Hyundai seems aggressive with its strategies for the growing compact SUVs or crossover segment of the country. Just like Maruti, the South Korean auto maker is planning to launch two compact utility vehicles including a crossover based on Elite i20 and ix25 compact SUV. Both models have been spotted testing on Indian roads, and the fresh spyshots of the crossover have hit the web world. The Elite i20 crossover is expected to be priced around Rs. 40,000 to 50,000 pricier than the hatchback sibling, and will rival against the likes of Fiat Avventura, VW Cross Polo and Toyota Etios Cross.
The spotted vehicle gets some new elements which distinguishes it with the Elite i20 hatchback. It gets additional body cladding to offer rugged look, newly formulated front grille and new alloys. Under the hood, the 1.2-litre Kappa petrol and the 1.4-litre CRDI turbo diesel engines will be carried over from the hatchback equivalent. Power is transmitted to front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission gearbox. The crossover is expected to go on sale by early 2015.
The hatchback model is priced at Rs. 4.9 lakh for base model and Rs. 7.67 lakh for top-end model. The Crossover model prices are likely to start at Rs. 5.5-5.8 lakh for entry level model and Rs. 8.5 lakh for top-spec model. Other than the crossover, Hyundai will also launch the Verna facelift to counter the growing popularity of new Honda City and Maruti Ciaz.
