Hyundai has announced that it will soon introduce a safer derivative of the Grand i10 in South Africa.
This comes after the brand’s entry-level hatchback received a zero-star safety rating from the Global New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) when tested as part of the Automobile Association (AA) #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign.
Initially, Hyundai responded to concerns about the vehicle’s occupant safety rating, saying the Grand i10 meets all the safety requirements stipulated by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS).
However, it has now decided to expand the local Grand i10 line-up by adding the Executive derivative – a variant already offered in the sedans – to remain competitive in the price-sensitive entry-level vehicle market.
“We take a proactive and continuous approach to improving our vehicles,” says Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
“The introduction of the Executive derivative reflects our commitment to enhancing safety and overall product value in a highly competitive segment.”
The new Hyundai Grand i10 Executive will be offered with both a manual and an automatic transmission, and is expected to include all-new side and curtain airbags.
Further safety equipment upgrades include the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) as standard, which Hyundai hopes will further bolster occupant protection and on-road stability.
These are some of the major concerns highlighted by Global NCAP during testing, which led to the hatchback’s zero-star rating for adult occupant protection and three-star rating for child occupant protection.
Anderson notes that the latest update underscores the Korean automaker’s intent to stay competitive in the entry-level market, while reinforcing the brand’s values through incremental innovation and feature-led differentiation.
The existing Grand i10 Premium derivatives will remain on sale in South Africa, and Hyundai will announce additional details on the Executive derivatives – including pricing and market availability – in due course.
A popular local choice
Since its introduction in 2023, the Hyundai Grand i10 has become a common feature on our roads and currently ranks as the second-best-selling hatchback in South Africa.
Despite being available as a sedan option as well, the Grand i10 is most often spotted in its hatchback guise.
Hatch buyers can choose between a 1.0-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 49kW and 94Nm, or a 1.2-litre motor with 61kW and 114Nm.
These are then coupled with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox, which drives the front wheels, and averages a fuel consumption of 5.5l/100km in manual, and 5.9l/100km as an automatic.
Across the range, standard equipment includes a touchscreen infotainment system with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a multi-function steering wheel, and front and rear USB ports.
Further features include manual air conditioning with rear-seat vents, rear parking sensors with a reverse camera, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and two airbags.
Prices for the current Grand i10 line-up start at R224,900, all the way up to R309,900 for the Executive Sedan.
These prices include a 5-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and a 7-year/200,000km drivetrain warranty
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