Hyundai Grand I10 Nios Vs Hyundai Elite I20: Which Is The More Suitable Option?

by Mohammed Burman | 26/08/2019
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Both of the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and the Hyundai Elite i20 appear to have their own benefits and drawbacks. Let’s discover all of the plus and minus points of the two hatchbacks to make a better decision on which one to buy.

After two generations, the Hyundai i10 and the Hyundai Grand i10, the long-awaited Hyundai Grand i10 Nios has finally been launched in India several days ago with cosmetic alterations from inside out along with the addition of the automatic gearbox to the transmission options. On the other hand, the Hyundai Elite i20 received an upgrade in May 2018. Like its sibling, it also gets remarkable updates regarding both of its exterior and interior as well as a new CTV unit just several days after the vehicle’s official launch.

>>> Watch more

2019 Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS Launch Event

Now, you might wonder between the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and the Hyundai Elite i20, what should be chosen? Let’s come to a detailed Hyundai Grand i10 Nios vs Hyundai Elite i20 comparison to discover the advantages and disadvantages of the two vehicles and find out the more suitable one for yourself.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios vs Hyundai Elite i20 Dimensions: Which is bigger?

The Hyundai Elite i20 measures greater in length, width and comes with a longer wheelbase than the Grand i10 Nios, which translates into a more spacious cabin but the former comes with a slightly smaller height figure than the latter. The ground clearance and the kerb weight of the Elite i20 also measure greater than the Grand i10 Nios. Hence, the winner of this aspect of our Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Vs Hyundai Elite i20 comparison is clearly the Hyundai Elite i20. You may refer to the table below for a detailed comparison between the dimensions of the two hatchbacks.

Dimensions

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios 

 Hyundai Elite i20

 Length

 3,805 mm

 3,985 mm

 Width

 1,680 mm

 1,734 mm

 Height

 1,520 mm

 1,505 mm

 Kerb Weight

 1,025 kg

 1,066 kg

 Ground Clerance

 167 mm

 170 mm

 Wheelbase

 2,450 mm

 2,570 mm

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios vs Hyundai Elite i20 - Which is better looking?

Interior comparison

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios has witnessed a remarkable improvement over the outgoing model with a greater length and width, which translates into a large rear seat and can ensure that the passengers who sit here have a comfortable journey. The vehicle also offers slimmer seats, which gives a feeling of a more amber cabin. The seats also come with adjustable headrest, which is greatly useful for tall passengers.

2019 hyundai grand i10 nios interior seat- ayout

The Grand i10 Nios's seating space is a breakthrough over the outgoing model.

For the Hyundai Elite i20, the most easy-to-recognize new features are the new upholstery and the central armrest with cup holders on the rear seat row, which, along with the headrest and back support offer the occupants an excellent travelling experience.  What is worth noting is that the Elite i20 comes with a rear armrest which is usually equipped on more highly-priced sedans.

2018 hyundai elite i20-interor seat layout

The Hyundai Elite i20 also comes with a very comfortable cabin.

Exterior comparison

Both of the hatchbacks carry some characteristics from a European car with a sporty design, which makes many people mistake them for European cars if the Hyundai logos are removed. However, when looking into details, you will discover many different features between the two vehicles. While the Grand i10 Nios’s exterior design is an evolutionary product after many updates, the Hyundai Elite i20 has an understated appearance with many excessive cuts and slashes removed.

Front

The two hatchbacks get Hyundai’s signature cascading grille in the front. The newly designed LED DRLS have also become more fashionable. The other front features of the Grand i10 Nios include sculpted bumper, brand-new more aggressive and sharper projector headlamps and segment-leading vertical projector fog lamps.

On the other hand, for the Hyundai Elite i20, the grille has been decorated with a chrome outline. The bumper has been restyled and get muscular stripes; the fog lamps now come with a different shape. Moreover, the turn indicators are integrated into the sleek and swept-back headlamps.  

hyundai grand i10 nios vs elite i20 front

Both the two hatchbacks come with a wide range of new features against the outgoing version in the front.

Side profile

On the side profile, some of the similar features of the two hatchbacks include a shark fin antenna, chrome car handles, which lend them a more dynamic appearance. Nevertheless, while the Grand i10 Nios comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, those on the Elite i10 measure up to 16 inches.

hyundai grand i10 nios vs elite i20 side profile

The alloy wheels of the Elite i20 are larger than those of the Grand i10 Nios.

