The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is a standout in the compact hatchback segment, blending modern design, advanced technology, and practical functionality to cater to urban drivers and small families alike. Launched in India in August 2019, with a significant facelift in January 2023 and further updates in 2025, this car has carved a niche for itself in a highly competitive market. Positioned between the entry-level Hyundai Santro and the premium Hyundai i20, the Grand i10 Nios offers a compelling mix of style, comfort, and affordability. The name “Nios,” derived from the Latin word meaning “more,” reflects Hyundai’s promise to deliver enhanced features, space, and driving pleasure compared to its predecessors.
Hyundai has tailored this hatchback for city commuting, with its compact dimensions, fuel-efficient engines, and a feature-rich cabin that rivals even pricier alternatives. Whether you’re navigating the bustling streets of metro cities or embarking on a weekend getaway, the Grand i10 Nios promises a refined driving experience with a touch of sophistication. Available in both petrol and CNG powertrains, it caters to a wide audience, from budget-conscious buyers to those seeking lower running costs. With its bold front grille, sleek lines, and thoughtful interior design, the Grand i10 Nios stands as a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction in the Indian automotive landscape.
Technical Specifications
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios comes equipped with a single engine option in 2025—a 1.2-liter Kappa petrol engine—available in naturally aspirated petrol and CNG variants, paired with either a 5-speed manual or an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). Below is a detailed breakdown of its technical specifications, compiled from sources like CarDekho, ZigWheels, and CarWale, reflecting the latest updates as of March 11, 2025.
| Parameter | Petrol Variant | CNG Variant |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.2L Kappa Naturally Aspirated Petrol | 1.2L Kappa CNG |
| Displacement | 1197 cc | 1197 cc |
| No. of Cylinders | 4 | 4 |
| Max Power | 82 bhp @ 6000 rpm | 68 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 113.8 Nm @ 4000 rpm | 95.2 Nm @ 4000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual / 5-Speed AMT | 5-Speed Manual |
| Fuel Type | Petrol | CNG + Petrol (Dual Fuel) |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 18-20.7 kmpl (MT), 16-20.5 kmpl (AMT) | 27 km/kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 liters | 37 liters (Petrol) + 60 liters (CNG) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Length | 3815 mm | 3815 mm |
| Width | 1680 mm | 1680 mm |
| Height | 1520 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2450 mm | 2450 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm | 165 mm |
| Boot Space | 260 liters | 260 liters (reduced with CNG kit) |
| Tyre Size | 165/70 R14 (Base), 175/60 R15 (Top) | 165/70 R14 (Base), 175/60 R15 (Top) |
| Suspension (Front) | McPherson Strut | McPherson Strut |
| Suspension (Rear) | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle |
| Brakes (Front) | Disc | Disc |
| Brakes (Rear) | Drum | Drum |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 | BS6 Phase 2 |
The petrol engine delivers a balanced performance suitable for city and highway driving, while the CNG variant emphasizes fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness, making it a popular choice in metro cities with rising fuel costs.
Variants
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is offered in a range of variants to suit different budgets and preferences. As of 2025, it includes six broad trims, with sub-variants based on transmission and fuel type. Below is a table summarizing the variants, sourced from CarDekho and Hyundai’s official website.
| Variant | Fuel Type | Transmission | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Era | Petrol | Manual | Dual airbags, ABS, power steering, front power windows, 14-inch steel wheels |
| Magna | Petrol / CNG | Manual / AMT | 8-inch touchscreen, rear AC vents, multi-function steering, 14-inch steel wheels |
| Corporate | Petrol | Manual / AMT | LED DRLs, rear parking camera, keyless entry, 15-inch steel wheels |
| Sportz | Petrol / CNG | Manual / AMT | Alloy wheels, auto climate control, wireless charging, 15-inch diamond-cut alloys |
| Sportz (O) | Petrol | Manual / AMT | Push-button start, chrome door handles, fully automatic AC, 15-inch alloys |
| Asta | Petrol | Manual / AMT | 6 airbags, cruise control, TPMS, projector headlamps, 15-inch diamond-cut alloys |
The Sportz (O) variant, introduced in 2025, bridges the gap between the Sportz and Asta trims, offering premium features at a mid-tier price point. The CNG option is limited to Magna and Sportz trims, reflecting Hyundai’s focus on cost-conscious buyers.
