Hyundai Ai3 Micro-SUV Spied

Hyundai is currently developing an All-New SUV that will rival the likes of the Citroen C3 and Tata Punch. Now, this new SUV has been spotted for the first time in Korea, but at a closer glance reveals that the prototype was probably built in India.

Codenamed the Ai3, the model will be Hyundai’s smallest SUV offering in India. It is the size of the Grand i10 NIOS, and is aimed to pick up the sales from its sibling as hatchback numbers dwindle in the country. The Ai3 was given the green light for production just before the global pandemic.

Hyundai Ai3: Exterior Design

The spy shots of the test mule give us a clearer idea of the design elements of the Ai3. Its front end is more upright and SUV-ish, featuring a split headlight setup with DRLs at the top and squared-off headlamp clusters. On the side, the front fenders and front doors look similar to the Casper, but the rear doors seem to be marginally longer. The door handles are also placed in their natural position instead of the C-pillar like the Hyundai Casper. Towards the rear, the taillights and the bumper of the Ai3 feature a sharper design. The image also suggests the addition of a sunroof, making the Hyundai Ai3 the first in the segment to offer one.

Hyundai Ai3: Platform and Dimensions

The Ai3 will be based on the same platform that underpins the Grand i10 NIOS and the Aura. While the new micro-SUV shares similarities with the Casper sold abroad, it will have a few distinct differences. Dimensions wise, the Ai3 will be around 3.8 meters long with a wheelbase of 2,450 mm. Compared to this, the Casper is smaller with a length of 3.6 meters and 2,400 mm wheelbase. This means the Ai3 will be more spacious on the inside.

Hyundai Ai3: Positioning and Powertrain Details

Ai3 will slot in between the Grand i10 NIOS and the Venue in Hyundai’s lineup. To make space for it, the brand could delete some variants from the two models.

Powertrain wise, reports suggest that Hyundai will be offering only petrol options for the Ai3 at the time of the launch. There will be a 1.2-litre N/A Kappa engine making 82 bhp and 144 Nm of peak torque and a 1-litre Turbo GDi petrol pumping out 99 bhp and 162 Nm torque. A CNG variant may be introduced later as well. Transmission options will include a 5-speed manual and an AMT.

Read Also: Hyundai Ai3 Micro SUV to launch before the end of 2023