Hyundai Motor India has revealed the first set of images for its next launch – the Grand i10 NIOS. No, it is not a replacement for the existing Grand i10. In fact, NIOS is its swankier sibling and they both will co-exist. The company says NIOS means More. Not sure in which language! Anyway, we understand ‘More’ and what it means is that the Grand i10 NIOS will offer more of nearly everything than the standard Grand i10. The new model will launch on August 20, 2019, and its bookings are officially open, online and offline, with the minimum token amount set at Rs 11,000.

Front and side profile

Our first impression of the Grand i10 NIOS is that it looks like a love-child of the Santro and the Grand i10. Its front fascia is more aggressive though, thanks to boomerang-shaped LED DRLs which are placed at either end of Hyundai’s cascading grille design. The front bumper looks sporty too. However, those fog lamps look a tad small. We love the bulges on the bonnet and the angry-looking headlamps which house projector units. The chrome-draped door handles, well-defined wheel arches and Venue-like dual-tone alloy wheels make the side profile a pleasant sight.

Interiors

The dual-tone colour theme forms the basis for a neatly laid-out cabin. The multi-function steering wheel is accompanied by an analogue instrument cluster with a MID in the centre. Other noteworthy design cues include the turbine-shaped AC vents on either side and the placement of the infotainment system. We’ve seen a similar layout in the upcoming Kia Seltos. As far as the list of features goes, the Grand i10 NIOS will have push-button start-stop, automatic climate control, all-four power windows, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, manual headlamp levelling and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Engine and transmission options

As far as engines options are concerned, they will be the same as the ones on offer with the Grand i10. That means a 1.2-litre diesel with 74hp/190Nm and a 1.2-litre petrol with 82hp/114Nm. As standard, both engines will come coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission. However, Hyundai will also offer an AMT (automated manual transmission) with both power-plants. What that also means is the Grand i10 NIOS will become the first Hyundai hatchback to offer a diesel-auto combination.

Variants list and colour options

A total of ten derivatives will be available at the time of launch – three diesel and seven petrol. Here’s the complete list:

Diesel

1.2 MT Magna || 1.2 AMT Sportz || 1.2 MT Asta

Petrol

1.2 MT Era || 1.2 MT Magna || 1.2 AMT Magna || 1.2 MT Sportz || 1.2 AMT Sportz || 1.2 MT Sportz Dual Tone || 1.2 MT Asta

Over to the choice of colours. The Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS will be available in a total of eight different exterior shades – six single-tone and two dual-tone. While the former category includes Fiery Red, Polar White, Typhoon Silver, Titan Grey, Aqua Teal and Alpha Blue, the latter one has Polar White with black roof and Aqua Teal with black roof.

Needless to say, the Grand i10 NIOS will be placed between the Grand i10 and the Elite i20. Expect all variants to attract a premium of around Rs 25,000-30,000 over and above their comparable Grand i10 derivatives.