We informed you earlier that Hyundai India could launch a new subcompact SUV to rival the Tata Punch. A new media report claims that Hyundai is in the final stages of readying this all-new entry-level SUV for the Indian market. To be positioned below the Venue, the new subcompact SUV is expected to be launched in the mid-2023 around festive season.
Internally called the Project Hyundai Ai3 CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle), the new entry-SUV will be based on the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios platform. For people not in the know, Hyundai had launched the new Casper micro SUV in South Korea last year. This small SUV is also designed and developed on the Grand i10 platform. Using existing structure will help Hyundai to achieve competitive pricing for the new micro SUV.
The new Hyundai Casper-based small SUV will rival the likes of the Tata Punch, the Renault Kiger and the Nissan Magnite. The new model will be slightly bigger than the Casper. Hyundai is likely to rejig variant line-up for the Grand i10 Nios and the Venue compact SUV to accommodate the new sub-4 meter SUV
The report claims that Hyundai plans to manufacture 50,000 units of this model annually. In fact, Hyundai Motor India had also invested close to Rs 1,470 crore to increase its production capacity from 7.7 lakh to 8.5 lakh units in the last financial year. It is expected that the new Hyundai SUV will share the interior and features with the Grand i10 Nios and the Venue compact SUV. It is likely to come with a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, semi-digital instrument console, multi-functional steering wheel, automatic AC and many more.
The new Hyundai suSUV is likely to be powered by a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that powers the Grand i10 Nios, Venue, Aura and the i20. This engine is capable of producing 82bhp and 114Nm of torque. Transmission choices are likely to include a 5-speed manual and an AMT. The subcompact SUV could also get a CNG option.
Source – AutoCarIndia
