We’ve found quite the ideal urban commuter in this Grand hatch from Hyundai.
It’s 5:50am and there’s a nip in the air. I’ve a long day ahead of me: early morning shoot, pages to finish in office, press conference to attend and finally dinner with friends. All that and 40-odd minutes in the gym, if I can squeeze it in. Now all the running around would be fine, but today’s urban commute includes at least three cross-town treks. I draw a rough map in my head and it looks something like a five-pointed star; the one you draw without taking your pen off the paper. Anyway; hi-ho, hi-ho . . .
Dashboard quality is impressive; every element functions seamlessly - especially Bluetooth.
I toss my bag on the passenger seat, engage the clutch and gently squeeze the starter button. The Grand i10 has already begun to impress. The keyless entry allows me to keep the key in my pocket; the doors open and close with a degree of precision I haven’t experienced in a car of this class. The way the starter button lights up when I tap it feels great. What also instantly impresses is the quality of materials on the inside and how seamlessly everything functions — the beautifully built matt-black buttons on the dash, the lovingly crafted steering wheel and gear lever; and I just love the way Hyundai’s Bluetooth system works.