Few vehicles have played as pivotal a role in transforming Hyundai’s image in the Indian market as the Grand i10. Since its introduction in 2013, this compact hatchback has successfully blended European design sensibilities with features tailored specifically for Indian requirements, creating a formula that has consistently resonated with urban buyers seeking something beyond basic transportation. Now, as we enter 2025, Hyundai has unveiled the third generation of this important model—a ground-up redesign that aims to maintain the Grand i10’s position as a benchmark in the premium hatchback segment while addressing evolving customer expectations.
During the unveiling at Hyundai’s sprawling Chennai facility last week, SS Kim, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor India, characterized the new Grand i10 as “a comprehensive reimagining of urban mobility for today’s discerning customer.” After spending two days with the vehicle on routes ranging from congested inner-city streets to open highways outside Chennai, I can confirm this isn’t just marketing hyperbole—the 2025 Grand i10 represents a thoughtful evolution that builds on established strengths while introducing meaningful innovations that should help it stand out in an increasingly competitive segment.
Design: Modern Sophistication
The 2025 Grand i10 embraces Hyundai’s latest “Sensuous Sportiness” design language while maintaining a distinct identity tailored for its urban-focused mission. The overall silhouette remains recognizably Grand i10, but with more defined surfacing and sharper character lines that create a more sophisticated aesthetic.
“We wanted to create a design that feels both contemporary and timeless,” explains Minchul Koo, Head of Hyundai Design Center in Namyang, who personally supervised the Grand i10’s styling development. “The urban hatchback customer typically appreciates design sophistication without excessive flamboyance—something that makes a subtle statement rather than shouting for attention.”
This philosophy manifests in a front fascia featuring a wider, more integrated interpretation of Hyundai’s signature cascading grille, now with a distinctive parametric pattern that creates visual depth. Flanking this are newly designed LED headlamps with unique daytime running light signatures that flow into the grille elements, creating a cohesive front-end appearance that looks notably more premium than the outgoing model.
The side profile reveals perhaps the most significant achievement of the design team—creating more dynamic proportions without compromising interior space. The A-pillars have been moved slightly rearward and gained a steeper rake, while the roofline flows more gracefully into a subtly integrated spoiler at the rear. Character lines are fewer but more deliberate, with a single strong crease running just below the greenhouse and a more subtle lower line that creates interplay with light and shadow.
At the rear, horizontal LED taillights wrap around the corners and are connected by a slim light bar on higher trim levels, visually widening the stance. The bumper incorporates reflectors and a diffuser-style lower element that adds a touch of sportiness without appearing contrived.
Dimension changes are subtle but meaningful: overall length has increased by 25mm to 3,830mm, width grows by 20mm to 1,700mm, while height remains unchanged at 1,520mm. The wheelbase sees the most significant growth, stretched by 30mm to 2,480mm—a change that primarily benefits rear-seat passengers.
Color options show greater creativity than previous generations, with traditional whites, silvers, and grays joined by a striking Aurora Blue, a sophisticated Sage Green, and a vibrant Fiery Red. On higher trims, contrast black roof options add a touch of visual distinction that has become increasingly popular in the premium hatchback segment.
Interior: Space Meets Technology
Step inside the 2025 Grand i10, and the evolutionary leap becomes immediately apparent. The dashboard adopts a horizontal layout with a distinctive two-tier design that visually expands the width of the cabin. A free-standing 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits atop the center stack, complemented by a new 8-inch digital instrument cluster on higher trims that creates a more contemporary driver interface.
Material quality represents a significant upgrade, with soft-touch surfaces on the upper dashboard and door panels where occupants interact most frequently. Thoughtful details abound, from perforated leatherette surfaces with contrast stitching to satin-finish accents that avoid the tacky appearance of chrome while adding visual interest. The D-cut steering wheel, previously reserved for N-Line models, is now standard on higher trims, adding a sporty touch that aligns with the car’s more dynamic exterior.
