Hyundai Grand i10 compact sedan to replace the Accent

Hyundai’s upcoming hatchback, the Hyundai Grand i10, will spawn a compact sub-4 metre sedan post July 2014. The compact sedan based on the Hyundai Grand i10 will serve as a replacement for the entry sedan Hyundai Accent that was recently discontinued.

The Hyundai Grand i10 based compact sedan will share its engine and mechanicals with the Grand i10 that is scheduled for launch in a couple of months. It will come with a 1.1 litre three-cylinder diesel engine and a 1.2 litre petrol engine. The car will compete with the Honda Amaze and Maruti Swift Dzire. Also read: New Hyundai hatchback launch in October

Reports suggest that Hyundai will keep the wheelbase of the Hyundai Grand i10 and the upcoming compact sedan identical. The C-pillar, rear doors and obviously the boot section would be different though. Given that the Grand i10 is a tall-boy design, it would be interesting to see what the compact sedan version turns out to be as it will be taller than the Honda Amaze and Maruti Dzire for sure. Also read: New Hyundai Grand i10 with petrol and diesel options revealed

Hyundai has said it plans to bring in a compact sedan, an MUV and an all-new hatchback (which is the Grand i10) in the next 18 months to India. The present Hyundai i10 will also continue, giving Hyundai a larger line up of cars to play around with in the Indian market, effectively competing against Maruti – the present i10 will take on the Ritz, while the Grand i10 and Hyundai i20 will sandwich the Maruti Swift market.

Design-wise, all the Hyundai cars now look very alike thanks to the fluidic family design. The hexagonal grille, swept-back headlamps and strong crease lines on the bonnet and fenders are unmistakable. Given that Hyundai has ambitious plans of catching up with Maruti in terms of market share, it does have its task cut out for it. Also read: Upcoming cars from Hyundai for 2013