Rear

Both of the two hatchbacks now come with redesigned taillights which have become more fashionable but those on the Grand i10 Nios are wraparound units. Whereas the Grand i10 Nios gets a new heavier and thicker bumper, Elite i20 features a dual-tone one.

hyundai grand i10 nios vs elite i20 rear

Like the front, the rear of the two vehicles also features some changes against the previous model.

Since the exterior design is totally a matter of personal preference, we would not give any conclusion on which one is the winner here. For those who prefer a contemporary-looking hatchback, go for the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios; on the other hand, who prefer a modest and elegant car should choose the Elite i20. Hence, round 1 of our Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Vs Hyundai Elite i20 Comparison has no clear winner. 

Also readBaleno vs i20: Which is the better hatchback?

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios vs Hyundai Elite i10 - Which is safer & more convenient?

Safety features comparison

The Hyundai Grand i10 is equipped with numerous standard safety features including dual airbags, ABS with EBD, seatbelt reminder and rear parking sensors across all the variants. The Elite i20 also comes with a long safety equipment list but only limited to the high-spec variants. These consist of six airbags which are a segment-leading feature, ABS, a rear camera, an electronic rearview mirror and central locking.

In this comparison, again, the two vehicles level with each other with their own strengths and weaknesses. Nevertheless, bear in mind that if you want a low-spec variant, you should choose the Grand i10 Nios, but if you prefer a high-spec trim, you should go for the Elite i20 to enjoy the utmost safety.

Comfort features comparison

The most outstanding interior feature of the Grand i10 Nios is the stylish dashboard which accommodates a partially digital-analogue instrument cluster and a wide 8.0 touchscreen infotainment unit which bears a strong resemblance to that in the Hyundai Venue. The instrument panel also holds central dual dials and a ledge which is of great use if passengers want to store their mobile phone or other accessories.

The infotainment system can support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and particularly, Blue Link connectivity technology which will be a segment-leading feature. Other outstanding interior features offered by the Grand i10 Nios consist of temperature control, a cooled glovebox and rear air conditioner vents.

2019 hyundai grand i10 nios interior dashboard

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios has a modern cabin with a wide range of top-notch features.

In the meanwhile, the Grand i20 Elite’s dashboard also features a touchscreen infotainment system but the unit is smaller than that on the Grand i10 Nios, measuring only 7.0 inches and supports AVN (Audio Visual Navigation) connectivity. The dashboard has also been elegantly redesigned with unique AC vents. The instrument cluster comes with an analogue tachometer and a speedometer. Noteworthily, the gearstick, parking brakes and interior door handles have also got metal highlights, which indicates that the South Korean auto manufacturer has paid careful attention to details.

Adding to the practicality of the vehicle is a small storage space at the console’s lower end, which helps the passengers store their small accessories. Furthermore, the hatchback is also equipped with a USB and a USB port along with two 12V power outlets.s

2018 hyundai elite i20 blue interor dashboard

The Hyundai Elite i20 comes with a greatly practical cabin.

Also read2019 Hyundai Grand I10 Nios Vs Old Model Hyundai Grand I10 - What Are The Differences?

2017 Hyundai Grand i10 vs 2019 Grand i10 Nios | Comparison | The Difference Between Old & New

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios vs Hyundai Elite i20 - Which has higher performance? 

Engine and transmission

Petrol motor

 Specifications

 Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

 Hyundai Elite i20

 Engine Type

 Kappa VTVT Petrol

 Kappa VTVT Petrol

 Displacement (cc)

 1,197

 1,197

 No. of cylinders

 4

 4

 Power (PS)

 83 @ 6000 rpm

  83 @ 6000 rpm

 Torque (Nm)

 116 @ 4000 rpm

 117 @ 4000 rpm

 Drive type

 FWD

 FWD

 Gearbox

 5-speed MT/AMT

 5-speed MT/CVT

The petrol engines which power the Grand i10 Nios and the Elite i20 can produce equal maximum power and almost similar peak torque. Both of the two hatchbacks also come with manual and automatic transmission options. Both of the two vehicles come with an FWD system.

Diesel motor

 Specifications

 Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

 Hyundai Elite i20

 Engine Type

 U2 CRDi Diesel

 U2 CRDi Diesel

 Displacement (cc)

 1,186

 1,396

 No. of cylinders

 3

 4

 Power (PS)

 75 PS @ 4,000 rpm

 90 PS @ 4,000 rpm

 Torque (Nm)

 194 Nm @ 170 - 2250 rpm

 224 Nm @ 1,500 0 2750 rpm

 Drive type

 FWD

 FWD

 Gearbox

 5-speed MT/AMT

 6-speed MT

For the diesel engine, the case is totally different. The Hyundai Elite i20's unit is much more powerful than the Grand i10 Nios with a higher power and torque. However, when driving the Elite i20, you can not enjoy the convenience offered by the automatic gearbox like the Grand i10 Nios.