“Our interior design philosophy centered on creating a space that feels a class above without losing the practicality that Grand i10 customers value,” notes interior designer Jiwoong Jung. “Every surface, every interface element has been reconsidered from the perspective of both aesthetics and usability.”
This attention to practical details is evident throughout: the center console includes a wireless charging pad with cooling vents to prevent phone overheating, door pockets are redesigned to accommodate larger water bottles, and storage spaces are both more numerous and thoughtfully positioned. The glove box features a cooling function on higher trims—a particularly welcome feature given India’s climate.
Seating comfort has received significant attention, with front seats featuring improved bolstering and more supportive cushioning. The rear bench benefits from the extended wheelbase, with 25mm more legroom than the previous generation and a revised cushion angle that provides better thigh support during longer journeys. Headroom remains generous despite the slightly more sloping roofline, thanks to careful packaging and revised seat positioning.
Perhaps most impressive is how the interior manages to feel both more spacious and more premium simultaneously—a challenging balance that many competitors struggle to achieve. The sense of airiness is enhanced on higher trims by a large panoramic sunroof, a segment-first feature that floods the cabin with natural light when desired.
Powertrains: Efficiency Meets Electrification
The 2025 Grand i10 launches with three distinct powertrain options, reflecting Hyundai’s commitment to offering choices tailored to different customer priorities.
The range starts with an updated version of the familiar 1.2-liter Kappa naturally aspirated petrol engine, now featuring dual variable valve timing and a new integrated starter-generator mild hybrid system as standard. Output stands at 83 horsepower and 114 Nm of torque—modest figures on paper but well-suited to the vehicle’s mission and mass. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a newly developed continuously variable transmission (CVT) that replaces the previous automated manual transmission (AMT), significantly improving both smoothness and efficiency.
More interesting is the new 1.0-liter T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine borrowed from European i10 N Line models but tuned specifically for Indian conditions. This unit produces a lively 100 horsepower and 172 Nm of torque from just 1,500 rpm, providing noticeably improved responsiveness in both urban and highway driving. The turbo engine comes paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, positioning it as the enthusiast’s choice within the range.
Perhaps most significantly, Hyundai has introduced its first mild hybrid CNG option, addressing the growing demand for factory-fitted CNG vehicles in the Indian market. The 1.2-liter engine has been specifically designed to run optimally on both petrol and compressed natural gas, producing 69 horsepower and 95 Nm of torque in CNG mode. The system features dual ECUs and seamless switching between fuel types, with the CNG tank packaged beneath the trunk floor to preserve reasonable cargo capacity—a thoughtful engineering solution that addresses a key limitation of aftermarket CNG conversions.
Fuel efficiency figures impress across the board: the naturally aspirated petrol claims 22.1 km/l, the turbocharged variant returns 20.3 km/l, and the CNG option delivers 28.4 km/kg under standardized testing conditions. Real-world expectations would typically be 15-20% lower, but still represent excellent efficiency for the segment.
During our test drive, both petrol powertrains impressed with their refinement and responsiveness. The 1.2-liter unit provides adequate performance for urban driving, with the mild hybrid system helping to smooth out start-stop transitions in traffic. The turbocharged engine, however, transforms the driving experience with a level of responsiveness uncommon in this segment, making highway overtaking maneuvers significantly less stressful and adding a genuine element of driving enjoyment to what is primarily a practical vehicle.
Ride and Handling: Balanced Dynamics
The 2025 Grand i10 rides on an updated version of Hyundai’s K1 platform, now with additional high-strength steel and structural adhesives that increase torsional rigidity by approximately 30 percent. Suspension architecture remains familiar—MacPherson struts up front and a coupled torsion beam rear—but with completely revised geometry and tuning that provides a better balance between ride comfort and handling precision.
“We’ve spent almost two years fine-tuning the suspension specifically for Indian road conditions,” explains chassis engineer Sukwon Kim. “Our goal was to create a more sophisticated ride quality that absorbs harsh impacts without introducing excessive body movement, while also improving directional stability and steering precision.”
