Hyundai micro SUV is expected to be launched by mid-2023 and it will be underpinned by the same platform as the Grand i10 Nios
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is planning to reveal the prices of the Ioniq 5 flagship electric vehicle at the 2023 Auto Expo. Scheduled to take place in Greater Noida between January 13 and 18, the motoring show will see multiple showcases from the second-largest car producer in the country but no official details have been announced yet.
The South Korean auto major is expected to launch as many as five new models next year. The facelifted Creta midsize SUV, updated Grand i10 Nios compact hatch and Aura compact sedan, new generation Verna and an all-new micro SUV are of high possibilities. Internally codenamed Ai3, the Hyundai micro SUV will likely compete directly against Tata Punch.
It will also take on Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger. The Hyundai Ai3 will be positioned below the Venue compact SUV and it will be underpinned by the same platform as the Grand i10 Nios and the Aura. The first-ever spy images of the upcoming five-seater came up on the internet only a few days ago, and they go on to suggest that it takes design inspiration from the global Casper.
The Hyundai Casper is also on sale in markets like Korea but it is deemed too small for India. Thus in comparison, the Ai3 will have a longer wheelbase and the overall length will also stretch a bit more while sticking within the four-metre slab to avail of tax benefits. As for the performance, the existing 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine could be used.
It produces a maximum power output of 82 bhp and 114 Nm of peak torque in the Grand i10 Nios. The powertrain could be linked with a five-speed manual or a five-speed AMT. Expect a CNG variant to be made available as Tata is also working on Punch CNG. The Punch has been well-received amongst customers since its debut late last year and the upcoming Hyundai micro SUV will be its closest contender.
We can expect the prices to hover around Rs. 6 lakh for the base variant and it may go all the way up to Rs. 8.5 lakh (ex-showroom). It could reach showrooms by the middle of 2023.