Hyundai Compact SUV to launch in 2019, will sit below Creta

Hyundai plans to introduce a new compact SUV in India in the first half of 2019. This will be the automaker's new entry-level SUV offering and will be positioned below the Creta. Once launched, it will likely compete against the Maruti Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport and Mahindra TUV3OO.

Hyundai first revealed its plans to develop a sub-4 meter SUV at the 2016 Auto Expo in Greater Noida, where it showed a concept named Carlino. The new SUV might borrow some of the design cues from the Carlino concept, though the same will most probably be toned down to suit production requirements.

Hyundai claims that the rising demand for SUVs in the India market is the primary reason behind its focus on the SUV segment. The company has already launched the third-gen Tucson in the country, which has been positioned between the Creta and the Santa Fe. With the new entry-level SUV, the Korean automaker's SUV line-up in the country will be increased to 4 models.

Though more details about the upcoming compact SUV haven't surfaced yet, earlier reports indicated the possibility of Hyundai using a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine capable of generating 110 - 120 BHP to power it. A 1.4-litre CRDi diesel engine that is currently available with the Elite i20, Verna and Creta is likely to be used as well.

Source: ET Auto