Hyundais heading our way

The company plans to roll out a model in just about every segment possible

November 20, 2018 03:46 pm | Updated 03:46 pm IST

IN SIXTH GEAR: Hyundai has some serious plans for the Indian market

IN SIXTH GEAR: Hyundai has some serious plans for the Indian market

Hyundai’s history in India started back in 1998. Over the years, the Korean brand has steadily risen to occupy a substantial share of the market, with a model line-up housing cars ranging from entry-level hatchbacks like the Eon, all the way to premium SUVs like the Tucson. In the coming years, the brand plans to launch a model in just about every segment possible, with SUVs being the primary focus.

Here is just how serious the company is about closing the gap to market leader Maruti over the next five years.

New Hyundai Compact SUV (QXI)

Expected: March-April 2019

Hyundai will launch its sub-Creta SUV, known internally as the QXi. Likely to be badged ‘Styx’, it will feature a classic, upright SUV shape, while also featuring Hyundai’s latest design language, with a wide grille, square wheel arches, tight skinning and modern headlight and grille combo. The QXi will be powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine with around 118hp, and the reason for choosing this instead of the naturally aspirated 1.2 Kappa is because Hyundai believes the “strong mid-range torque of the turbo will be essential for the compact SUV”. The SUV will also come with a new, BS-VI-certified 1.5-litre diesel engine with 115hp and 250Nm, which will also power the refreshed Verna.

IN SIXTH GEAR: Hyundai has some serious plans for the Indian market

IN SIXTH GEAR: Hyundai has some serious plans for the Indian market

Hyundai Kona EV

Expected: June 2019

The year will also see the arrival of Hyundai’s first EV in India: the Kona. The electric crossover uses a 39.2kWh battery pack that allows for a range of 300km. The e-motor churns out 134hp and 395Nm of torque, which propels the Kona EV from 0-100kph in 9.7sec and on to a top speed of 155kph. The lithium-ion battery pack can be charged in as little as 54 minutes to 80% capacity from a 100kW fast charger, or in 6 hours and 10 minutes from a standard AC source. The best part is, Hyundai is planning to locally assemble the Kona EV, which should make for a competitive price of close to ₹25 lakh.

New Hyundai Grand i10 (AI3)

Expected: October 2019

The next-gen Grand i10 is already undergoing on-road testing and is expected to make its global début early next year; an India launch can be expected in the second half of 2019. The new hatchback will get sharper styling in line with the carmaker’s latest design language, with the signature cascade grille that now merges with the headlamps, as on the refreshed Elantra. It’s aimed squarely at the new Swift, and will feature a wider stance with less of a ‘tall boy’ profile as its predecessor. Expect improved cabin space along with better equipment, like a larger touchscreen and even a sunroof. However, it is likely to be offered with the same set of 1.2 petrol and diesel engines as its predecessor. An AMT gearbox, however, will replace the outdated torque converter unit seen in the current car.

IN SIXTH GEAR: Hyundai has some serious plans for the Indian market

IN SIXTH GEAR: Hyundai has some serious plans for the Indian market

New Xcent compact sedan

Expected: Early 2020

The second generation of Hyundai’s compact sedan will follow the new Grand i10’s launch and, as expected, will share its underpinnings with its hatchback sibling. But the new Xcent will get a unique identity and a ‘bigger’ look this time, to set it further apart from the Grand i10. It could get longer rear doors, more legroom at the back and proper sedan-like proportions. Expect rear AC vents with 12V and USB charging ports at the rear and even a sunroof. Expect the same engines to return, but for the auto gearbox to be an AMT.

Next-gen Hyundai i20 (PI3)

Expected: Mid 2020

The third-gen i20 is expected to hit showrooms in 2020 and will enter the market to compete with not only the Baleno and Jazz, but also Tata’s upcoming 45X hatchback. Expect a feature-laden cabin with a larger touchscreen and a sunroof. The same engine options, a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.4-litre diesel, are likely to continue, and so is the CVT petrol-automatic variant

IN SIXTH GEAR: Hyundai has some serious plans for the Indian market

IN SIXTH GEAR: Hyundai has some serious plans for the Indian market

New Hyundai Creta

Expected: End 2020; 7-seater: 2021

The sequel to Hyundai’s blockbuster SUV will see improvements in its dimensions and features list, and will get the brand’s latest styling theme too. Under the hood will be a set of new 1.5-litre BS-VI-compliant petrol and diesel engines. The biggest talking point though, will be that it will be available in five- and seven-seat configurations. Yes, that’s right, in its next iteration, Hyundai will introduce a slightly larger 5+2-seat version of the Creta sometime in 2021

New Hyundai Tucson

Expected: 2021

While the Tucson is yet to receive a facelift in India, Hyundai is already at a fairly advanced stage in the design and development of the next generation of the SUV. For India, the Tucson will be sold in a seven-seat layout only, with a pair of plush ‘captain’ seats for the middle row; it offers features such as a head-up display, wireless charging and advanced telematics. It will also come with the latest diesel and petrol powertrains, that will comply with not just BS-VI emission norms, but also the tougher RDE (Real Driving Emissions) cycle that is expected to come into effect in 2023.

Hyundai Micro SUV

Expected: 2023

Hyundai has its eyes set on launching an all-new micro SUV, to rival the likes of the Renault Kwid. The micro-SUV will likely be powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, and as seen on most of its competitors, offer no diesel option.

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