Hyundai unveils Euro-spec i10 at Frankfurt

Weeks ago, South Korean car maker Hyundai launched the Grand i10 in India, a car that sits between the i10 and i20 hatchbacks here. The same platform will play host to the actual replacement of the i10 hatchback in markets abroad. Dubbed the Euro-spec i10, the 2014 i10 hatchback that replaces the current i10 globally, was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany. The 2014 i10 does feature a host of improvements over the current i10, including a full platform change. 

Dimensions wise, the Euro-spec 2014 Hyundai i10 is larger than the current i10. The new car is 80 mm longer, 65 mm wider and 50 mm taller than the car it replaces. The next generation 2014 i10 also features a larger 252 liter boot. For the Indian market, Hyundai has chosen to introduce the Grand i10 instead of the 2014 i10. The Grand i10 is larger than the 2014 i10 and also comes with a greater focus on rear seat comfort (rear AC vents on the Grand i10 indicate this).

The Grand i10 also gets a longer wheelbase that measures a full 40 mm longer than the 2014 Euro-spec i10. The Grand i10 also gets a bigger rear window, larger rear door and a different C-pillar, to make for a larger car overall. By launching the Grand i10 in India, even before the global debut of the Euro-spec i10, Hyundai has underscored the importance of the Indian market, where it is the second largest car maker in terms of volumes and market share. 

In terms of the Euro-spec i10's features, Hyundai hasn't revealed much although the car maker has clearly emphasized that the new model will be a class leader in terms of the features it offers. At Frankfurt, a few revealed features were curtain airbags, leather wrapped heated steering wheel, cruise control and electronic stability control. The 2014 i10's interiors are completely revamped and so are its exteriors, which while following the Fluidic design language, appear significantly different from those of the current-gen i10. 

While engine options for the 2014 Euro-spec i10 haven't yet been revealed, expect the 1.2 liter Kappa petrol unit and the 1.1 liter U2 CRDI turbo diesel units to be offered as standard fare. Both manual and automatic gearboxes are also expected to be on offer.  The 2014 i10 will be built at Turkey, which will serve as the production base for the new hatchback. The car will be exported to many global markets from Turkey.