Free Spirit

Has Hyundai managed to answer the prayers of enthusiasts by planting a performance oriented 1-litre turbo petrol engine in the practical Grand i10 Nios? We find out.

Dec 09, 2020 ARUP DAS No Comments Like
PIC : PERFECT SHOOT

By :



NEW DELHI :

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 of 17kmpl in real-world driving conditions. To get the best out this 1-litre engine, one has to understand its traits. The initial acceleration is quite predictable and fairly controlled but once it goes past the 1,700-1,800rpm mark that is when the turbo kicks in and within no time you’ll be cruising in triple-digit speeds. What makes the Grand i10 Nios turbo a pocket rocket is that the engine keeps surging ahead to 5,000rpm. The power tends to taper off after that but by then it would be doing over 170kmph. The Hyundai hatchback does have the capability to push you back into the seat once the turbo kicks in, but the response isn’t as instantaneous as its German rivals.

Does the Nios’ driving experience match the spirited motor’s eagerness? Sadly, Hyundai hasn’t touched the hatchback’s mechanicals, therefore it doesn’t offer a tarmac hugging experience where you can freely attack corners, but it overcomes daily driving duties without any fuss. If we had to nit-pick, the steering could have been more involving and weighed as it offers neutral feedback and feels light on the highway. When it comes to mind versus what the heart wants, Hyundai has stuck to the more practical approach ensuring that it is a breeze to drive in the city while offering a serious punch when pushed.

The Nios turbo loses all the chrome touches like the door handles and a strip on the boot to an all blacked-out finish. The large cascading front grille now sports a turbo badge as does the boot lid. Apart from this, it continues to be equipped with projector headlamps with LED DRLs. Step inside and the all-black cabin stands out with red accents around the air vents and climate control knobs. The seats also get red stitching and highlights. The instrument cluster houses an analogue rev meter and a 5.3-inch digital information screen that reads out speed and fuel level, besides other info. It also comes with an 8-inch infotainment system. The USP of the Nios is its spacious interiors where three adults can easily sit at the back.

Even though the Grand i10 Nios turbo is priced at INR 7.81 Lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi, INR 1 lakh more than the naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol variant, the engine offers a power punch that most cars in this segment lack and if driven within 2,000rpm, it even remains fuel-efficient too. The ride quality can be firm at slow speeds and its best to avoid sharp ditches. It might not be a hot hatch with razor-sharp handling, but it does offer an eager engine with one of best fit-and-finish sporty interiors along with a spacious cabin. Sadly, it does lose out on some basic features like rear wiper and washer and start/stop ignition button, but the Nios turbo’s performance remains one of the best in the segment and it is definitely what enthusiasts have been waiting for.

 


Leave a Reply