Hyundai has been extremely aggressive in its strategy and after getting a good initial response for the sixth-gen Verna, the Korean manufacturer is now gearing up to launch two new SUVs this FY year 2023-24: Ai3 micro-SUV and an upgraded Creta. Hyundai will also introduce several other refreshes for its existing cars and SUVs too.
Hyundai Ai3
- The Ai3 is essentially a codename for Hyundai’s upcoming micro-SUV.
- This will compete with the likes of Tata Punch, Citroen C3 and Mahindra KUV100 NXT.
- Hyundai has already started testing the Ai3 on Indian roads.
- It is expected to be launched around the festive season.
- While details are scarce at the moment, the Ai3 is likely to share its platform with the Grand i10 Nios.
- It could measure around 3.8 meters in length.
- This tiny utility vehicle could also get the same 83PS 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that also powers the Grand i10 Nios, i20 and Aura sub-4m sedan.
- A factory-fitted CNG kit could also be on the cards.
- Unlikely to get a diesel engine option.
- The SUV will be loaded with tons of premium features, such as an electric sunroof, floating touchscreen infotainment, wireless smartphone charger, auto climate control, and digital instrument cluster.
- Hyundai is reportedly to start its production in the third quarter (Q3) of 2023.
Also Read: 2023 Hyundai Verna vs Rivals – Spec and Features Comparison
New Hyundai Creta
- Hyundai is expected to launch the new Creta by the end of this year or in early 2024.
- Compared to the existing model, it will undergo significant design changes and will receive tons of new features.
- Unlike the global-spec version that features a Tucson-like Jewel grille pattern, the India-bound new Hyundai Creta is expected to look different.
- While it’s not official, it could also receive a new dashboard layout, probably with a floating twin display setup like the 2023 Verna.
- The SUV is also expected to receive a 360-degree surround view system, front & rear parking sensors, and radar-based Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that will primarily focus on collision avoidance technologies, such as lane keeps assist, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and much more.
- Beneath the hood, the Indian-spec Hyundai Creta is likely to retain the ongoing 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and diesel engine options.
- It will also receive a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol unit.
- All engines will be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
- The automatic transmission option may differ for each power mill — CVT for the N.A. petrol, torque converter for diesel, and DCT for the turbocharged motor.
- With these expected changes, the new Hyundai Creta will command a significant premium over the ongoing model, which currently retails between Rs 10.84 – 19.13Â lakh (ex-showroom).
