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Getz reborn: Hyundai's 'i10.5' Grand

SOMERSET WEST, Western Cape - Hyundai ditched the Getz a while back despite its steady popularity since launch in 2003 but you could say it's now back in favour with the adding a model to the relatively new i10 range. It's now called the i10 Grand.

It's an i10, for sure, but a little bigger inside and comes with a 1250cc engine and a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed auto. I'll miss the chutzpah of the Getz - but I promise you'll like the Grand...

IMAGE GALLERY: Hyundai i10 Grand

The launch event was based at the Waterkloof wine estate overlooking Somerset West and False Bay with a presentation and slide show in the chilly wine cellar and when question time came around I suggested that, this being the Getz' replacement, perhaps badging it the i15 (halfway between the i10 and the i20) might have been a good idea.

A wry grin from Hyundai sales boss Stanley Anderson indicated tacit agreement... but it ain't gonna happen, he said. Which is a pity, because this is a small car that sets itself apart from the rest of the i10 range.

It will be fighting for market share with competitors such as the Ford Figo, Toyota Etios and VW Polo Vivo - against all of which the i10 stacks up well pricewise when corrected for standard equipment that comes as extra cost options on the competitors. In fact, bang for buck, Hyundai argues that it is cheaper.

POWER - 64KW/120NM

This first part of the article was published earlier today (May 3) - such is the demand of the instant-news internet so I'll not re-write it. Here's what I said then.... "I'm writing this as we drive (waiting my turn in the passenger seat) and can report that everything is of the usual Hyundai high quality (great sound system) - firm ride, quality materials, value for money and a full-size spare tyre on a matching alloy rim.

"The 1250cc petrol engine puts out 64kW at 6000rpm and 120Nm at 4000rpm with fuel consumption for each of the three models at around six litres/100km.

"There are three cabin colour combinations, depending on model, and an electronic trip data computer read-out. The new and defining hexagonal grille is also part of the package; the rear seats fold and all four head restraints are height-adjustable.

"Right now we're cruising at 120km/h along the False Bay coast and the ride really is excellent - quiet (except for the gale that is blowing outside) and firm. Good seats too..."

And we published the prices...

Hyundai Grand i10 Motion 1.25 - R139 900
Hyundai Grand i10 Fluid 1.25 - R149 900
Hyundai Grand i10 Fluid 1.25 a/t - R159 900

That includes five years of warranty and roadside assistance; a service plan is optional.
A red interior option using a leather/cloth combination costs an extra R5000.

A month earlier, Hyundai expanded its i10 range to five derivatives with the addition of the 1.1 Motion auto.

Anderson explained: “We couldn’t help drawing comparisons between the new Grand i10 and the Hyundai Getz – a car that was discontinued about four years ago (but is still very evident on SA’s roads) after it reached enormous popularity in South Africa. The Grand i10 has everything in its arsenal, and more, to do what the Getz did for Hyundai.

“Not only is it spacious inside, yet small in overall dimensions, but it is filled with standard features that will make is a compelling choice in the entry-level segment of our car market.”

THREE DERIVATIVES

The model range fits between the smaller i10 – which is retained in the local model line-up – and the i20. “It fills that spot well,” Anderson said, “not only in terms of size, but also regarding price and standard features. We expect buyers of small city cars to look keenly at what the Grand i10 has to offer.”

There are three derivatives: 1.25 Motion manual entry level, 1.25 Fluid manual (with a slightly higher spec) and the 1.25 Fluid with a four-speed autobox.

“The new proportions,” Hyundai says, “deliver a driving experience developed to meet South African, driving preferences. Relocated and re-tuned components result in greater body and wheel control and deliver more driver involvement and ride comfort when compared with cars from higher segments.”

As I’ve already said, the car has an excellent ride and post my initial comment showed its mountaineering prowess while climbing the east wide of Du Toit’s Kloof pass on the N2. The modest 64kW engine hasn’t much weight to haul and makes the most of the five-speed box – a sixth gear would have been handy on cruise.

“New levels of craftsmanship can be found in the spacious interior,” Hyundai adds, “together with levels of comfort and safety equipment commonly only found in segments above.”

FIRST FROM EUROPE

Thomas Burkle, chief designer at Hyundai Motor Europe’s Technical Centre in Russelsheim, Germany, said in the media release accompanying the launch: “The different proportions of the Grand i10 helped us to create a dynamic shape that immediately conveys an impression of strength and stability.

“This is the first time the i10 has been designed in Europe (the SA model comes from India) so we wanted to give it a strong road presence. The ‘fluidic sculpture’ philosophy has been used to create a more emotional design, with sleek, substantial proportions working in harmony to give it a unique and dynamic style.”

The cars have colour-coded door releases and external mirrors/indicators, alloy wheel rims and moulded door panels. The hexagonal grille is now much a part of the Hyundai DNA and at the rear there’s a spoiler with an LED tail-light.

Cabin colours offer a choice: grey cloth with orange inserts; grey leather with red inserts; or simply grey cloth with grey inserts. The different colour themes are also reflected, rather startlingly, in the dashboard inserts and a coloured ring around the gear-shifter boot.

SIZE COUNTS

But back to size: the Grand is, at 3765mm, 180mm longer than the original cars. At 1660mm wide, it claims to be the widest in its segment – 65mm wider than other i10 units – yet the roof is lower at 1520mm – a number that surprised me because cabin headroom is exceptional.

The car’s drag coefficient (Cd) is only 0.35.

Depending on model, the Grand i10 is feature-rich: Bluetooth connectivity to the sound system; keyless entry, powered and heatable external mirrors, USB and AUX ports for the sound system, aircon and central locking, for instances.

All three derivatives, however, come with front fog-lights, a full-size spare wheel 14” alloy rims, driver’s seat height adjustment and satellite audio controls on the steering wheel. There’s a hidden drawer for tempting goodies such as handbags and communications gear and all head restraints are adjustable.

An electronic trip data computer display shows fuel consumption and tank range, instant fuel consumption and a number of other less-vital statistics.

TWO FRONT BAGS

The engine is from Hyundai’s Kappa family: dual overhead camshaft, dual continuously variable valve timing, a very stiff cast aluminium block with cast iron liners, aluminium cylinder head, light connecting rods and a maintenance-free and long-life timing chain.

The 1248cc engine delivers 64kW at 6000rpm and 120Nm at 4000rpm.

An air bag each for the driver and front passenger provides primary crash protection, along with anti-lock brakes.

For more information to to the Hyundai SA website.
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