What are some of the best performance cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we take a look at the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and Renault Kiger, and find out why they appeal to performance enthusiasts.
In this article, we will share
- What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
- Hyundai Grand i10 Nios vs Renault Kiger – A comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance and features
- How to pick the right car for you
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
What a Performance Enthusiast looks for in a car
Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:
- Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
- Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
- Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
- Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance
A performance enthusiast primarily seeks a vehicle that offers impressive speed, agility, and a robust engine. The thrill of acceleration, quick engine responsiveness, and high-speed stability are key in fast cars. They prioritize a car that can hug the road, minimizing body roll.
Features like turbocharging and optimal torque delivery further elevate the driving experience. For them, a car isn’t just a mode of transportation but an extension of their passion.
Why Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and Renault Kiger are Popular
Hyundai Grand i10 and Renault Kiger have carved their space in the automobile market due to their exceptional engineering coupled with value for money.
The Grand i10 Nios’ peppy engine and balanced power delivery make it a favorite among city dwellers who crave sporty rides.
On the other hand, the Renault Kiger, with its compact SUV stance, brings agility and quick engine responsiveness, making it adept at handling both city terrains and highway speeds.
These vehicles manage to cater to performance enthusiasts without breaking the bank, making them a preferred choice as quick cars.
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and Renault Kiger Variants Shortlist in Rs 6-8 Lakh Range
For Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, we have:
Variant | Price (INR) as on 1 September 2023 |
Magna | ₹6,63,000 |
Sportz Executive AMT | ₹7,75,000 |
Asta | ₹7,95,000 |
For Renault Kiger, we have:
Variant | Price (INR) as on 1 September 2023 |
RXE | ₹6,49,990 |
RXT | ₹7,92,000 |
RXT Opt | ₹8,00,000 |
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Magna
Priced competitively, this variant offers a 4-cylinder engine, linear power delivery, and stable high-speed driving. Its FWD setup and ground clearance of 165mm ensure a balanced ride for enthusiasts. If you’re a safety-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the i10 Nios with Tata Tiago.
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Sportz Executive AMT
This variant adds the convenience of AMT to the performance blend. With similar engine specifications as the Magna, it also offers an LCD touchscreen, enhancing the driving experience.
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Asta
Positioned as a top-tier variant, it inherits the core performance attributes of its siblings but boasts alloy wheels and wireless charging, enhancing its appeal.
Renault Kiger RXE
The Kiger RXE, although having a 3-cylinder engine, boasts of agile handling. Its engine responsiveness is quick, making city commutes thrilling. If you’re a senior citizen car buyer, you can read how the Kiger compares with Nissan Magnite.
Renault Kiger RXT
Carrying forward the agile spirit of RXE, the RXT variant offers an LCD touchscreen and better finishing touches, making it a blend of performance and aesthetics.
Renault Kiger RXT Opt
This variant mirrors the RXT in performance but upgrades the wheels to alloy, providing a slight edge in handling and aesthetics. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read how the base variants of Kiger, Honda Amaze, and Maruti Suzuki Baleno compare.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Hyundai Grand i10 and Renault Kiger for Performance Enthusiasts
For the performance enthusiast, the Renault Kiger RXT Opt emerges as the winner. With agile handling, quick engine responsiveness, and the added advantage of alloy wheels, this variant promises a thrilling ride without compromising on aesthetic appeal.
Its balance between performance and features ensures enthusiasts get the most bang for their buck.
The Top 3 choices
- Renault Kiger RXT Opt
- Renault Kiger RXT
- Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Asta
Attributes | Renault Kiger RXT Opt | Renault Kiger RXT | Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Asta |
# of cylinders | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Acceleration (0-60 km/h) | 4.31 seconds | 4.31 seconds | 5.75 seconds |
Agility | Yes | Yes | Moderate |
Body Roll | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
Drive Type | FWD | FWD | FWD |
Engine – displacement (cc) | 999 | 999 | 1197 |
Engine – power (BHP) | 71 | 71 | 81.8 |
Engine – Torque (Nm) | 96 | 96 | 113.8 |
Engine responsiveness | Quick | Quick | Moderate |
High-Speed Stability | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Power delivery | Linear | Linear | Linear |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Renault Kiger RXT Opt emerges as the top choice with its impressive 4.31 seconds 0-60 km/h acceleration time, despite a lower powered 3-cylinder engine that offers a spirited drive, and agile dynamics.
- The Renault Kiger RXT secures the second position, echoing many of the RXT Opt’s attributes but may slightly lag in the feature department.
- The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Asta is a commendable competitor with a 4-cylinder engine that churns out higher power and torque, but its slightly slower acceleration and moderate agility might make it a tad less appealing to a hardcore performance enthusiast.
To sum up, both Renault Kiger variants, RXT Opt and RXT, present an attractive proposition for performance enthusiasts due to their agile dynamics and brisk performance. The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Asta, though lagging a bit in terms of raw acceleration, still offers a well-rounded package for those seeking a balanced drive.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered