[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9692405371/[/flickr]
Interiors – The interiors appear to be of a car which is much more expensive. The interior styling has been tastefully done keeping in mind that ‘simplicity is the ultimate sophistication’. The dual tone black and beige interiors on the Hyundai Grand i10 offer a high quality fit and finish and the dashboard looks simple yet elegant. The AC vents get chrome surrounds and all the controls are ergonomically placed. There are enough storage areas in the cabin and each door has bottle holders and there are cup holders between the front seats around the handbrake. The glove box is reasonably sized and also has cooling function (derived from the AC) to keep your drinks chilled for a longer time. Outside rear view mirrors get electrically folding and adjustment feature.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9695643218/[/flickr]
The audio system offers above average sound quality (as compared to the segment) and offers input options such as USB/AUX/CD and Bluetooth streaming. Even when streaming audio from the Bluetooth, you can change tracks through the buttons on the steering wheel. As a segment first, Hyundai has also offered a 1 GB internal memory, where you can copy your favourite songs from your pen drive and phone to play them later. Moreover, the audio controls on the steering wheel only add to the convenience factor. The Grand i10 also offers Bluetooth telephony and it’s very easy to pair your phone to the car. The system allows a maximum five phones to be paired at a time, after which you can delete a phone if you want to pair a new one. Phone connect and disconnect buttons are also placed on the steering wheel.
The multifunctional steering wheel feels good to hold and has numerous buttons to control the audio system, phone and also read data on the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster offers large dials which are easy to read. There are two trip meters but surprisingly the display does not show the range and mileage. There is a gear shift indicator which shows you whether to upshift or downshift, in order to get better fuel efficiency. Push button start and smart key are also on the list of features.
The air-conditioner works well and cools the cabin quickly. We were mighty impressed with the cooling and the Grand i10 kept us comfortable while the hot Rajasthan sun blazed away to glory. As another segment first, Hyundai has equipped the Grand i10 with a rear AC vent. This not only helps achieve the desired cabin temperature faster but also keeps the rear passengers comfortable. Remember, we stay in a tropical country and these days sun control films are banned and the rear AC vent alone will attract many to this car. There is no automatic climate control offered though. The Grand i10 get two charging points, one at the front and one behind (just under the rear AC vent).
The front seats are comfortable and supportive. The integrated headrest has been ergonomically done and supports your neck well. There is enough head room, knee room and shoulder room but the under thigh support is lacking for tall passengers. The two tone black and beige seat fabric looks neat. Get to the rear seat and you will be surprised by the amount of space on offer. Even with the front seats adjusted to a six footer’s seating postion, there is abundant space at the rear. Headroom was just about enough for a 6-feet 2-inch passenger but back support and knee room was very impressive. Under thigh support was again lacking at the rear too. The rear window size has been altered for India and it definitely helps the cabin feel airy.
Boot space of the Hyundai Grand i10 measures 256-litres and is sufficient for a car of this size. Just as a unit of measurement, it is 50-litres more than the Maruti Suzuki Swift. The spare tyre is a full sized tyre but Hyundai has mounted it on a steel rim rather than offering a fifth alloy wheel.
Head over to the next page to read about the Hyundai Grand i10’s performance.
