The 2019 Hyundai Grand i10 is expected to launch by mid next year with thorough exterior and interior revisions
Hyundai has a slew of new launches up for grabs next year focussing on volume as well as premium segments. First in line is the subcompact SUV Qxi that was previewed through Carlino concept showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo and it will compete against Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport and the upcoming Mahindra S201.
Following its debut, we will see Hyundai introducing the electrified version of the Kona in limited numbers with probably 400 km driving range on a single charge. Another volume segment that will be addressed by Hyundai to further increase its market share from 16 percent is currently ruled by Maruti Swift.
The Japanese hatchback received a new generation earlier this year and became an instant hit by becoming the fastest ever car to reach one lakh unit sales within 145 days of its launch. The existing Grand i10 gained a facelift back in early 2017 and is going strongly with a healthy average of nearly 12,000 units monthly in the last one year.
However, carefully noticing the sales potential of the new Swift that was the most sold vehicle in the country in more times than one since debut, Hyundai will likely be setting higher targets with a brand new generation. Moreover, the new Santro has eaten into the sales of the Grand i10 by a noticeable margin in November 2018.
The 2019 Hyundai Grand i10 is expected to go on sale in the middle of next year and will have several new features to boast about. The third generation Grand i10 will feature a wide Cascading front grille that extends till the lower bumper as in the Santro and it will have a more sculpted overall profile with sharper edges and character lines as seen on the spy images.
It will comprise of newly designed LED tail lamps while the side profile will largely remain the same as the current hatchback. The interior could be thoroughly updated with increased premium nature and it will pack more equipment including a large touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear AC vents and upmarket finishes across the cabin.
It will have a much-improved safety cell and offer standard safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, seatbelt reminder, speed sensing door lock and others. The 1.2-litre petrol engine making 83 horsepower and 1.2-litre diesel producing 75 horsepower could be carried over with updates to meet BSVI compliance.
As part of mending its biggest Achilles heel, an AMT transmission from Santro is expected to replace the four-speed torque converter automatic. It will likely allow Hyundai to position the automatic variants more aggressively against competition, mainly the Maruti Suzuki Swift.