Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Era

As an automotive journalist, I constantly hear the same questions from prospective car buyers in India: what is my budget? Is it safe for my family? How much will it cost me every month to run and maintain? Does it come with the latest features? And perhaps most importantly, how good is the company service network?

Finding a car that perfectly balances all these aspects can be a challenge. But today, we are taking a deep dive into a car that aims to tick many of these boxes for you, especially if you are looking for an affordable, reliable, and stylish city companion. We are talking about the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Era.

Engine Specifications

Under the hood, the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Era is powered by a reliable and refined engine, perfectly suited for Indian driving conditions.

• Engine Type: 1.2 Litre Kappa Petrol
• Cylinders: 4-Cylinder
• Displacement: 1197 cc
• Max Power: Around 83 PS at 6000 rpm
• Max Torque: Around 113.8 Nm at 4000 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual (Era variant typically comes with Manual Transmission)

Design Overview

The Grand i10 Nios has always been a looker, and the Era variant carries forward that modern and youthful design language.

Exterior

• Front: Features Hyundai's signature cascading grille, giving it a bold and contemporary face. Halogen headlamps provide ample illumination.
• Side: Clean lines and subtle creases give the car a dynamic stance. Body-colored bumpers and door handles add to the cohesive look.
• Rear: Stylish tail lamps and a well-sculpted tailgate complete the modern hatchback appeal.

Interior

• Dashboard: A neat and uncluttered layout with a dual-tone theme (depending on the variant) provides an airy feel.
• Seating: Comfortable fabric upholstery with decent support for city commutes and short trips.
• Ergonomics: All controls are within easy reach, making for a user-friendly cabin experience.

Key Features

While the Era is an entry-level variant of the Grand i10 Nios, it still offers essential features for a comfortable driving experience.

• Manual Air Conditioning (essential for Indian summers)
• Front Power Windows
• Central Locking
• Dual-tone interior (specific to certain themes)
• Multi-information display in the instrument cluster
• Power Steering
• Provision for audio system (you can install an aftermarket unit)

Higher variants of the Grand i10 Nios offer advanced features like an 8-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay Android Auto, automatic climate control, wireless charging, and even projector headlamps. However, for the Nios Era, the focus is on affordability and core essentials.

Ground Clearance

Dealing with Indian roads often means encountering potholes and uneven surfaces. The Grand i10 Nios Era offers a practical ground clearance:

• Ground Clearance: Approximately 165 mm

Boot Space

For a compact hatchback, the Nios Era offers adequate boot space for your daily needs or a weekend getaway.

• Boot Space: Approximately 260 Litres

Dimensions

Understanding the car's dimensions helps you gauge its maneuverability and cabin space.

• Length: 3815 mm
• Width: 1680 mm
• Height: 1520 mm
• Wheelbase: 2450 mm

Powertrain Options

While the Era variant typically focuses on the petrol manual option, it is good to know the broader powertrain choices available in the Grand i10 Nios lineup.

• 1.2L Kappa Petrol: Available with a 5-speed Manual Transmission (standard for Era) or a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) in higher variants.
• 1.2L Kappa Petrol with CNG: A factory-fitted CNG option is available in specific variants, offering excellent running costs. (Not usually available in Era variant)

Safety Features

Hyundai has made efforts to enhance safety across its lineup. The Grand i10 Nios Era comes with essential safety features as standard.

• Dual Airbags (Driver and Passenger)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Seatbelt Reminders for Driver and Passenger
• Rear Parking Sensors
• High Speed Alert System

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are a crucial consideration for many buyers. It is important to note that the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Era (with 2 airbags) has not been individually tested by Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP for its current iteration. However, for reference, the previous generation Hyundai Grand i10 Nios (with 2 airbags) received the following rating from Global NCAP:

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP (Previous model with 2 Airbags)	2 Stars	2 Stars
Bharat NCAP (Current model)	Not Yet Rated	Not Yet Rated

It is important to remember that safety standards are evolving, and newer models often incorporate structural improvements. The latest Nios models also offer 6 airbags in higher variants, which significantly boosts safety, though the Era variant typically retains 2 airbags.

Rivals of Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Era

The Grand i10 Nios Era competes in a very crowded and competitive segment in India. Its main rivals include:

• Maruti Suzuki Swift
• Maruti Suzuki Ignis
• Tata Tiago

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let us look at a balanced view of what the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Era offers to potential buyers.

Advantages

• Refined Engine: The 1.2L Kappa petrol engine is known for its smooth operation and decent performance for city driving.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension setup is well-tuned for absorbing bumps, making city commutes comfortable.
• Modern Design: Its contemporary exterior and interior styling give it a premium feel for its segment.
• Maneuverability: Compact dimensions and light steering make it easy to navigate through congested traffic and park in tight spots.
• Hyundai's Service Network: Hyundai has a widespread and reliable service network across India, ensuring peace of mind for owners.
• Value for Money: As an entry-level variant, the Era offers a lot of car for its price, providing essential features without breaking the bank.

Disadvantages

• Limited Features: Being the base model, the Era misses out on many comfort and convenience features found in higher Nios variants or some rivals.
• Boot Space: While adequate, some competitors offer slightly larger boot capacity.
• Rear Passenger Space: While suitable for four adults, accommodating three adults in the rear can be a bit snug on longer journeys.
• NCAP Rating: The Global NCAP rating for the previous model with 2 airbags was 2 stars, which might be a concern for some safety-conscious buyers, although Hyundai has enhanced safety features in newer variants.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Era emerges as a very strong contender for anyone seeking a budget hatchback in the Indian market. It offers a compelling package of a refined petrol engine, stylish design, comfortable ride, and the assurance of Hyundai's extensive service network.

While it might not boast all the bells and whistles of its higher-priced siblings, the Era focuses on delivering core automotive values effectively. If your priorities are affordability, ease of driving in the city, and reliable Hyundai service, the Grand i10 Nios Era deserves a serious look.

We recommend taking a test drive to experience its capabilities first-hand and see if it aligns with your specific needs. Happy car hunting!