In this article, we talk about the upcoming new cars from Korean automakers – Hyundai and Kia in the Indian market in the next 12-18 months –
Hyundai Alcazar
Hyundai will unveil the Alcazar 7-seater SUV in India on April 6, 2021. The SUV is expected to be launched in mid-2021. It is basically the long-wheelbase version of the Creta SUV, and will be offered in 6-and 7-seat configurations. The SUV will be positioned against the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV500 and the MG Hector Plus. It will come with extended rear overhang, relatively flatter roof and rear profile along with new features. It is rumoured to be powered by a 143bhp, 2.0-litre petrol engine. The diesel version will receive the 113bhp, 1.5L engine.
2021 Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos will soon receive the brand’s new logo in April 2021. The SUV will also receive new features such as panoramic sunroof. The existing model comes with standard sunroof. The updated Seltos will retain the existing engine line-up, which includes a 115bhp, 1.5L diesel, a 140bhp, 1.4L turbo petrol and a 115bhp, 1.5L NA petrol.
Hyundai AX1
Hyundai is readying a new micro SUV, which will be positioned against the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, Ignis and the Tata HBX. Codenamed Hyundai AX1, the new mini SUV has been caught testing multiple times in Korea. The new model shares the styling cues from the Venue compact SUV. The new Hyundai AX micro SUV is likely to be based on the K1 platform, which also underpins the Grand i10 Nios. It is reportedly to be powered by a 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine that also powers the Grand i10 Nios. This engine is capable of producing 82bhp of power and 114Nm of torque. The entry-level variant could feature the 1.1-litre petrol engine that produces around 67bhp of power and 100Nm of torque. Transmission choices might include 5-speed manual and an AMT gearbox option.
Kia Compact MPV
Kia Motors has officially announced to launch more SUVs and MPVs in the Indian market. The company is readying a new compact MPV, which will be positioned against the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Mahindra Marazzo. It is likely to be based on the new Seltos platform. The MPV is likely to be offered with 2 engine options – a 113bhp, 1.5-litre turbo-diesel and a 113bhp, 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol. Both manual and automatic gearbox options will be on offer.
Hyundai MPV
Not just Kia, Hyundai is also developing a new MPV for the Indian market. The new MPV could be positioned slightly premium over the Ertiga in terms of pricing. The new model could utilise the Creta’s platform, which is compatible enough to accommodate 7-seater SUVs or MPVs. The new Hyundai MPV is expected to be priced somewhere around Rs 9 lakh to Rs 14 lakh, and will also rival the Mahindra Marazzo. It is likely to be offered with 2 engine options – a 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. While the former is good for 113bhp and 145Nm, the oil burner produces 113bhp and 250Nm of torque. Both manual and automatic gearbox options will be on offer.
