Hyundai is working on an all-new subcompact SUV, which has recently been spotted in South Korea. The spotted model appears bigger than the Casper Micro SUV on sale in the home market, which suggests that this model will arrive in our market. Internally codenamed Ai3, the new subcompact SUV will sit below the Venue in Hyundai India line-up. In this article, we bring you top 5 things we know about Hyundai’s upcoming micro SUV – the Hyundai Ai3.
Grand i10 Nios Platform (K1 Platform)
The new Hyundai Ai3 micro SUV will be based on the brand’s small car K1 platform, which also underpins the Santro, Grand i10 Nios, Aura and the global-spec Hyundai Casper. This platform was introduced in 2018 with the second-gen Hyundai Santro, and replaces the SA platform & BA platform. The platform offers two different wheelbase options – 2,400mm and 2,450mm. As the Santro discontinued from our market, the new Hyundai Ai3 Subcompact SUV will be the brand’s entry-level model alongside the Grand i10 Nios in our market.
Key Features
As per the leaked video and details, the new Hyundai Ai3 small SUV will share the cabin and features with the Grand i10 Nios. It will come with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. Other features will include an electric sunroof, multi-functional steering wheel, automatic AC, semi-digital driver display, reverse parking camera, 6 airbags and others.
Design Details (Venue-Inspired)
The latest spy images reveal that the new Hyundai Ai3 micro SUV looks significantly different from the Hyundai Casper. In fact, the new model will have design similarities with the Venue compact SUV, and it looks like a mini Venue. The small SUV will have a signature Hyundai grille, which we have already seen on the new Venue. It will have projector headlamps, LED DRLs, rectangular-shaped headlamp unit and differently styled rear H-shaped tail-lamps, roof rails and shark fin antenna. The rear door handles will be placed in the traditional place. As a reference, the Casper has C-pillar mounted rear door handles.
The Hyundai Casper micro SUV measures 3595mm in length, 1595mm in width and 1575mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2400. However, the India-spec model is likely to measure around 3.7-3.8 meters in length and will have a longer wheelbase.
Powertrain
The new Ai3 micro SUV is expected to source the engine & gearbox options with the Grand i10 Nios. It will get a 1.2L 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 81bhp and 114Nm of torque. The company could also offer a CNG option. Both manual and AMT gearbox options will be on offer.
Launch Timeline & Competition
The new Hyundai Ai3 is expected to be unveiled at the 2023 Auto Expo, but in a pre-production form. It is reportedly to be launched sometime in late 2023, most probably around the festive season before Diwali. The new model will directly rival the Tata Punch. It will also challenge the Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger and the upcoming Maruti Baleno Cross.
