Launched in August last year, the Grand i10 Nios became Hyundai’s first BS6-compliant (Bharat Stage 6) offering. However, only the petrol-fed variants met the stricter emission norms. Now, even the diesel motor has graduated to gain a BS6 badge. Big deal, huh! Well, the real kicker, especially for go-fast hatchback enthusiasts, is the introduction of a third engine option for the Nios.

The motor in question is essentially a detuned version of the 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol unit that powers the Hyundai Venue. In the Nios, it produces 99bhp/172Nm and comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. As for the mileage, Hyundai claims that it is 20.3kmpl. The said engine is available in two ‘Turbo’ trim levels, based on the Sportz and Sportz (Dual Tone) derivatives. The former gets a price tag of Rs 7.68 lakh, whereas dual-tone paint job bumps up the asking price up to Rs 7.73 lakh. Compare those prices to the petrol-powered 1.2-litre Sportz MT and Sportz Dual Tone MT, and the new variants cost nearly Rs 1.25 lakh and Rs 1 lakh more, respectively.

Hyundai has lined-up two single and dual-tone paint jobs each for the newly introduced Nios variants. The former category comprises of Aqua Teal and Polar White, whereas the latter one has Fiery Red with Black roof and Polar White with Black roof. To add some sporty feel indoors, Hyundai has embellished the all-back interior with red inserts. Finally, there’s ‘Turbo’ badging at either end of the car.

Too powerful or unnecessary for your taste? Why not opt for a setup that offers much-better mileage and the flexibility of a dual-fuel option? Yes, the Nios will soon gain a factory-fitted CNG kit. That will come mated to the 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine and a 5-speed manual gearbox. On CNG, the car will have 68bhp/95Nm on tap. That engine will offer the same output of 82bhp/114Nm when fed with petrol.

In India, the Grand i10 Nios locks horns with the likes of the Ford Figo and Maruti Suzuki Swift. What do you make of Hyundai’s strategy to expand the Nios’ range? Will it help the brand garner a larger market share?