The new Hyundai Grand i10 is now available adding an affordable new entry to the dwindling hatchback segment.
Its model range has been simplified down to five units, and prices now start at R229,900, while the range-topping version asks for R309,900.
To get a better sense of what Hyundai’s new car has to offer, we compared it to its half-sibling, the Kia Picanto, which is another popular option in the segment with a similar price range of R219,995 to R283,995.
While Kia has plans to update the Picanto, just as its counterpart has done with the Grand i10, it has yet to announce a launch date, pricing, or detailed engine statistics, meaning we’ll have to wait and see how the Korean automaker improves upon its current design.
Until then, it’s helpful to understand what the new Hyundai brings to the table, and how it compares to the current generation of small cars.
Engines
Both the Grand i10 and the Picanto offer a choice of 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engines.
The smaller units have an identical output of 49kW and 94Nm, strangely though, the Kia boasts a lower fuel consumption of 5.0l/100km, while its competitor uses 5.5l/100km. This is in spite of the fact that the two vehicles have a near-identical weight of around 1,375kg.
They also use the same five-speed manual and four-speed automatic gearboxes, and are both front-wheel drive.
The changes are a bit more pronounced in the 1.2-litres, as the Hyundai generates 61kW and 114Nm, while the other produces slightly more torque at 122Nm.
Again we see the same pattern with fuel usage, as the manual i10 uses 5.5l/100km instead of 5.0l/100km. However, the automatic versions are both listed with an average consumption of 5.9l/100km.
Features
Starting with what you can expect from both hatchbacks, the equipment list comprises manual air conditioning, cloth seats, Bluetooth, electric side mirrors, a multifunction steering wheel, and steel wheels.
The difference between the base models is that the cheaper and older Picanto has 13-inch wheels, while the Grand i10 has 14-inch ones and comes with rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, an infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Upscaling to the range-topping i10 will then add cruise control, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, 15-inch alloys, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, and auto-folding side mirrors.
The top-end Picanto gains all of these amenities, while also throwing in leather upholstery and aluminium pedals, with the option of a sunroof – something that is not offered on the newer Hyundai.
Pricing
The South African pricing for the new Hyundai Grand i10 is as follows:
- Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 Motion hatch manual – R229,900
- Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 Fluid hatch manual – R264,900
- Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Motion hatch auto – R269,900
- Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Fluid hatch manual – R279,900
- Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Fluid hatch auto – R309,900
This includes a 5-year/150,000km warranty, an additional 2-year/50,000km powertrain warranty, a 1-year/15,000km service plan, and 7-year/150,000km roadside assistance.
The local pricing for the Kia Picanto is as follows:
- Kia Picanto 1.0 Start – R219,995
- Kia Picanto 1.0 Start auto – R233,995
- Kia Picanto 1.0 Street – R233,995
- Kia Picanto 1.2 Street – R242,995
- Kia Picanto 1.0 Style – R243,995
- Kia Picanto 1.0 Street auto – R247,995
- Kia Picanto 1.2 Style – R252,995
- Kia Picanto 1.2 Street auto – R256,995
- Kia Picanto 1.0 Style auto – R257,995
- Kia Picanto 1.2 Style auto – R266,995
- Kia Picanto 1.2 X-Line – R269,995
- Kia Picanto 1.2 X-Line auto – R283,995
Each purchase comes with a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, service, and roadside assistance plan.
Hyundai Grand i10
Kia Picanto
Keyword: New Hyundai Grand i10 vs Kia Picanto – R230,000 hatchback comparison