Hyundai Motor India aims to strengthen its SUV product lineup in coming years. The information comes from SS Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India while speaking to an online media publication. The South Korean carmaker is all set to launch the 7-seater Creta during this Diwali season. Its production-ready version is reported to debut in April, 2021. If reports are to be believed, the company might also bring in the Hyundai Palisade SUV to challenge MG Gloster and the Skoda Kodiaq.
Currently, Hyundai has three SUVs in its product portfolio – Venue, Creta and Tucson. The South Korean carmaker is also studying the feasibility of the MPV segment that has models like Kia Carnival, Toyota Innova Crysta and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Rumour has it that Hyundai might foray into the affordable Ertiga segment.
Besides launching new SUVs, Hyundai will introduce its N performance division and Genesis luxury car brand in the Indian market. The Hyundai i20 N Line and Genesis GV70 SUV could be the first two products to roll out under these divisions. The hot-hatch was recently spotted testing in the country. Globally, the i20 N Line is available with a new 1.6L, 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine that’s good for 204bhp and 275Nm.
Genesis GV70 luxury SUV will come to India via CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route. Here, it will be positioned against the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5 and BMW X3. Based on the new Tucson’s platform, the SUV has been offered with a 245bhp, 2.0L turbo petrol and 196bhp, 2.2L diesel engines. In the company’s global product lineup, the GC70 sits below the Genesis GV80.
Recently, Hyundai Motor India Limited completed its 25 years in the Indian market. The carmaker has produced 90 lakh cars from its Tamil Nadu based facility since its inauguration in May, 1996. The company currently exports vehicles to 88 countries.
