Hyundai has already launched the Grand i10 Nios in the Indian market. Globally, this is the new-generation Hyundai i10, that’s what the product placement is unlike in our market where the Nios will co-exist with the old Grand i10. Now, new spyshots have emerged online hinting that the brand might be working on a high-performance i10 N variant. The Hyundai N performance division has made some interesting products before which can go real quick, and this i10 N could very well become an affordable hot hatchback. Will this come to India? Probably not. But if it does, it would rival the likes of Tata Tiago JTP, but the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios based i10 N would be a much better product in quality, refinement and just about every other aspect except for the budget.
The giveaway that this could be a high-performance i10 N are the dual exhaust tips seen at the back. The Grand i10 Nios in India does not have it. One can also notice a large sporty front grille which will allow for more efficient cooling, and there could also be hood scoops in place. Compared to the Indian model which has made a debut, the wheels also seem to be bigger and wider for optimum grip. Nothing else is known about this product at the moment, as the standard next-gen i10 also is yet to make a global debut.
The 1.2L gasoline motor sold with the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios pumps 83 PS of power. With this performance-spec version, we expect well over 100-120 PS of power at least for the international market. The engine could be completely different, and turbocharged of course.
If launched in India, this will obviously be an expensive proposition. Probably it might ask for more than the Elite i20 as well. So on one end, customers will have the option of a cheaper sporty car in the form of the Tata Tiago JTP and the i10 N will have to fight with a car from segment above which is the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS. But then, no negative points for hoping this arrives right? Who doesn’t want to push a fun little turbocharged hot hatchback on twisty roads?
