Hyundai has been on a roll lately, first unveiling the all-new Verna in India and making a comeback in the sedan segment, and now gearing up to make a mark in the sub-compact SUV category with the upcoming Hyundai AI3. The new SUV is expected to be positioned between the Grand i10 Nios and Venue in Hyundai’s lineup for India and is set to launch in August 2023.
Features of Hyundai AI3:
The new Hyundai AI3 sub-compact SUV is based on the K1 small car platform, which also underpins other compact Hyundai models like the Grand i10 Nios and Aura. It is expected to be the same size as the Korea-specific Hyundai Casper, however, the AI3 will have a completely different design from that of the Casper, with a less radical design in comparison. The SUV will have a boxy and upright stance, much like that of the Venue, and could feature a ‘sensuous sportiness’ design philosophy.
One of the major highlights of the new Hyundai AI3 sub-compact SUV will be the split headlamp design, which has become a common feature in all Hyundai SUVs from the Venue to Tucson. The SUV’s test mules have already been spotted on Indian roads, hinting at H-shaped daytime running LEDs and LED projector headlamps. The tail lamps of this SUV will also have LED inserts and are expected to have a more angular design.
Under the hood, it is expected that the new Hyundai AI3 will be powered by the 1.2-liter four-cylinder naturally-aspirated 83 PS petrol engine from the Grand i10 Nios and Aura. While there’s a slight possibility that this new sub-compact SUV might also get a detuned version of the 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine, which was earlier available as an option in the Grand i10 Nios and Aura, the new sub-compact AI3 SUV will be sold as a petrol-only car, with no option for a diesel engine.
The new Hyundai AI3 sub-compact SUV is expected to measure 3.8 meters long, making it a direct rival to the Tata Punch and Citroen C3. It will also compete with the lower-spec variants of other compact SUVs like the Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite, and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Fronx.
