Hyundai QXi will be launched in India in early 2019 to rival Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon and Ford EcoSport
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has lined up two new vehicles to increase its market share in the mass segments. While the Santro nameplate will be revived with a suffix for a budget tall hatchback, a subcompact SUV is waiting in the wings for arrival early next year before the all-electric Kona.
The South Korean auto major will officially introduce the new Santro by the end of next month and it will likely boast a slew of segment-first features in an affordable price range. Following a similar strategy, the subcompact SUV codenamed QXi will compete against Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport and upcoming Mahindra S201.
The QXi will take its compact upright design stature from the Carlino Concept showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, and the first set of spy shots caught near Death Valley National Park in the United States gives us clear idea of how the exterior will look like. Having been spotted in India as well, the QXi adorns a large Cascading front grille that debuted in the i30 and has a sharper face with edgy bonnet structure.
The front bumper is sleek and houses a pair of fog lamps while the split headlamp setup looks identical to the Kona with eyebrow-like LED DRLs sitting on top. We expect the India-spec model, that could carry the production name ‘Styx’, to be based on Elite i20’s platform. It will be slotted below the Creta in India and has the potential to spawn a Kia badged sibling in the near future.
The overall squared profile reminisces the latest generation Santa Fe that may not be introduced in India in the immediate future. Like the Mahindra S201, it will likely come with commendable off-roading characteristics and is more of a shrunken Santa Fe than a compromised Creta visually.
Targetting around Rs. 5.9-9.6 lakh (ex-showroom) price range, Hyundai could share plenty of interior elements of the QXi with the Creta. The dashboard is expected to have a premium finish and will come equipped with a large touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Other possible key features are reversing camera and sensors, engine start/stop button, electrically adjustable ORVMs, cruise control, ABS with EBD, standard airbags, speed alert system, electronic driver aids in top-end variants and much more. The QXi will reportedly be powered by BSVI compliant petrol and diesel engines. The 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit making 118 hp and a 1.5-litre oil-burner could be used with manual and AMT options.