Korean automaker Hyundai sells two luxury vehicles globally namely – Genesis and Equus. Now, the CEO of the company has stated that the possibility of another luxury car coming from them cannot be ruled out. Speculations indicate that the company will introduce a sports sedan code-named RK that can compete with the likes of the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class but Hyundai refused to comment on this. Hyundai is optimistic that entering new segments will help them generate more volumes but the company also wants to be careful with this since too many new models can actually kill their existing products which are already doing well.
Hyundai is considering launching a mini crossover that can compete with the Nissan Juke, Kia Soul and Honda’s new Vezel crossover. Hyundai is also testing the ix25 in India. The ix25 however is a compact SUV that will fight it out with the Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano and it will be a size smaller than the new model that Hyundai is planning for global markets. Even though Hyundai has these luxury models that are sold globally, none of them are expected to be launched in India because honestly Hyundai doesn’t hold a candle to the German trio when it comes to snob value.
The new mini crossover has a possibility of getting launched in India though. Hyundai might position it below the Sante Fe in the Rs. 13-18 lakh bracket. Hyundai also sells the Sonata and Elantra premium sedans here and while the Elantra gets decent sales numbers, the Sonata loses out mainly to Skoda who’s Superb has been the segment best-seller. Hyundai has created an image for itself in India where buyers perceive it as a budget brand and hence it would be difficult for the company to sell luxury products here.
