Hyundai AX1 Micro SUV Undergoes Testing In The Snow

Hyundai AX1 Front — It would fit well in the urban concrete jungle

Hyundai is busy winter testing the AX1 micro SUV it is developing for India to compete against the Maruti Ignis and the upcoming Tata HBX.

Although it has a tiny profile, resemblances the car has with the Venue, below which it will sit in the Korean carmaker’s product portfolio, are very apparent.

For instance, there are split headlight units, with the main lighting element situated in the bumper and the DRLs sitting on top, along the flat bonnet. Also, there is a small skid plate upfront as well.

Looking at the car from the side angle, one can see the raked windscreen along with a rather small side glass area, wherein the front windows are larger than the rear ones next to which sit the rear door handles.

Only the C-pillar looks chunky on the Hyundai AX1 that has a boxy, upright design, which is also carried to the rear profile where the tail lights and the sizeable boot lid (for the car’s size) can be seen.

Apart from the alloy wheels, which have already been seen on the micro SUV, and the lack of roof rails, no other detail can be garnered, for the test mule is almost completely covered in camouflage.

Expect the production-spec AX1 to feature LED lighting units (at least in top trims), a touchscreen with Hyundai’s own connectivity tech, auto air-con, rear-view camera, among various other features.

We expect Hyundai to plonk the 69 PS 1.1-litre petrol motor for lower variants of the AX1, while top-spec trims are likely to get its 83 PS 1.2-litre petrol engine. Gearbox options include a 5-speed manual and an AMT.

The micro SUV is likely to be put on sale by next year in the market and will under cut the Venue in terms of cost.