Hyundai Grand i10 on self drive hire

Who the Grand i10 suits

First-time renters, families of four, and anyone whose route includes the inland roads where the surface is patchy.

What it is like to drive here

The suspension is set up for rough surfaces rather than for cornering, which is the right trade for most of this district: the road out towards Thiruvattar and Thirparappu is exactly where you notice it. Controls are light all round. It is a touch softer through fast corners than a Swift, so it rewards an unhurried pace, which is the pace these roads want anyway.

• The most comfortable ride of the hatchbacks over broken surfaces
• Light controls — an easy car to get used to quickly
• Good visibility out of the front and sides

Questions about the Grand i10

Is the Grand i10 good for a first-time self-drive hire?

It is the one we usually suggest. The clutch is light, the visibility is good and nothing about it is sharp or sudden. If you have not driven in India before, this or the Glanza Automatic is where to start.

Can it handle the road to Thirparappu falls?

Yes. It is a tarred road the whole way with some broken stretches, and the Grand i10's softer suspension is better suited to it than a firmer car. Take it steadily over the rough sections and there is nothing there a hatchback cannot do.

How many bags fit?

Two medium suitcases in the boot, or one large case and soft bags on the parcel shelf. Four people with a week's luggage is the point at which to move up to a seven-seater.