2023 Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Facelift Review: Should You Buy This?

SUVs are naturally the most popular choice when it comes to purchasing a car, but then again, you have cars like the Grand i10 Nios in the humble hatchback segment that cater to a very specific set of buyers. With the advent of fresher products, Hyundai evidently had to keep things fresh and brought in the Grand i10 Nios facelift with subtle changes to its exterior, a bit on the inside, and added a few features for safety. However, Hyundai has also rejigged its engine options, with fewer options on offer now. So, does buying the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios still make sense? Let’s find out.

Exterior

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is a hatchback that is known for its attractive exterior design. With eight different paint options available, including this eye-catching Spark Green, the Grand i10 Nios certainly has charm and appeal. Like any facelift, this model also has undergone some cosmetic changes, especially to the front fascia, to make it more attractive for younger and first-time car buyers.

One of the most noticeable changes to the front section is the new grille, which features a black honeycomb mesh design that also houses the number plate. The Grand i10 Nios no longer has fog lamps, but instead has tri-arrow Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) that add to the sporty look. The headlights are still projector units with halogen lights that provide good illumination. The Hyundai logo has also been updated with a satin finish and a 2D effect, which will be a signature for all Hyundai cars moving forward.

While the profile of the car remains largely the same, the new design on the 15-inch alloy wheels adds a touch of freshness. However, one design element that some people may find bothersome is the large door handles, inspired by the Hyundai Tucson. These have also been seen on the Aura and the recently launched Hyundai Verna, but they may look odd to some people.

Moving to the rear of the car, the Grand i10 Nios features a single LED-lit connecting light bar that stretches from one side of the car to the other, joining the tail lamps. This gives the car a sportier look, which some people may appreciate. The font used for the ‘Grand i10’ lettering also adds to the overall appeal of the car.

Tech & Interior

The 2023 Hyundai Grand i10 Nios facelift has not only exterior design changes but also some notable tech and interior upgrades. The infotainment system has been updated with an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is a noticeable improvement over the previous model's 7-inch display. It also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing for smartphone integration. The audio system has also been upgraded, with higher quality speakers and improved sound quality.

The interior has also received a few updates, with a new dashboard design that features a gloss black finish and silver accents. The air conditioning vents have also been redesigned, with a more premium look and feel. The front seats have been improved as well, with higher quality materials and better cushioning for improved comfort on longer journeys. However, the rear seats still lack adequate legroom for taller passengers. This could be a concern for buyers who frequently travel with passengers in the backseat.

The overall layout of the dashboard and center console remains largely the same as the previous model, which some buyers may find lacklustre. Additionally, the plastic used on some of the interior components still feels a bit low-cost and could have been upgraded for a more premium feel.

Safety Features

The 2023 Hyundai Grand i10 Nios facelift has received significant upgrades to its safety features, making it a safer option for buyers in the hatchback segment. The facelift now comes with a rearview camera, as well as front and side airbags as standard. Additionally, the top-spec variants also include curtain airbags, however, I expected more in this department from Hyundai. Even features like the hill start assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and ISOFIX child-seat anchorages are only offered with the top-spec variants.

Engine & Transmission

With the update, Hyundai has trimmed down on the engine and gearbox options on the 2023 Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, so out go the diesel engine, and the fun-to-drive, peppy 1-litre turbo petrol engine. The only engine option you get right now with the Grand i10 Nios facelift is this 1.2-litre naturally aspirated unit mated to either an AMT or this 5-speed manual transmission. Then there is also a CNG version of the Grand i10 Nios.

The 2023 Hyundai Grand i10 Nios facelift is now in compliance with the new RDE (real-world driving emissions) regulations and can run on E20 fuel, which is a blend of petrol and 20 per cent ethanol.

Ride & Handling

And so, there are no changes to the driving mannerism of the car as well. It is still smooth to drive, the gearshifts are slick, and the engine is so refined that you can barely hear any of that noise from the outside sweeping inside the cabin. The steering is light as a feather so maneuvering inside the city is Nios’s forte, even on the highway the car performs well but it is in fact the city that really requires a car like the Nios. The suspension is also nicely tuned to absorb most of the undulations and bad patches, or even rough roads, at lower speeds, but things get a bit uncomfortable if you are tackling these patches at higher speeds.

Prices & Variants

The 2023 Hyundai Grand i10 Nios facelift is now available in four variants- Era, Magna, Sportz, and Asta. There are no optional trims now as earlier, so it is the Sportz and Asta trims that come with most creature comforts. Of course, the price tag has increased to compensate for the increasing input costs and to make the engine compliant with the newer emission norms, but it is the Tata Tiago that is most affordable in the segment. The car is short of a few features as compared to the Grand i10 Nios, but that lower sticker price is equally crucial for buyers in this segment. The Maruti Suzuki Swift is also another great offering in the segment but the other two are fresher in comparison. A great thing about this segment is that buyers can also opt for CNG versions which are equally well-packaged.

Verdict

With the update, the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios remains a very likable product especially when it must compete with the Tata Tiago and even the Maruti Suzuki Swift.

What works in its favour, are the good looks, a well-appointed cabin, and the manual transmission but what I would have really loved with the Grand i10 Nios is that peppy turbo petrol engine because it would have made this car even better.

Photography by: Jitendra