Hyundai Motors India is preparing to introduce three all new cars this year. The list includes the Tucson Facelift, Kona and Styx. India has caught up with the global trend of SUVs. The domestic market is witnessing a tectonic change in the public’s opinion about cars. Instead of sedans and hatchbacks, people prefer crossovers and SUVs. Hyundai has enjoyed enormous success with its premium SUV – Creta. So, it comes as no surprise that Hyundai has decided to introduce 3 more SUVs in 2019.
Hyundai is a highly reputed brand in the Indian market and it also amongst the very few car marques to understand the workings of the Indian car market well. With its wide reach across the segments, Hyundai has been able to maintain its spot as the second largest automaker in the country. Apart from these SUVs, Hyundai will update other cars in its lineup. We can expect updated models of Grand i10, Xcent, Elite i10, and Creta to follow soon. Hyundai has plans to have a significant presence in every segment of the Indian automobile market.
- Hyundai is working on the Tucson facelift. The facelifted SUV is expected to be launched late in 2019. Tucson isn’t selling in good numbers. At its asking price, customers have access to more premium brands. Tuscon is a well-equipped car that comes with a peppy diesel engine. Hyundai wants to change the trend by introducing Tuscon facelift.
Hyundai is expected to offer a thorough refresh to the Tuscon. With its new features and equipment, Tuscon will be able to face the competition. Expected changes include a change to the front fascia, a sharp grille design, all LED headlights, and a new fog lamp housing.
Tuscon will sit on newly designed alloys wheels. On the inside, the new Tucson will come with advanced safety features which will include autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera. The major attraction will be a new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Like the outgoing model, the facelift will be powered by the same set of engines.
- A few of us will recall Hyundai’s HND-14 concept at the 2016 Auto Expo. After two years of R&D, Hyundai is ready to bring the subcompact SUV. Hyundai Carlino will be the carmaker’s first attempt at the sub-4 meter SUV segment in India. The sub-4 meter segment is enjoying immense popularity. Rivals like Tata Nexon, Maruti Vitara Brezza and Ford EcoSport have already reaped huge profits from this segment.
The concept vehicle had a distinguished front fascia. The front profile included a large grille, rugged bumper, and sleek headlamps. The interior will offer a generous list of features like automatic climate control, touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity multi-functional steering wheel and leather upholstery.
The Carlino is expected to come with three engine options. The first would be a 1.4-liter petrol unit, second would be a 1.4-liter diesel engine and l the third option will be 100 Bhp, 1.0-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.
- Hyundai also wants to be a early player in India’s electric vehicle (EV) scene. Government’s push for electrification has seen major automobile manufacturers preparing for the launch of EVs. Kona SUV will be Hyundai’s first electric vehicle in the country. Hyundai will launch the Kona EV by the third quarter of this year.
The initial batch will be imported to India via the CKD route. The Kona SUV will be assembled at the company’s Chennai plant. At a later stage, Hyundai plans to manufacture the Kona locally, in order to keep prices in check. Hyundai is expected to offer the Kona EV with 2 battery pack options. First will be a 39.2 kWh battery pack with a range of 310 km while the other will be a 64 kWh battery unit with a range of 480 km.
Kona SUV will also be available with conventionally powered petrol and diesel engines with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox options.
