Hyundai Motor India Ltd., India's fastest growing auto manufacturer and largest passenger car exporter, today launched the i10 at a glittering launch function in New Delhi. The i10 is the first Hyundai to makes its world debut in India which will serve as the sole production and export hub for the car.
Seoul-based Hyundai Motor Co. established HMI in 1996 as a fully-owned subsidiary and launched its first car - the Santro which became a runaway success in 1998. The company today makes a full range of cars starting with Santro Xing to the Tucson SUV and Sonata Embera top-end premium luxury car. From the very outset Hyundai has distinguished itself in the Indian market by bringing the latest in technology and design wrapped in a value-for- money package.
“Hyundai Motor India is poised to play a very important role not only in India but also in HMC’s global plans with HMI becomes Hyundai’s global hub for small car manufacturing,” said HMC President Choi Jae-Kook. “We are very proud of the i10 as it brings the best of Hyundai’s design and technology and I am confident that it will be a very big success around the world,” he added.
The launch of the i10 symbolises the second phase of operations for HMI in the country where it enjoys a market share of well over 18 percent and which is poised to grow to 20 percent in the next calendar year. The i10 marks the entry of stylish, performance driven compacts from Hyundai which offer the latest to its customers.
Speaking at the launch function, HMI Managing Director Lheem Heung-Soo commented, “Hyundai Motor India is starting its second phase of operations with the launch of this brand new compact i10 today. The i10 symbolises everything Hyundai Motor India stands for today: Great design, latest technology and performance with an affordable price tag. We at Hyundai Motor India and all Indians can take pride in the fact that we make world class cars which are driven across the world.”
The new i10 is powered by a 1.1 litre, iRDE petrol engine which will offer great performance along with unmatched fuel economy. The unit develops 66.7PS@5500 rpm of maximum power and a peak torque of 10.1Kgm@2800 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission with a console mounted ergonomic, short throw, i-shift gear box which frees up the space between the driver and the passenger seat and also gives an unique look - a first for this segment. To make in-city driving effortless it comes with an electric power steering.
The i10’s sleek, flowing contours, attractive front grille with large clear eyed headlamps give it a distinctive look. Inside, it offers abundant cabin space for five. All i10 models have AC/heating, folding rear seats, dual tone beige interiors, rear seat belts and an electronic trip and odometer as standard equipment. The top-end trim comes with features like a panoramic sun-roof (a first for this class of cars), rear spoiler , leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, keyless entry and a 2-DIN audio system. The light-weight steel body is reinforced by body coloured bumpers and detachable inserts while the front bumper features an integrated air dam.
The suspension set-up with Macpherson struts in the front and coil springs coupled with torsion bar in the rear ensures that the ride is supple and the passengers travel in comfort. Features like full front and rear arm rest, plenty of leg and shoulder room for the rear seat increases the comfort factor making it easy for five adults to sit comfortably. A tilt steering wheel makes it easy for the driver to find the spot-on driving position. A wheelbase of 2380 mm which is the longest in this segment gives it the additional stability and added cabin space.
Tubeless tires are standard on all trim levels. The i10 also offers top-end safety features like Anti-lock Braking system (ABS), seat belts with pretensioner, dual airbags for the driver and the front passenger, auto-unlocking doors which automatically unlock on sensing an impact and a high-mounted rear stop lamp.
A range of 10 exciting exterior colors and a skilfully-crafted dual tone interior fascia provide a grand touch to a car which has it all. Looks, performance, features, safety and economy which customers are sure to find very attractive. The i10 comes with a 2 year, unlimited warranty package. The i10 will be sold in four trim options – the D–Lite, Era, Magna and the Auto. The Magna will also be available in a high-end option pack. The i10 is certain to re-define the segment and set a new benchmark for cars in its class.
