Upcoming Hyundai Cars in India

Following a strong 2022, South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor India is gearing up for a bigger 2023 with a slew of new launches being planned. The Delhi Auto Expo at the start of the year also gives the company a chance to showcase these new models. Next year will also mark 25 years since the brand arrived in India with the Santro. Today we take a look at few upcoming Hyundai cars that are expected to come into India.

Hyundai Project Ai3

Hyundai’s upcoming sub-compact SUV codenamed Project Ai3 is going to use the same platform as the Aura and Grand i10 NIOS. Design-wise, it is expected to borrow cues from the Venue and the Casper. The Ai3 will be bigger in size compared to the latter. To make space for the new model in the lineup, the company may remove some of the top-end and entry-level variants of the Grand i10  NIOS and the Venue.

While Hyundai hasn’t made any announcements, it is likely the brand will launch the new model around Diwali 2023. The Ai3’s interior will be fairly similar to the Grand i10 NIOS. It will get features like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control, electrically adjustable ORVMs, reversing camera with parking sensors, and more.

Powertrain options available with the SUV could include a 1.2-litre Kappa engine capable of delivering a maximum power output of 82 bhp with 144 Nm of peak torque. Plus, a 1-litre Turbo GDi petrol capable of delivering 99 bhp and 162 Nm peak torque. A CNG variant may be introduced later as well. Transmission options could include a 5-speed manual and an AMT.

Hyundai Verna Facelift

Reports suggest that Hyundai will be introducing the Verna Facelift at the 2023 Delhi Auto Expo. The sedan is expected to go on sale by around April next year. The car will get an updated front and rear end while the profile is expected to stay similar to the current model. The interior will be completely revamped, featuring a new design and the addition of new features.

There will be a bigger touchscreen infotainment system with integrated Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital instrument console, dual-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera and more. The New Verna will also come with ADAS-tech like Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross-Traffic Assistance and Driver Attention Monitoring.

While it has not been confirmed yet, expect the new Verna to be offered in both petrol and diesel variants. The engine options could remain the same as the current model. Thus, what you could get is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit capable of producing 115 bhp and 144 Nm of peak power.

There could also be a 1.4-litre Turbo GDi petrol engine as part of the package delivering 138 bhp and 242 Nm of peak torque. While a 1.5-litre diesel mill should be part of the lineup churning out 114 bhp and 250 Nm torque. Transmission options should include a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic, and a 7-speed DCT.

Hyundai Creta Facelift

The automaker already showcased the updated Creta in Indonesia at the 2021 GIIAS Motor Show. While Hyundai has not made an official announcement yet, it will most likely launch the new model alongside the Verna at the Delhi Auto Expo 2023.

One of the biggest criticisms of the second-gen Creta was its divisive looks. The facelifted model corrects that. The front end is inspired by the bigger Tucson, getting the brand-new parametric grille with integrated LED DRLs while the headlights are squarer and set lower than the current model. As for the rear, it will feature new angular tail lights, a redesigned boot lid, and a new bumper.

Creta Facelift interior will get a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster like the one seen in the Alcazar. Other features would include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Hyundai’s BlueLink Connected Car Tech, heated and cooled front seats, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof and more. Mechanically the SUV will remain the same. What the customer would get are 2 petrol engine options and one diesel mill choice. 

First would be a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol which would make 115 bhp and 144 Nm torque while the 1.4-litre Turbo GDi petrol would be good for 138 bhp and 242 Nm of peak torque. The 1.5-litre diesel on the other hand would deliver 114 bhp and 250 Nm torque. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic, or a 7-speed DCT.

Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade is Hyundai’s flagship SUV. It is similar in size to the Toyota Fortuner but looks a bit more muscular and imposing. The automaker recently gave it a mid-life facelift that saw the SUV getting a new parametric grille with integrated LED DRLs.

The projector headlights sit just below. The side profile is quite simple except for the flared wheel arches and chrome detailing around the windows. The rear end features C-shaped LED taillights and dual exhausts.

The interior of the Palisade uses a beige colour scheme to make it feel roomier. The dashboard also gets faux wood inserts for a premium experience. Being the flagship model, Hyundai has loaded the SUV with features like a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with inbuilt Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, a 12-speaker audio system from Harman Kardon, ambient lighting, ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, and more. The Palisade also gets ADAS features.

It is offered with a 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine globally. The motor makes 290 bhp and 355 Nm of peak torque. However, it is unlikely this powertrain will be offered in the Indian market. 

In its place, Hyundai could provide a 2.2-litre turbo diesel unit that used to be offered with the Santa Fe, but in a re-tuned form. An automatic will be the only transmission option on offer.

Read Also: Your Guide to Choosing the Right Hyundai Car