Free Spirit

The Indian market has matured and buyers want more than just an affordable fuel-efficient car. This is where the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios turbo comes in, offering a pacey engine for the enthusiasts while retaining its practical traits. We find out whether the Grand i10 Nios turbo only looks good on paper or if it brings a smile on your face. We start with the driving experience and the power mill as it is all about the 99bhp 1-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol. This is the same engine that is under the hood of the Aura, the i20, the Venue and the Verna, but the Nios’ has identical power output and a 5-speed manual transmission like the Aura. There is no engine start button so, turn the key and the powertrain comes alive. On the move, the motor noise settles down. The gear ratio is on the taller side, especially the first three gears, but once the rev needle goes below 1,000rpm, the power tends to trickle out forcing you to shift down. For the daily commute, it is best to keep the Nios in between 1,500-2,000rpm range where it provides adequate power for start-stop traffic while returning a decent mileage