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 Hyundai
Motor India Ltd, one of India's largest auto manufacturer and
passenger car exporter, launched the i10 at a glittering
function in Chennai. The i10 is the first car from Hyundai which
makes its world debut here in India which will be the sole
production and export hub for the car.
Hyundai Motor India came in to India in 1996
and launched its first car - the Santro - which became a runaway
success in 1998. The company today makes a full range of cars
starting right from the Santro Xing to the top-end premium
luxury car Sonata Embera and the SUV Tucson at the top-end.
Hyundai has been a company which believed in
bringing in the latest in technology and design wrapped in a
value for money package, its spokesperson said.
The launch of the i10 symbolises the second
phase of operations for Hyundai Motor India in the country where
it enjoys a market share of well over 18 per cent and which is
poised to grow to 20 per cent in the next calendar year. The i10
marks the entry of stylish, performance-driven compacts from
Hyundai which offer the latest to its customers, said Hyundai
Motor India managing director, H S Lheem.
He said, "Hyundai Motor India is starting its
second phase of operations with the launch of this brand new
compact i10 today. The i10 symbolises what Hyundai Motor India
stands for today - Great design, latest technology and
performance with a price tag which is affordable. The Indian
operations will become the global hub for small cars and after
the launch of the i10 today 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 an
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 electric power steering.
The i10 has attractive exteriors and plenty
of cabin space. All the 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
model of the i10 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, 2-DIN audio system.
The light-weight steel body is reinforced by body coloured
bumpers with detachable inserts and an integrated air dam for
the front bumpers.
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 5 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 tyres are a standard on all trims.
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 with impact sensing
autodoor unlock which automatically unlocks the door on impact
and a high mounted stop lamp in the rear.
It comes in a range of 10 exterior colours.
The i10 comes with a 2-year, unlimited warranty package. It 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.
R Rangaraj
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