These improvements were immediately apparent during our drive. The new Grand i10 glides over broken surfaces with noticeably less cabin disturbance than its predecessor, yet maintains better body control during directional changes. Steering weight is well-judged, with appropriate resistance at highway speeds but enough lightness to make urban maneuvering effortless.
Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) control has seen particular attention, with expanded use of sound-deadening materials throughout the body. Wind and road noise are significantly reduced compared to the previous generation, creating a more refined cabin environment that enhances the perception of quality.
Braking performance has been enhanced with larger 256mm front discs and 203mm rear drums. Pedal feel is progressive and reassuring, with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist systems standard across the range. The top-spec models add electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system—safety features not universally offered in this segment.
Technology: Connected Intelligence
The 2025 Grand i10 introduces Hyundai’s most advanced technology package yet for the compact hatchback segment, centered around the new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This unit features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, integrated navigation with real-time traffic information, and over-the-air update capability. Response time is excellent, with minimal lag between inputs and actions—a noticeable improvement over the previous generation.
The digital instrument cluster, standard on higher trims, offers multiple display configurations controlled via steering wheel buttons. Information presentation is clear and logical, with driving data, navigation directions, and safety system status integrated in a manner that minimizes distraction.
Hyundai’s BlueLink connected car technology has been expanded with new functionality that includes remote engine start, climate preconditioning, vehicle location tracking, and driving behavior analysis. A dedicated smartphone application enables remote monitoring and control of various vehicle functions, with enhanced security features including geofencing and unauthorized movement alerts.
Driver assistance technology makes a significant leap forward with the inclusion of six airbags as standard across the range—a notable commitment to safety in a market segment where cost-cutting often reduces such features on lower trims. Higher variants add a lane departure warning system, driver attention warning, and a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines—features previously unseen in this segment from mainstream manufacturers.
The climate control system has been upgraded to a fully automatic unit on most variants, with a cluster ionizer and air purification system—features particularly valuable in India’s urban environments. The premium Bose audio system available on top trims delivers impressive sound quality, with eight speakers carefully positioned throughout the cabin.
Voice control functionality has been expanded with natural language recognition that allows drivers to adjust climate settings, control audio functions, and input navigation destinations without removing hands from the wheel. The system understands Indian English accents remarkably well, a thoughtful localization that enhances usability in real-world conditions.
Market Positioning: Premium Yet Accessible
Despite the significant upgrades, Hyundai has maintained relatively competitive pricing for the 2025 Grand i10. The range starts at ₹6.05 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base 1.2-liter petrol, rising to ₹9.35 lakh for the fully-equipped turbocharged model with dual-clutch transmission. The CNG variants are positioned between ₹7.20 lakh and ₹8.50 lakh, reflecting their efficiency advantage and higher equipment levels compared to base petrol models.
“The premium hatchback segment remains vital to the Indian market, particularly as urban households increasingly prefer one well-equipped car rather than two basic ones,” states Tarun Garg, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hyundai Motor India. “The new Grand i10 addresses this shift by offering features and refinement previously associated with larger vehicles, while maintaining the compact dimensions and efficiency that make it ideal for city living.”
Hyundai projects monthly sales of approximately 9,000-11,000 units domestically, with additional volumes from export markets across South Asia, Africa, and Latin America where previous generations of the Grand i10 have enjoyed considerable success.
Hyundai Grand i10 2025 Thoughtfully Advanced
The 2025 Hyundai Grand i10 successfully balances seemingly contradictory priorities: it delivers meaningful advancements in design, technology, and refinement while maintaining the fundamental practicality and value proposition that have made its predecessors so successful in the Indian market.
It accomplishes this through thoughtful evolution rather than radical reinvention. Every aspect has been meaningfully improved—exterior design, interior quality, powertrains, ride comfort, technology integration—without compromising the core attributes that define a well-executed urban hatchback.
During our time with the vehicle, its balanced approach to everyday usability became increasingly apparent and appreciated. It navigates the chaos of urban traffic with the ease expected of its category, yet provides enough refinement, feature content, and driving satisfaction to make ownership genuinely enjoyable rather than merely practical.