2019 hyundai grand i10 nios green front angle

The Grand i10 Nios diesel, though losing in terms of the power and torque, offers an automatic transmission.

Also readHyundai Grand i10 Nios Vs Maruti Swift Prices, Specs, Dimensions Comparison

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2019 Hyundai Grand i10 Nios vs Maruti Swift | Comparison | The Ultimate Hatchback Battle

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios vs Hyundai Elite i20 Top Speed - Which is faster?

Model Name 

 Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Hyundai Elite i120 

 Top Speed

 165 kmph (petrol), 151 kmpl (diesel)

 154 kmph (petrol), 165 kmph (diesel)

 0 - 100 kmph

 N.I (petrol), 13.13 seconds (diesel)

 13.99 seconds (petrol), 11.94 seconds (diesel)

N.I: No information

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios petrol has a higher top speed than the Hyundai Elite i20 petrol; however the diesel version of the former has a lower maximum speed than the latter. While the 0 - 100 kmph acceleration time of the Grand i10 Nios diesel is longer than that of its counterpart, this type of information for the petrol Grand i10 Nios is not available. 

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios vs Hyundai Elite i20 Fuel Mileage - Which is more fuel-efficient?

Petrol motor

Specifications 

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

 Hyundai Elite i20

 Fuel type

 Petrol

 Petrol

 Fuel Tank Capacity

 37

 40 

 Fuel Economy (kmpl)

 20.7 (petrol), 20.5 (AMT)

 18.24 (MT)/17.4 (CVT)

Diesel motor

Specifications 

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

 Hyundai Elite i20

 Fuel type

 Diesel

 Diesel

 Fuel Tank Capacity

 37

 40 

 Fuel Economy (kmpl)

 26.2 (MT/AMT)

 21.76 (MT)

While the fuel tank capacity of the Hyundai Elite i20 is larger than the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, the former pales in comparison with the latter as regards the fuel mileage when it comes to both the petrol and diesel versions. Therefore, the Grand i10 Nios gains a clear benefit over its counterpart as the fuel economy is one of the top priorities when the Indian auto customers consider buying a car. 

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios vs Hyundai Elite i20 - Price Comparison

 Models

 Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Hyundai Elite i20

 Price (ex-showroom, Delhi)

 INR 4.99 lakh - INR 7.99 Lakh

 INR 5.51 lakh - INR 9.32 lakh

 Price (on-road, Delhi)

 INR 5.61 lakh - INR 9.19 lakh

 INR 6.17 lakh - INR 10.69 lakh

The Hyundai Elite i20 is priced at a higher range than the Grand i10 Nios. Therefore, with the wide array of top-notch features that the Grand i10 Nios offers, it is really a good deal. Hence, looking at it from the value-for-money aspect, it's the i10 that's the winner of our comparison. 

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios - Other competitors

In the Indian auto market, the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios competes against many other hatchbacks including the Maruti S-Presso, the Maruti Swift and even the Hyundai Venue, a hatchback-sized compact SUV. 

Other competitors 

 Compare with Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

 Maruti S-Presso

 Hyundai Grand i10 Nios vs Maruti S-Presso

 Maruti Swift

 Hyundai Grand i10 Nios vs Maruti Swift

 Hyundai Venue

 Hyundai Grand i10 Nios vs Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Elite i20 - Other competitors

In the teeming Indian hatchback segment, the Hyundai Elite i20 also takes on the likes of other vehicles like the Maruti Baleno and even the Hyundai Venue.

Other competitors  

Compare with Hyundai Elite i20

 Maruti Baleno

 Hyundai Elite i20 vs Maruti Baleno

 Hyundai Venue

 Hyundai Elite i20 vs Hyundai Venue

Verdict: Which model is worth buying between Hyundai Grand i10 Nios vs Hyundai Elite i20?

So, above is a detailed Hyundai Grand i10 Nios vs the Hyundai Elite i20 comparison as regards their design, specifications and prices. Overall, both of the two hatchbacks have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you are looking for a contemporary-looking car with a modern cabin as well as a manual and automatic gearbox for both the petrol and diesel motors, the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is the more suitable one. On the other hand, if you are on a loose budget and prefer a hatchback with a modest appearance with a practical cabin along with a powerful diesel motor, the Hyundai Elite i20 is highly recommended. Please pay a visit to IndianAuto for more car comparisons in India.

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