Hyundai To Launch 3 New SUVs Next Year: Details
Hyundai is India’s second-largest automaker. It currently has a wide range of products on sale here and plans to aggressively expand the range in the coming years. The focus seems to be strong on India, which is also the world’s third-largest car market. Hyundai plans to launch as many as 3 new SUVs next year, spanning across the EV and ICE spaces. To note here is that Hyundai’s Chinese footprint has lately been shrinking and sales in Korea have slightly dipped as well. The success of these upcoming SUVs could thus contribute a lot to Hyundai’s global performance.
Hyundai Creta EV
Hyundai Creta EV is under development. An extremely important product, the electric Creta will debut in India in 2025. It is likely to retain multiple key design cues of the outgoing Creta and will be underpinned by a modified version of the ICE platform. There will, however, be EV-specific bits like a closed-off grille, aero enhancements, refreshed front and rear bumpers, and new 18-inch aero-insert wheels.
On the inside, the EV will have a lot in common with the ICE version, in terms of design and equipment offered. Expected features include a twin screen cluster (10.25-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrumentation), 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, climate control, wireless charger, etc. The steering wheel, however, will have an all-new design, similar to those on modern Hyundai EVs. Level 2 ADAS is also to be expected along with a host of other safety features.
The Creta EV will likely have both single and dual motor configurations and could deliver range figures of up to 500 km per charge. The electric motor could come straight from the Kona. Creta EV will have DC fast charging support too. However, it remains to be seen if there will be support for V2L and V2V charging. There is no word yet on the battery capacity.
Hyundai could price the Creta EV competitively, likely starting around 20 lakh, ex-showroom. Smart pricing will be critical, as the electric Creta will have to lock horns with rivals like the Curvv.EV, Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV 400.
Bayon-Based Crossover (Fronx Rival)
Maruti Fronx is bringing much attention to the B-segment crossover space. Hyundai will soon join the game by launching a crossover SUV based on the global-spec Bayon. The Bayon is essentially a crossover based on the i20. When launched in India, this will make for a strong rival to Fronx and Taisor. In Hyundai India’s portfolio, the Bayon-based SUV will likely sit between the Venue and Creta.
Hyundai Bayon is underpinned by the new generation i20 platform and comes with a coupe-like roofline. The interior resembles that of the i20 and the two models share a lot of components as well. In many global markets, the Bayon is seen as a replacement for the i20 Active. This product has been made primarily for developed markets. It will be an affordable derivative of the Bayon that will launch in India.
Hyundai’s XUV700 Rival
The Mahindra XUV 700 has strong traction in its segment. Hyundai reportedly has plans to launch a three-row SUV that will compete with the XUV700. If sources are to be believed, Hyundai could launch a localised version of the Tucson 7-Seater Extended Wheelbase, at a much more affordable price, as its XUV rival. This model is already on sale in international markets like China.
The Tucson Long Wheelbase (LWB) will be large and will have a lot of visual resemblances with the outgoing Tucson. Expected design highlights are a prominent grille, sleek LED headlamps, sculpted surfaces and sharp body lines. The vehicle will have large rear doors, more cabin room, bigger screens and a lot of tech. The India spec could do with the familiar 2.0L diesel engine and Hyundai could also launch a new 1.6L turbocharged petrol. It remains to be seen if a hybrid version will also make its way to India…