HYUNDAI Motor Company has announced the launch across the GCC of the Grand i10, delivering stylish looks and high standards of practicality and comfort in a small car package. The Grand i10 comes in either hatchback or sedan different body styles and two different trim levels – GL and GLS - with prices starting from 10,000 USD. The Grand i10 has been available in the Levant countries since April 2014 where it has proved extremely popular –it recorded sales of over 5,400 units in its first six months in Lebanon alone. The Grand i10 will especially appeal to young people and young families in their early 20's or 30's that are looking for comfort, convenience and safety. Tom Lee, Vice President and Head of Hyundai Africa and Middle East Regional Headquarters, said: “The Grand i10 has proven extremely popular with customers in other markets, and we are confident that economy-minded buyers in the GCC will also be attracted by its stylish looks, practicality and high levels of specification. This new model allows small car buyers the opportunity to enjoy the benefits that our ‘Modern Premium' approach has previously delivered to owners of Hyundai mid-size, large and SUV models.” The Grand i10's style is refreshingly simple, while its stance is sporty and purposeful. At the front it boasts a hexagonal grille to facilitate the intake of air. The headlamps have been redesigned for better visual impact, along with the front fog lamps, which are mounted as low as possible to help cut through fog. The design of the doors has been improved to make entry easier and the door handles have been finished in chrome for buyers opting for the smart key package. The side mirrors have integrated signal lights, enhancing the aesthetics of the car. Details such as the rear lights, parking sensors and the rear spoiler also give the car a smart look. The clean lines of the interior ensure comfortable interior ambiance, with the primary focus on the driver and the driving experience while a distinctive two-tone colour scheme has been applied to the instrument panel and seats. Soft-touch materials applied throughout the interior give it a high quality feel superior to rival models. With a longer wheelbase than the i10, resulting in more interior space, Hyundai's new offering in the GCC provides a substantially roomier cabin than its key competitors, while the sedan version offers a class-leading 407 litres of luggage space. On top of that the back seats in the hatchback fold down to provide extra cargo space when needed. All of which makes it a great option for younger buyers looking for a practical car. The Grand i10 is extremely aerodynamic with a drag coefficient of 0.35, thanks to a lower overall height, engine undercover and new aerodynamically shaped side mirrors. This low drag coefficient translates into a better fuel efficiency. Fuel consumption for the Grand i10 is extremely impressive, which will appeal to buyers of this car who are looking for high value, low cost transport. Noise, vibration and harshness have also been reduced to minimal levels thanks to a resigned engine air intake, quieter fuel pump and improved body rigidity. The Grand i10 boasts high level features normally found in the upper class vehicles such as a smart key, engine start button and, for added safety, a rear parking assist system. The hatchback model also offers Electronic Stability Control and Vehicle Stability Management for improved vehicle stability. A generously-sized glovebox with cooling system provides extra storage. At the same time AUX, IPOD, USB and Bluetooth connections offer a fast and easy way to stream your music. Audio and Bluetooth functions can all be controlled via the steering wheel buttons, and the cluster features bright and easy to read gauges. The Grand i10 will be available across the GCC with two different power units: a 1.0L MPI petrol engine producing a maximum 66PS at 5,500rpm, and a 1.25L MPI petrol powerplant engine delivering up to 87 PS at 6,000PS. The choice of gearbox is either a 5-speed manual or a smooth 4-speed automatic transmission. Both engines feature an all-aluminium construction to minimize weight and maximise fuel efficiency. — SG
