The much-awaited new Hyundai micro SUV, codenamed AX1, has been teased for the first time. The small SUV will first go on sale in South Korea as an entry-level electric vehicle. It will also be launched in India as a petrol-powered entry-level SUV. Hyundai could also bring the electric version of the small SUV in future.
The teaser gives a glimpse at the Hyundai AX1’s headlamps and tail-lamp design. It is yet to be confirmed that Hyundai will reveal the production version or the near production concept. Korean media reports that the Hyundai AX1 will be unveiled in May-June, while launch is expected in the end of this year.
The headlamp teaser suggests that the Hyundai AX1 features the brand’s new design philosophy. It gets a split headlamp design up front. The teaser reveals a circular projector unit integrated into the bumper. The circular headlamp has LED DRL ring, while the upper portion shows the upper light cluster that is expected to house the turn indicators.
The teaser showing the taillamp that has multiple triangular arrangements, which are likely to be LED modules. The vehicle has been caught testing numerous times, which reveals that the new SUV will get split light system at the rear as well. The secondary light is placed in the bumper that is likely to house the reverse light and indicators.
The spy images reveal that the styling of the Hyundai AX1 is inspired by the Venue compact SUV. The front has split headlamp setup with LED DRLs on top, and main headlamp is placed lower on the bumper. It gets a flat bonnet, pronounced squared-off wheel arches, signature cascading front grille with mesh pattern, etc. The small UV has short overhangs and second row door handles are integrated into the C-pillar. The black plastic cladding is expected to be offered all around the body.
At the back, the small SUV will get a roof-integrated spoiler with auxiliary brake light function. The teaser and spy images reveal that the Hyundai AX1 gets a horizontally placed tail-lamp, and a diamond pattern in the form of a rhombus is applied to the tail lamp graphic. The reversing lights and turn indicators are designed to look like a single round lamp, and are placed at the bottom of the rear bumper.
The Hyundai AX1 is expected to be based on the new K1 platform that underpins the Grand i10 Nios. It is expected to be powered by a 1.1-litre engine producing 68bhp and 96Nm of torque. Transmission options are likely to include a 5-speed manual and an AMT. The company could also add 82bhp, 1.2-litre petrol engine, which currently powers the Grand i10 Nios. In India, the small SUV will rival the upcoming Tata HBX based micro SUV and the Maruti Suzuki Ignis.
