Hyundai Leonis SUV (Maruti Vitara Brezza Rival) – 5 Facts
Leonis will be Hyundai’s smallest SUV globally and will be built on the new-gen Santro’s platform
It is no secret that Hyundai is working on a sub-4 meter SUV, which will first go on sale in India. This will be the brand’s global SUV and will serve as the brand’s new entry-level model. Codenamed QXi, the small SUV is likely to be called Hyundai Leonis. Few media reports claim that the small SUV could be branded as Hyundai STYX. The small SUV has been spotted testing several times on Indian roads.
Santro’s Platform
It was speculated that Hyundai’s upcoming small SUV will be based on the i20 platform. The model was first previewed at the 2016 Auto Expo as Carlino concept, which was built on i20 platform. Hyundai has confirmed that the upcoming compact SUV will be based on the new Santro’s platform, which will also underpin the new Grand i10. This will help the automaker to achieve aggressive pricing.
New Petrol & Diesel Engines
The upcoming Hyundai Leonis will mark the debut of brand’s all-new 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine, which will also power the next-gen Creta and Elite i20. Moreover, the Leonis will receive an all-new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that powers the global-spec i20. This engine is capable of producing 118bhp of power and 171Nm of torque. Both manual and automatic options will be on offer. Also See – Upcoming Hyundai Cars In India
Launch Timeline
Hyundai has confirmed that the launch of new Leonis will go on sale in the first half of 2019. A possible debut in March 2019 can’t be ignored. The SUV is most likely to be launched in April 2019.
Design & Interior
The upcoming Hyundai Leonis will adorn the company’s new design philosophy, which is offered on the Kona and Santa Fe. The small SUV gets boxy design, featuring squarish front face with signature hexagonal grille and flat roof. The grille is flanked by Hyundai’s new headlamp setup, which comprise of a twin-vertical layout with LED DRLs and turn indicators on the top. The rear profile will be shared with the Creta SUV.
The cabin of the Leonis is most likely to be shared with the Creta. Going by the spy images available on the internet, it is visible that the instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment are sourced from the i20 hatchback. It comes with all-black interior scheme, which add to its sporty flavor. Also See – Next-gen Hyundai Creta Launch & Other Details
Competition
With Leonis, Hyundai will officially enter into the sub-4 meter SUV category. This compact SUV will directly rival the segment-leader Maruti Vitara Brezza. It will also face challenge from the likes of Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport and the upcoming Mahindra XUV300.
Video – Mahindra XUV300 Preview
