 100 PS petrol car you can buy right now in India. That's not something you see everyday.
