The compact car segment in India has recently started flourishing, thanks to the tremendous success seen in the case of the Maruti Swift DZire, Honda Amaze and now the Ford EcoSport. The compact SUV space especially has a huge demand in India currently, which is dominated by the EcoSport. To taste this new sweet spot, Hyundai is also considering a baby SUV for India along with other players such as Mahindra, which is coming up with its S101 mini SUV, Maruti Suzuki developing XA-Alpha and Honda planning a Jazz based compact SUV.
The upcoming Hyundai mini SUV is on test and is expected to release in 2014. It is based on the Hyundai HB20 platform and is heavily inspired from the latest generation Hyundai Santa Fe SUV. From the looks of the rendering (which has been done with inputs from insiders), the front end features the similar hexagonal grille from the Santa Fe along with EcoSport like cladding on the chin with an aggressive tone. On the side, it boasts a rising shoulder line ending up at the rear with wraparound windscreen and big tail lamp cluster.
Expect extensive use of the Hyundai fluidic design language all around the body. The stance is a typical SUV like yet compact enough to ensure cost effectiveness. The Indian market is likely to get the mini SUV measuring under 4-metres to enjoy excise benefits but this can’t be confirmed yet. Engine options are not known yet but we will get both petrol and diesel powertrains. If heavy localization is achieved, it will give tough competition to the EcoSport, as Hyundai is known to offer loads of features with smart styling at a convenient price tag.
Source – Revistaautoesporte Globo
