The Korean automakers, Hyundai and Kia are aiming to further boost sales by introducing multiple new utility vehicles in the Indian market in the near future. Not just new models, both brands will also introduce the significantly revised versions of existing SUVs. While Hyundai will enter into the new micro SUV category, Kia will give major upgrades to its existing SUVs including the Sonet and the Seltos.
New Kia Seltos
Kia will launch the new Seltos facelift in the Indian market in July 2023. The new SUV is already on sale in select international markets. The India-spec model will share the styling changes with the global spec model. It will receive a new front fascia with new Kia Tiger Nose grille and new LED DRLs. The new Kia Seltos will receive all-new interior, featuring a new dashboard layout with a connected screen with infotainment screen and the instrument console. It will come with a factory-fitted electric sunroof and advanced driver assistance system. The new model will receive a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 160PS and 253Nm of torque. The other engine options will include a 1.5L NA petrol and a 1.5L turbo diesel.
Kia Sonet Facelift
The Korean automaker has started testing the Sonet facelift on the Indian roads. The updated model will receive design changes and an upgraded interior along with new features. It will receive a newly front & rear fascias with styling inspired from the new Seltos. Moreover, the SUV will come with an all-new interior with a new touchscreen & instrument console. The SUV will receive a newly styled 16-inch alloy wheels. The small SUV will retain the existing engine options – a 1.2L NA petrol, a 1.0L turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel.
Hyundai Exter
Hyundai Motor India is all set to enter into the micro SUV category with the Exter that’s scheduled to be launched on July 10, 2023. It will directly rival the Tata Punch and the Citroen C3. The new model is based on the Hyundai K1 platform that underpins the Grand i10 Nios. It will come equipped with features include a 3-spoke multi-functional steering wheel, cruise control, a digital instrument console, a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, a voice commanded electric sunroof, segment-first dashcam,, automatic AC and others. It will be powered by a 1.2L petrol engine that produces 82bhp and 114Nm of torque. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. In the CNG mode, the powertrain produces 68bhp and 95Nm of torque.
New Hyundai Creta
Hyundai will launch the new Creta facelift in our market by February 2024. It will be different from the global model and will receive India-specific changes. The SUV will come with improved styling and upmarket interior along with the ADAS tech. The updated model is likely to receive a new front fascia with styling inspired from the new Verna. It will get a wider grille with parametric pattern, H-style headlamps with split setup & H-style DRLs, new tailgate with sharper tail-lamps and revised boot lid. It will come with ADAS tech with features like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking with forward collision avoidance, rear cross traffic collision, lane keep assist and blind spot monitor. The SUV will be offered in 3 engine options – a 1.5L turbo petrol, a 1.5L naturally-aspirated petrol and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel.
