Hyundai is expected to soon launch a new entry-level SUV to take on the rivals like the Tata Punch, Citroen C3, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite
SUVs are currently being appreciated for their strong road presence, practical cabin, and powerful engine options and have a strong demand in the market right now. Considering the hype for the SUVs, a number of carmakers are launching new SUVs in India and recent reports suggest that Hyundai is also working on a new compact SUV to take on the rivals like the Tata Punch and the Citroen C3. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming Hyundai’s Tata Punch-rivalling compact SUV for the Indian market.
Hyundai Compact SUV
Internally codenamed the Hyundai Ai3 CUV, this new compact CUV will be positioned as the most affordable offering in the brand’s line-up and will take on the rivals like the Tata Punch, Citroen C3, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite. From what we know so far, the Ai3 CUV is currently being developed and assessed for the Indian market before the COVID-19 pandemic and is likely to go on sale somewhere in late 2023.
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Reports suggest that this new compact Hyundai SUV in India will be slightly bigger than the Casper and will be underpinned by the same K1 platform that underpins the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and the Hyundai Aura.
Multiple engine options are likely to be offered with the new Hyundai Ai3 CUV in the Indian market. For starters, it is likely to use the same 1.2L petrol engine that is also offered with the Grand i10 and the Aura. Furthermore, the Korean carmaker is also likely to offer a CNG powertrain option along with this CUV. It might also get a 1.0L turbocharged petrol engine with the higher-spec variants.
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The Korean carmaker currently plans it to position as an affordable SUV and has planned for an annual production of 50,000 units for this model. HMIL has also invested close to Rs 1,470 crore to expand its production capacity from 7.7 lakh to 8.5 lakh units in the last financial year. This segment currently accounts for 10 per cent of the total sales in the country.
Hyundai Motor India is also working on launching the new Hyundai Creta facelift that is likely to be showcased at the upcoming Delhi Auto Expo 2023. The new facelift version will be offered with updated exterior styling, new features, and better safety tech including LEVEL 2 ADAS safety tech. Once launched, it will look horns with the Kia Seltos, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Tata Harrier, and other premium SUVs in the market.
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Hyundai is also working on introducing a new Kia Carens-rivalling MPV for buyers looking for a premium and comfortable MPV. To be called the Hyundai Stargazer, this new MPV will utilise the same platform that underpins the Kia Carens and is likely to share its powertrain options with the Hyundai Creta.
The next-gen Hyundai Verna is also expected to make its Indian debut somewhere next year and will be based on a new platform while offering new powertrain options. It is also likely to grow in size and will offer a more comfortable and spacious cabin. It will directly challenge the rivals like the Maruti Ciaz, Honda City, VW Virtus, and Skoda Slavia.
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