The Korean automaker, Hyundai is preparing multiple new models to boost sales in the highly competitive Indian market. The company will launch the new Carnival MPV, Creta facelift and the next-gen Verna sedan in 2023. Moreover, Hyundai is also developing a new entry-level SUV, internally called the Hyundai Ai3 to rival the likes of the Tata Punch, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger and others.
Hyundai Ai3 Mini SUV Launch Details
Hyundai is yet to make an official announcement on the launch of the new Ai3 mini SUV. If reports are to be believed, the new model will be launched during festive season 2023 that’s before Diwali. We expect the new mini SUV to make global debut at the 2023 Auto Expo in January.
Hyundai Ai3 Mini SUV – What To Expect?
The new entry-level SUV will be based on the same platform that underpins the Grand i10 Nios and the Aura compact sedan. In fact, the brand’s global Casper compact utility vehicle is also based on the same platform. However, the India-spec model will be bigger than the Casper and will be positioned below the Venue in Hyundai India line-up.
The new Hyundai Ai3 is expected to share the design cues from the Caper micro SUV and the Venue compact SUV. While the Casper measures 3.6 meters in length, the Ai3 is likely to be 3.6 meters long. The Casper is the smallest Hyundai, as it is shorter and narrower than the Santro hatchback. With the Ai3, Hyundai will aim to tap the space between the Grand i10 Nios and the Venue. Hyundai could remove some of the top-end and entry-level variants of the Grand i10 Nios and the Venue to create space to accommodate a new mini SUV.
The Hyundai Ai3 SUV is likely to share the interior with the Grand i10 Nios. It is expected to get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay support, reverse camera, power windows, automatic AC, electrically adjustable ORVMs and others. The new mini SUV is likely to share the 1.2-litre petrol engine with the Grand i10 Nios. This engine is capable of producing 82bhp and 114Nm of torque. Transmission choices are likely to include a 5-speed manual and an AMT. The subcompact SUV could also get a CNG option.
Previous reports claim that Hyundai has planned an annual production of 50,000 units for the new Ai3 CUV. The company had invested around Rs 1,470 crore to expand its plant capacity to 8.5 lakh units from 7.7 lakh.
