Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) appears to be developing a brand-new micro SUV for the Indian market. It will be positioned below the Venue compact SUV in the brand’s local lineup, directly competing with the Tata Punch. Since its market debut late last year, Hyundai’s Punch Rival has been a huge success, and the upcoming five-seater could target the same market positioning.
Since the release of Casper, rumors about Hyundai’s entry into the micro SUV market have grown stronger. The Casper, on the other hand, is deemed too small for India, and it remains to be seen whether what has been codenamed the Hyundai Ai3 will have anything in common with it, primarily on the exterior front.
Hyundai Casper
The Hyundai Ai3 is expected to go on sale during the holiday season next year (late 2023), and it may be previewed via a concept at the 2023 Auto Expo in January, though no official confirmation has been made. The entry-level sub-four-meter SUVs such as the well-received Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite will also compete with the micro SUV.
The country’s second-largest automaker has been considering a micro SUV for years, and the project was said to have been approved just before the health crisis wreaked havoc. It will most likely be built on the same architecture as the Grand i10 Nios and Aura, with design cues from the likes of Venue.
Hyundai Ai3 Engine
The Hyundai Ai3 could use the same 1.2-litre petrol engine as the i10 Nios, and a CNG version could arrive later. The upcoming micro SUV from the South Korean automaker will most likely target high-volume sales, and top-spec trims may include a slew of premium features for comfort, convenience, entertainment, and connectivity.
Hyundai is expected to display the facelifted Creta as well as the new generation Verna at the Greater Noida Auto Expo.
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