Price in Metro Cities
Pricing for the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios varies across metro cities due to differences in RTO charges, insurance, and local taxes. Below is a table of on-road prices (in INR lakhs) as of March 11, 2025, based on data from CarWale, CarDekho, and ZigWheels. Prices are approximate and subject to change.
| Variant | Delhi | Mumbai | Bangalore | Chennai | Kolkata |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Era (MT) | 6.63 | 6.82 | 6.78 | 6.75 | 6.70 |
| Magna (MT) | 7.75 | 7.96 | 7.91 | 7.88 | 7.83 |
| Magna (AMT) | 8.46 | 8.69 | 8.63 | 8.60 | 8.54 |
| Magna CNG | 8.42 | 8.65 | 8.60 | 8.57 | 8.51 |
| Corporate (MT) | 7.99 | 8.21 | 8.16 | 8.13 | 8.08 |
| Sportz (MT) | 8.66 | 8.90 | 8.84 | 8.81 | 8.75 |
| Sportz (AMT) | 9.01 | 9.26 | 9.20 | 9.17 | 9.11 |
| Sportz CNG | 9.11 | 9.36 | 9.30 | 9.27 | 9.21 |
| Sportz (O) (MT) | 8.96 | 9.21 | 9.15 | 9.12 | 9.06 |
| Asta (MT) | 9.30 | 9.56 | 9.50 | 9.47 | 9.41 |
| Asta (AMT) | 9.50 | 9.76 | 9.70 | 9.67 | 9.61 |
Delhi offers the lowest on-road prices due to competitive taxation, while Mumbai sees the highest due to elevated RTO and insurance costs. These prices reflect the ex-showroom cost plus additional charges as of early 2025.
About Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
Design and Styling
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios boasts a design philosophy rooted in Sensuous Sportiness, Hyundai’s global design language. The front fascia is dominated by a bold cascading grille, flanked by sleek projector headlamps with LED DRLs that lend a sharp, modern look. The bumper features a blacked-out section with fog lamps, adding a touch of aggression to its compact silhouette. Along the sides, strong character lines and a floating roof design enhance its visual appeal, while the 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels (available on higher trims) elevate its stance. At the rear, almond-shaped tail lamps with a honeycomb pattern echo the front grille’s design, complemented by a subtle roof spoiler and shark-fin antenna. The Grand i10 Nios is available in seven vibrant colors—Atlas White, Fiery Red, Typhoon Silver, Titan Grey, Spark Green, Aqua Teal, and Amazon Grey—with dual-tone options like Spark Green with Black Roof adding a youthful flair.
The car’s dimensions—3815 mm in length, 1680 mm in width, and 1520 mm in height—strike a balance between compactness and road presence. Its 2450 mm wheelbase ensures decent interior space, while the 165 mm ground clearance is adequate for Indian roads, handling speed breakers and mild undulations with ease. Compared to its predecessor, the Grand i10, the Nios is longer and wider, offering a more spacious cabin and a slightly larger boot of 260 liters, sufficient for weekend luggage or daily groceries.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is powered by a 1.2-liter Kappa petrol engine, a proven unit known for its refinement and efficiency. In its petrol guise, it produces 82 bhp and 113.8 Nm of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. This engine is smooth and quiet at low speeds, making it ideal for city driving where stop-and-go traffic is the norm. Power delivery is linear, with a noticeable surge past 2400 rpm, enabling confident overtakes on highways. Cruising at 80-100 kmph feels effortless, and the engine remains composed without excessive strain. However, it’s not a performance-oriented unit—enthusiasts seeking a spirited drive might find it lacking punch at higher revs.
The CNG variant, available in Magna and Sportz trims, dials down the power to 68 bhp and 95.2 Nm but compensates with an impressive 27 km/kg mileage, as per ARAI figures. This makes it a cost-effective option for buyers in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai, where CNG infrastructure is robust and fuel prices are a concern. The CNG setup uses a dual-cylinder system, preserving more boot space compared to traditional single-cylinder designs. Both powertrains comply with BS6 Phase 2 emission norms, reflecting Hyundai’s commitment to sustainability.
The driving dynamics are tuned for comfort rather than sportiness. The light steering is a boon in tight urban spaces, self-centering after turns, while the suspension—McPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear—absorbs small bumps effectively. At higher speeds, sharp potholes can unsettle the ride, especially for rear passengers, who might experience some bounce. The brakes (discs upfront, drums at the rear) offer adequate stopping power, though they lack the sharpness of some rivals.
Interior and Features
Step inside the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, and you’re greeted by a well-crafted cabin that punches above its segment. The dashboard sports a dual-tone finish, with quality plastics and a thoughtful layout. The centerpiece is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (from Magna upwards), supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, paired with a decent Arkamys sound system. Higher variants like Sportz and Asta add wireless charging, a USB Type-C port, and a cooled glovebox—features that enhance convenience on the go.
Seating is comfortable for four adults, with the rear bench offering improved under-thigh support and kneeroom compared to the older Grand i10. The addition of rear AC vents (from Magna onwards) is a segment-first, ensuring rear passengers stay cool in India’s sweltering summers. Headroom is ample, but fitting three abreast at the back is a squeeze due to limited width. The driver’s seat is manually adjustable (6-way in top trims), though long drives might reveal its lack of lumbar support.
Safety is a strong suit, with six airbags standard across all variants since the 2023 facelift—a rare offering in this price range. Other safety features include ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-Hold Assist, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and ISOFIX mounts. The Asta variant adds cruise control and projector headlamps, enhancing both safety and luxury. However, its 2-star Global NCAP rating (from 2020) highlights structural limitations, a point of criticism compared to rivals like the Tata Tiago.
