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.
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 – 19.13 lakh (ex-showroom).