Hyundai mini SUV will take on the likes of Tata Punch upon launch later this year and it will be based on the same platform as the Grand i10 Nios
Hyundai has been testing an all-new mini/micro SUV in its homeland of South Korea for a while now. The five-seater is expected to make its global debut in the coming months before reaching markets like India later this calendar year. Amidst speculations, the first-ever spy images of the upcoming budget offering have come up on the internet from India.
Internally codenamed Ai3, it will be slotted below the Venue compact SUV in the domestic lineup and will compete directly against Tata Punch and entry-level compact SUVs like Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger. The SUV takes inspiration from the Casper sold in the international markets but there will be notable differences between them.
The prototype caught in India shows only the side profile and glimpses of the rear. The raked front windshield, sunroof and tall pillars can be clearly seen. It will be underpinned by the same platform as the Grand i10 Nios, which received a facelift recently. As for the performance, the familiar 1.2L NA petrol engine will be utilised.
The Kappa NA petrol engine is good enough to produce a maximum power output of 83 PS and 113.8 Nm of peak torque. It will be linked with a five-speed manual or a five-speed AMT transmission. From the spy pictures that emerged in Korea, it is clear that the Hyundai Ai3 will have a split headlamp cluster, new LED Daytime Running Lights, wraparound tail lamps, etc.
We do expect the interior to be packed with features such as a touchscreen infotainment system and connectivity options. The equipment list could mimic that of the Grand i10 Nios as a semi-digital instrument cluster, dual-tone interior finish, steering wheel with mounted controls, cruise control, Type C charging port, TPMS, ESC, HSA and optional six airbags are highly possible.
The Hyundai Ai3 will be part of the brand’s move to further increase its volume sales in India as it could be priced between Rs. 6 lakh and Rs. 9 lakh (ex-showroom).