Ride and Handling
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios excels as a city runabout. Its compact footprint and light steering make parking and U-turns a breeze, while the smooth clutch and crisp gear shifts (in the manual) ease the strain of traffic jams. On highways, it maintains stability up to 100 kmph, though body roll becomes noticeable in sharp corners. The suspension prioritizes comfort, soaking up minor road imperfections, but larger potholes can transmit jolts to the cabin. Noise insulation is decent, keeping engine and road noise at bay until higher speeds, where wind noise creeps in.
The AMT variant offers a relaxed driving experience, though its shifts can feel sluggish during quick acceleration. For CNG users, the transition between petrol and CNG modes is seamless, with minimal power loss noticeable in everyday driving. Overall, the Grand i10 Nios is designed for ease and efficiency, not agility or excitement.
Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance
Fuel efficiency is a key selling point. The petrol manual delivers 18-20.7 kmpl (ARAI), while the AMT ranges from 16-20.5 kmpl, depending on driving conditions. Real-world figures often hover around 15-18 kmpl in cities and 20 kmpl on highways, competitive for its class. The CNG variant’s 27 km/kg is a game-changer for budget buyers, though boot space takes a hit due to the cylinder.
Maintenance costs are reasonable, with Hyundai’s widespread service network ensuring accessibility. A typical service costs around ₹3200-4500 (excluding labor), as per owner feedback on CarWale. The standard warranty of 3 years or 1,00,000 km provides peace of mind, with extended options available.
Market Positioning and Updates
Since its debut, the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios has evolved to stay relevant. The 2023 facelift brought cosmetic tweaks—new grille, updated DRLs—and standardized safety features. The 2025 update introduced the Sportz (O) variant, adding premium touches like push-button start and fully automatic AC, positioning it as a value-for-money option between Sportz and Asta. The discontinuation of the diesel engine reflects shifting market preferences toward petrol and CNG, aligning with urban emission norms.
Hyundai positions the Grand i10 Nios as a step above entry-level hatchbacks like the Maruti Alto K10, targeting buyers seeking a blend of style, features, and practicality. Its pricing—from ₹5.98 lakh to ₹8.62 lakh (ex-showroom)—makes it accessible yet aspirational, competing directly with segment leaders.
Close Competitors
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios operates in a crowded segment, facing stiff competition from established players. Here’s how it stacks up against its closest rivals:
Maruti Suzuki Swift
The Maruti Suzuki Swift is the segment benchmark, known for its sporty handling and widespread appeal. Priced between ₹6.49 lakh and ₹9.64 lakh (ex-showroom), it offers a 1.2-liter petrol engine (88 bhp, 113 Nm) with manual and AMT options, plus a CNG variant. The Swift edges out the Nios in performance and mileage (22.38 kmpl petrol, 30.9 km/kg CNG), and its 5-star GNCAP rating trumps the Nios’ 2-star score. However, the Nios counters with a richer feature set—6 airbags, rear AC vents—and a more premium cabin feel. The Swift’s service network and resale value remain unmatched, giving it an edge for practical buyers.
Tata Tiago
The Tata Tiago is a value-driven alternative, priced from ₹5.65 lakh to ₹8.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Its 1.2-liter petrol engine (85 bhp, 113 Nm) comes with manual and AMT options, alongside a CNG variant (26.49 km/kg). The Tiago shines with a 4-star GNCAP rating, superior build quality, and a funky design. Its ride is firmer than the Nios, and the cabin feels less upscale, but it undercuts the Nios in pricing and offers comparable mileage (19-23 kmpl petrol). The Nios, however, leads in refinement and feature density.
Renault Kwid
The Renault Kwid targets budget buyers, starting at ₹4.70 lakh and topping out at ₹6.45 lakh (ex-showroom). Its 1.0-liter petrol engine (67 bhp, 91 Nm) is less powerful, paired with manual or AMT options, and delivers 21.7-22 kmpl. The Kwid’s crossover-like styling and high ground clearance (184 mm) appeal to some, but its basic interior and 1-star GNCAP rating lag behind the Nios. The Grand i10 Nios offers a more complete package—better safety, comfort, and tech—albeit at a higher price.
Comparison Summary
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios strikes a middle ground. It lacks the Swift’s driving zest and safety credentials or the Tiago’s rugged charm, but it excels in comfort, features, and refinement. Against the Kwid, it’s a clear upgrade, justifying its premium positioning. Buyers prioritizing safety and performance might lean toward the Swift or Tiago, while those seeking a feature-rich urban companion will find the Nios hard to beat.
Final Thoughts!
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is a well-rounded hatchback that caters to the modern Indian buyer’s needs—be it style, efficiency, or convenience. Its sleek design, versatile powertrain options, and generous feature list make it a strong contender in the sub-₹10 lakh segment. While it doesn’t lead in safety or outright performance, its focus on comfort, technology, and value for money ensures broad appeal. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a small family in a metro city, the Grand i10 Nios delivers a driving experience that’s both practical and enjoyable, holding its own against formidable rivals. With Hyundai’s reputation for reliability and service, it’s a hatchback that promises to add “more” to your daily commute—just as its name suggests.
