After making a comeback in the sedan segment with the unveiling of the all-new Verna in India, Hyundai is gearing up to make a mark in the compact SUV category.
Prepping Up For Hyundai AI3 Launch
Considering the nearing launch, Hyundai has dropped a teaser image of what could be a new sub-compact SUV.
This new SUV which is Codenamed Hyundai AI3, will be positioned between the Grand i10 Nios and Venue in Hyundai’s lineup for India.
It is expected to be launched in August this year.
Hyundai AI3 Specification
This new Hyundai AI3 sub-compact SUV will be the same size as the Korea-specific Hyundai Casper.
It is based on the K1 small car platform, which also underpins other compact Hyundai models like the Grand i10 Nios and Aura,
When it comes to design, the new AI3 will have a completely different design from that of the Casper and will have a less radical design in comparison.
It will have a boxy and upright stance, much like that of the Venue.
Coming to similarities, both SUVs will have entirely different designs, with the possibility of a ‘sensuous sportiness’ design philosophy being seen in the new AI3.
For the exterior, the major highlight of the new Hyundai AI3 sub-compact SUV will be the split headlamp design, which has become a common feature in all Hyundai SUVs from the Venue to Tucson.
Hinting at H-shaped daytime running LEDs and LED projector headlamps, the test mules of this SUV have already been seen a few times on Indian roads.
Besides this the tail lamps of this SUV will also have LED inserts and are expected to have a more angular design.
Although it is unclear yet, it is still expected that the new Hyundai AI3 will be powered by the 1.2-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated 83 PS petrol engine from the Grand i10 Nios and Aura.
Another possibility is this new sub-compact SUV might also get a detuned version of the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which was earlier available as an option in the Grand i10 Nios and Aura.
Notably, this new sub-compact AI3 SUV will be sold as a petrol-only car as there is no option offered for a diesel engine.
In measurement, the new Hyundai AI3 sub-compact SUV is expected to measure 3.8 meters long, making it a direct rival to the Tata Punch and Citroen C3.
This new launch will also be competing with the lower-spec variants of other compact SUVs such as the Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite, and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Fronx.
