The Grand i10 Nios is powered by a 1.2-liter petrol engine that produces 82 PS and 113 Nm of torque. In everyday use, the engine provides adequate power for city traffic and the occasional highway drive.

Acceleration is smooth enough for regular driving, though it lacks the punch you might expect when merging onto busy roads. The transmission doesn’t always deliver the crispness seen in the Maruti Swift but does come with a light clutch that will keep your legs happy in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

When compared to rivals, the Grand i10 Nios sits comfortably in the middle. The Swift’s engine, for example, feels slightly more responsive in stop-and-go conditions, while the Tiago’s refinement in gear shifts is notable.

Overall, the Grand i10 Nios gets the job done with acceptable fuel economy, averaging around 17 km/l under mixed driving conditions. You can opt for the CNG version to eke out even more mileage, but CNG’s inherent performance loss will make the i10 feel even more sluggish at highway speeds.

A valid point here is that most owners won’t push it past 100 kmph—its intended speed range—since you can barely cross 50 kmph in city driving anyway. The addition of a dead pedal is pretty useful, as are the steering-mounted controls.

Handling-wise, it’s like a mini go-kart—darting and poised at any speed, and quite stable even at high speeds. The braking is very good due to its lightweight body and reminded me of the Santro Xing I used to drive.

Inside the Grand i10 Nios, you find a cabin that is clean, functional, and well-modernized.

The dashboard layout is straightforward, with an 8-inch touchscreen display that controls the infotainment system. The build quality is an improvement over older models, but there’s still a fair share of hard plastics, especially around the center console and door panels, which detract from the overall feel.

It also has Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Type-C ports, and cruise control in select variants. The four-speaker system sounds better than the one in the Exter. Depending on the variant, you also get keyless entry and a wireless charger. The rear camera and sensors are pretty handy when parking on jam-packed roads.

If you opt for the dual-tone color scheme, you also get a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob.

Seating is comfortable for a hatchback in this segment, with ample headroom and legroom for front passengers. Rear occupants have decent space, though taller passengers might find it a little cramped on long journeys. The rear seat is best suited for two medium-sized adults or extra cargo.

The thigh support is negligible in the rear, but the car isn’t meant for long drives anyway. However, you do get rear AC vents!

Storage is practical, with a reasonably sized boot offering about 260 liters of space, which is competitive with the Swift and Tiago.

On the outside, the facelifted Grand i10 Nios sports a refreshed front end with a larger grille and slimmer headlamps that give it a bolder look. The lines are clean, and the overall profile is sharp, which helps it stand out in a crowded market. The side styling is simple but effective, with a neatly integrated beltline and well-proportioned windows.

The rear end has been updated with new taillamp designs and a subtle chrome garnish, adding a touch of style without overdoing it. The Grand i10 Nios rides on 15-inch steel or alloy wheels, depending on the variant.

Compared to rivals, its exterior design is a mix of radical and smooth styling, which may not be to everyone’s taste. But details like the shark-fin antenna, projector lamps, and blacked-out grille make it look more modern than you’d expect for a car that’s been on the market for so long.

Safety features in the Grand i10 Nios align with current expectations for this segment. The car comes equipped with dual front airbags and side airbags, alongside ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors as standard. The top variant also gets curtain airbags.

TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) and hill-start assist are standout features in this segment, but the lack of a crash safety rating is disappointing, especially considering Hyundai positions itself as an “upmarket” brand.

The Grand i10 Nios is miles ahead of cars like the Celerio, but when it comes to its actual competition—the Maruti Swift and the 4-star GNCAP-rated Tata Tiago—it won’t impress anyone except Hyundai’s diehard fans.