Hyundai Styx (QXi) To Rival Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon & Ford EcoSport

Hyundai Motor India Ltd is planning to launch a sub-4-metre compact SUV, called the Hyundai Styx, by April 2019 to rival the Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon and Ford EcoSport

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has been enjoying unprecedented sales in the small SUV segment in the small SUV segment with its Creta. However, in the sub-4-compact segment, it’s the Maruti Vitara Brezza that rules the game. The remaining sales are achieved by the Ford EcoSport and the Tata Nexon. Soon, however, things might change with the launch of the Hyundai Styx. Currently known as the Hyundai QXi, this sub-4-metre offering is based on the Hyundai Carlino concept that was showcased at the Auto Expo 2016.

Various spy images reveal that the company has already started testing the upcoming model. Slated to launch in April 2019, the new model has hints of the Hyundai Creta in its design. This model could be called the Carlino in Latin American markets but in India, it will be known as the Styx.

Like we said, the spy images of the Hyundai Styx have already started pouring in on the internet. While the new model won’t look much like the Carlino concept, you can expect a similar silhouette. The variation in styling will be owing to the evolution of the company’s design language in the last 2 years or so.

But one thing that’s for sure is that the design will have a hint of the Hyundai Creta in its design. This connection will help it establish a strong brand identity. The design cues carried by the new model will be featured even on the next generation Hyundai Grand i10 and possibly on the new Hyundai Elite i20.

In all probability, the Hyundai Styx will be exported to various markets from the company’s plant off Chennai. It will feature new-gen engines that will help it compete with the diesel-only Maruti Vitara Brezza and the Tata Nexon and Ford EcoSport, both of which also feature a turbocharged petrol engine. Let’s take a look at the launch details, expected price, specs, mileage and other details of the Hyundai Styx.

Hyundai Styx Launch Date

It’s confirmed that the Hyundai Styx (QXi), which made its debut at the Auto Expo 2016 as the Carlino concept, will launch in April 2019. At its launch, it will become an immediate rival to the high selling Maruti Vitara Brezza. It will also rival the Ford EcoSport and the Tata Nexon. The new model will launch in several markets, along with that of India, which should help the South Korean carmaker gain traction in global markets.

Hyundai Styx Price in India

One things that’s for sure is that the Hyundai Styx (QXi) won’t come cheap. As it will comply with the country’s upcoming BSNVAP crash testing and safety norms and will even have new-age engines, expect the company to charge a premium for the new model. That said, the new model won’t cost much more than the high-selling Maruti Vitara Brezza. The petrol version, which will feature an updated version of the Hyundai Grand i10’s 1.2-litre Kappa engine, will have a starting price of at least Rs 5.6 lakh.

The top-end petrol model should feature the company’s 1.0-litre GDi turbocharged petrol engine that will put it in crosshairs with the Ford EcoSport. It will also help it ward off the competition from the Tata Nexon, which features a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine.

The diesel engine, which will feature the company’s new 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine will become a more potent rival to the Maruti Vitara Brezza. In terms of specifications, it should match the diesel engine variants of the Ford EcoSport and the Tata Nexon. Hence, the price premium it will command should be totally justified.

Hyundai Styx Specs

Like the Tata Nexon and the Ford EcoSport, the Hyundai Styx will feature a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that should output at least 125 PS of maximum power. This will put it at par with the power generated by the petrol versions of the Ford EcoSport and the Tata Nexon. The lower variants will feature a BSVI-compliant version of the Grand i10’s and the Elite i20’s 1.2-litre Kappa engine. This will help the company price the lower variants of the petrol-powered Hyundai Styx reasonably.

While rumours abound that the Hyundai Styx (QXi) will feature the i20’s and the Creta’s 1.4-litre diesel mill, there are good chances of this not being the case. Instead, the Hyundai Styx has good chances of getting the company’s new 1.5-litre diesel engine that will go on to power a host of cars, including the facelifted Hyundai Verna. The new engine will be likely available with two transmission options – a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. Talking about the transmission options, even the petrol engine is likely to be available with a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai Styx Mileage

Powered by the new-age engine lineup, the new Hyundai Styx will deliver a high mileage. You can easily expect the base petrol engine to deliver a peak mileage of 18 kmpl. On the other hand, the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine will offer around 20 kmpl. The diesel variant, which will feature Hyundai’s new-age 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine, can deliver up to 21 kmpl of fuel mileage.

Hyundai Styx (QXi) Design

Like we said, the design of the Hyundai Styx won’t be much like that of the Hyundai Carlino concept. That said, some design elements are bound to be carried over from the design study. Other than this, the new compact SUV will feature a new version of the company’s signature cascading effect front grille. Also, the new model will feature the company’s composite light design element.

This should lead to a sleek DRL, a full-blow headlamp setup lower to the LED DRLs, and a set of foglamps at the bottom. The new model will have a rising window line and a large greenhouse, which are design features shown by the various spy images we have seen so far.

Speaking of the design of the Hyundai Styx, the company has said that – “HND-14, Carlino is sub-four meter concept SUV developed at the Hyundai Namyang Design Centre. HND-14, Hyundai Carlino boasts multi-function lifestyle ability making an urban iconic statement with its unique design and stylish exteriors. The futuristic design direction showcases Hyundai’s commitment to meet the growing aspirations of Indian customers opting for SUV’s.”

Hyundai Styx (QXi) Interior

The interior of the new Hyundai Styx will be as radical as the exterior. In line with company’s strategy, expect the new compact SUV to offer best-in-class features, which should include a large touchscreen infotainment unit, rear AC vents, cooled glove box, cruise control, and even probably an electric sunroof.

In terms of the design, the interior will offer a modern design for the dashboard. Both the rows of seating will offer enough legspace for the occupants. The large greenhouse should lead to a sufficiently airy cabin.

Hyundai Styx (QXi) Competition

Like we’ve been saying, the Hyundai QXi will become a direct rival to the Maruti Vitara Brezza. With a more potent diesel engine compred to the Brezza’s ageing Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre turbo-diesel motor, the Styx will have a definite edge in terms of power output While things might become a bit better for the Maruti Suzuki offering with the company’s ingeniously developed 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine, the Hyundai compact SUV is still likely to have an edge.

Unless the company launches the much-rumoured petrol engine variant of the Brezza, with the 1.5-litre petrol engine that will power the new generation Ertiga, Maruti won’t have a rival for the petrol-powered Hyundai QXi.

On the other hand, both Ford EcoSport and Tata Nexon will have petrol and diesel engines to challenge the QXi. However, the compact SUV from Hyundai can still hold an edge over these rivals with respect to the features on offer. Moreover, it will offer company’s unbeatable after-sales support, which, in many respects, is comparable to what the segment-leading Maruti Vitara Brezza offers.

With respect to the pricing, we will have to wait for the April 2019 launch, but going by Hyundai pricing strategy, the new model will be priced at par with its immediate rivals.

Hence, the Hyundai Qxi, nay, the Styx is one model one should wait out for. Thanks to its modern design, loaded cabin, and the company’s great after market sales support, it might just have the ingredients to outclass the segment-leading Maruti Vitara Brezza. Hence, stay tuned to Gaadiwaadi for more on the Hyundai Styx compact SUV.