Guess what! The first images of what is believed to be Hyundai’s upcoming compact SUV have surfaced online recently.
In recent times, a crossover was spotted at a parking lot in South Korea.
Hyundai Ai3 Spotted
This new SUV has been internally codenamed the Hyundai Ai3 and was given the go-ahead for production just before the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
When it comes to positioning, this new micro-SUV will be positioned between the Grand i10 and the Venue.
It simply means that Hyundai could rejig line-ups of both models in order to make space for the new micro-SUV.
Coming to the powertrain options, the Ai3 micro SUV is likely to share the same 1.2-litre petrol engine as the Venue, Grand i10 and Aura.
Although, the decision on a CNG variant is yet to be taken.
It is noteworthy here that there won’t be a diesel engine option on this SUV.
Ai3 Micro SUV Positioning
This new launch is expected to be positioned below the Venue and could go on sale in 2023 during the festive season.
The Hyundai Ai3 seems to be inspired by the Casper compact SUV earlier introduced in the South Korean market.
This car is equipped with a boxy exterior with squared-off wheel arches and an upright front fascia with a split headlamp design.
The spotted test vehicle has a sunroof, roof rails and a shark fin antenna.
Hyundai Ai3 Features And Positioning
The rumor mill suggests that the new Hyundai crossover could be based on a localized version of the K1 platform and could be slightly larger than the Casper.
Once launched, the new Hyundai SUV will compete with the Tata Punch, Citroen C3 and the like.
For the first time, this new SUV has been spied on in Korea.
A closer look reveals that the prototype could have been built in India and sent to Hyundai’s Korean headquarters for testing.
It seems that Hyundai, like many car makers, is now readying an SUV for every segment.
Further a closer look at this test mule confirms quite a few design changes when compared to the Casper.
To start with, the front styling seems to be completely different and is more SUV-esque.
Further, this micro-SUV gets a split-headlamp set-up, with LED daytime running lamps at the top and a squarish, Venue-like headlamp below it.
Moving ahead the daytime running lamps feature an ‘H’ pattern, which was also seen on test mules of the upcoming Santa Fe SUV.
Although, it could be Hyundai’s new signature LED DRL look that could be seen on more future products from the carmaker.
