The South Korean automakers, Hyundai and Kia are reportedly preparing two compact SUVs for the Indian market. While Hyundai will bring in a micro SUV (codenamed Ai3) to challenge the Tata Punch and the soon-to-be-launched Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Kia AY will be a compact lifestyle SUV to take on Mahindra Thar and Maruti Jimny. Here’s a brief on both the upcoming models.
Hyundai Micro SUV
The new mini SUV will be the most affordable offering from the South Korean carmaker in the country. It’s estimated to cost between Rs 6 lakh – Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). There is no official word on its launch timeline, but it’s reported to hit roads in the second half of 2023. The model will be bigger than the Hyundai Casper that’s retailed in Korean market. The mini SUV is likely to share its powertrains with the Casper that comes with the 1.0L naturally aspirated and 1.0L turbo petrol engines. While the naturally aspirated unit makes power worth 76bhp and 95Nm of torque, the turbo-petrol motor delivers 100bhp with 172Nm. More details here…
Kia AY SUV
In the company’s product lineup, the new Kia compact SUV will sit above the Sonet and below the Seltos. It’s reported to carry tall and boxy design language with some SUV-ish stance. Some of its design elements could be inspired by the global-spec Kia Soul EV. The upcoming Kia AY compact SUV will be made available with the ICE (internal combustion engine) and electric powertrains. Its petrol version might feature a 1.0L turbocharged engine. The SUV will underpin the Sonet’s FWD (front-wheel drive) platform. The company aims to manufacture around 1 lakh units of the new compact SUV on annual basis. Around 80 percent of its total production will be of petrol derivative. The carmaker will also export the AY SUV to RHD markets. More details here…
