Hyundai has been testing the Grand i10 facelift in India for some time now, with the current model being in the market for over three years now. Pictures of test mules have surfaced on the internet showing a car with the front, doors and tailgate covered, sporting new alloy wheels. Hyundai is expected to launch the facelift here in February 2017.
A major mechanical change for the diesel Grand i10 will be a more powerful 1.2-litre engine. This motor is already found under the hood of the model sold internationally. It delivers 75hp and 171Nm instead of the current 1.1-litre diesel’s 71hp and 160Nm.
The Grand i10 update is expected to feature styling similar to that of the European-spec Grand i10, with a wider front lower grille and new bumpers, minor tweaks to the headlamps along with a refreshed rear. A new bumper and tweaks to the tailgate are also expected.
The interiors could also be in line with the European-spec model's, with top trims getting a touchscreen infotainment system along with improved equipment levels. The front seats are also expected to be new with the current one-piece units being replaced with ones with adjustable headrests.
The Grand i10 is a competitor to the likes of the Maruti Swift, but hasn’t quite been able to match its main rival’s success in the market though it has closed the gap in sales recently.
When launched, the updated Grand i10 will take on the likes of the Ford Figo, Maruti Swift and Fiat Punto Evo.
Hyundai is also working on a facelift for the Xcent compact sedan with a launch expected in March 2017. The refreshed Xcent will also get the 1.2-litre diesel engine.