Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Review: More to Life in the Compact Hatchback Segment
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios remains a staple in India’s hatchback market, refreshed in 2023 and thriving in 2025. Priced from ₹5.92 Lakh to ₹8.56 Lakh (ex-showroom), it’s a budget-friendly pick for first-time buyers and urban commuters, with CNG options and 6 airbags standard. This review, based on 2025 feedback, explores why the Nios delivers “more to life,” contrasting it with EVs like the Punch.ev, Creta Electric, and Harrier.ev.
Design & Exterior: Stylish and Sophisticated for City Streets
The Grand i10 Nios, at 3815mm long, 1680mm wide, 1520mm tall, sports a painted black grille, LED DRLs, and R15 alloys. Colors like Fiery Red and dual-tone Atlas White add flair. Owners love its premium vibe but note average plastic quality on lower trims.
Signature Lighting:
LED DRLs, projector headlamps, and LED tail lamps create a premium aesthetic for a budget hatch.
Urban-Friendly Design:
R15 diamond-cut alloys, roof rails, shark-fin antenna, and chrome handles enhance style and agility.
Interior & Comfort: Crafted for Everyday Ease
The Nios’s dual-tone grey interior with 2450mm wheelbase is spacious for four, with 260L boot. Features like rear AC vents and cooled glovebox ensure comfort, though rear space is tight for three adults.
Practical Comfort:
Rear AC vents, cooled glovebox, driver height adjust, and footwell lighting create a cozy cabin.
Smart Storage:
260L boot (expandable) and semi-fabric seats offer practical storage for small families.
Performance: Peppy and Responsive for Daily Drives
The 1.2L Kappa petrol engine (83 PS, 114 Nm) hits 0-100 km/h in ~12-13s, with CNG variants (69 PS, 95 Nm) for economy. Nimble handling makes it ideal for city potholes, though AMT lags in traffic.
Engine Performance:
5-speed MT/AMT and 1.2L engine offer smooth city acceleration; CNG prioritizes savings over power.
City-Friendly Handling:
McPherson front, torsion beam rear suspension ensures nimble handling and pothole absorption.
Fuel Efficiency: Economical Runs with CNG Edge
With ARAI claims of 21 kmpl petrol, 26-27 km/kg CNG, real-world yields 13-16 kmpl petrol, 20-24 km/kg CNG. The 37L petrol/60L CNG tank offers 500-600 km range, with CNG saving ₹2-3/km vs petrol.
Fuel Economy:
18-20 kmpl petrol in eco driving; CNG delivers 20-24 km/kg, though heavy AC drops efficiency.
Range Advantage:
500-600 km range with 37L petrol or 60L CNG tanks, ideal for long city commutes.
Technology: Buzzing with Modern Perks
The Nios offers a 20.25 cm touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and voice recognition, plus Type-C charging. It lacks OTA updates but delivers seamless connectivity for the price.
Infotainment Hub:
20.25 cm touchscreen, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and 4-speaker audio deliver modern connectivity.
Smart Features:
8.89 cm MID, cruise control (select variants), and Type-C charging keep it practical for daily use.
Safety: Your Safe Place with 6 Airbags Standard
With 6 airbags standard, ABS with EBD, ESC (AMT/higher), and rear camera, the Nios feels secure, though it lacks ADAS found in EVs like Harrier.ev.
Comprehensive Safety:
6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC/VSM/HAC, TPMS, and ISOFIX ensure robust protection.
Parking Aids:
Rear camera and all-seat belt reminders make parking and safety intuitive.
Full Specifications Table: Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
Engine & Performance
- Drive Type: FWD
- Engine: 1.2L Kappa Petrol / CNG
- Power: 83 PS (Petrol) / 69 PS (CNG)
- Torque: 114 Nm (Petrol) / 95 Nm (CNG)
- 0-100 km/h: ~12-13s (Petrol)
- Transmission: 5-speed MT / AMT
- Suspension: McPherson Front, Torsion Beam Rear
Fuel Efficiency
- Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
- ARAI Mileage: 21 kmpl (Petrol) / 26-27 km/kg (CNG)
- Real-World Mileage: 13-16 kmpl (Petrol) / 20-24 km/kg (CNG)
- Fuel Tank: 37L (Petrol) / 60L water eq. (CNG)
- Range: 500-600 km
- Running Cost: ₹4-6/km (Petrol) / ₹2-3/km (CNG)
Dimensions & Storage
- Length: 3815 mm
- Width: 1680 mm
- Height: 1520 mm
- Wheelbase: 2450 mm
- Boot Space: 260L (expandable)
Comparisons: Grand i10 Nios vs Punch.ev, Creta Electric, Harrier.ev
- Vs. Punch.ev (₹9.99-15.13 Lakh): Nios is cheaper with better city mileage (CNG), but lacks EV torque and off-road capability.
- Vs. Creta Electric (₹17.99-24.38 Lakh): Nios offers affordable Hyundai reliability without charging hassles, but trails in space and features.
- Vs. Harrier.ev (₹21.49-30.23 Lakh): Nios is a budget hatch vs Harrier’s premium SUV, winning on cost but trailing in power and luxury.
Pros and Cons: Our Balanced View of the Grand i10 Nios
Pros:
- Affordable Pricing: Starts at ₹5.92 Lakh, undercutting EVs like Punch.ev.
- Safety First: 6 airbags standard and ESC ensure class-leading protection.
- CNG Efficiency: 20-24 km/kg saves ₹2-3/km vs petrol.
- City Comfort: Nimble handling and rear AC vents make urban drives easy.
Cons:
- Average Mileage in Traffic: Petrol drops to 12-14 kmpl in heavy city use.
- No ADAS: Lacks advanced safety tech found in EVs like Creta Electric.
- Resale Dip: Loses value vs SUVs, though Hyundai network helps.
Variants: Tailored for Budgets
- Era: Base petrol MT, essentials (₹5.92 Lakh).
- Magna: Adds touchscreen, alloys, CNG option (₹6.84 Lakh).
- Corporate: Executive black/red accents (₹7.09 Lakh).
- Sportz/Sportz (O): Mid-spec with auto AC, camera (₹7.44-7.96 Lakh).
- Asta: Top-spec with push-start, alloys (₹8.56 Lakh).
Final Verdict: A Sensible, Fun Hatch for Everyday Wins
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios shines as a reliable, feature-packed hatch at ₹5.92-8.56 Lakh. With CNG efficiency and 6 airbags, it’s perfect for budget commuters. User rating: 4.5/5. Test drive for pride-filled commutes, or eye Punch.ev for EV thrills, Creta/Harrier.ev for premium.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 (Based on Expert Analysis)