India’s second-largest automaker Hyundai Motors India Limited (HMIL) is currently in the final stages of development of its new entry-level SUV in India. Codenamed Ai3, the new micro-SUV will be positioned below the Venue and expected to launch during the festive season 2023.
Hyundai Ai3 Micro-SUV: Platform and Powertrain
The Hyundai Ai3 micro-SUV model had been a part of multiple studies since 2016 and the project was finally green lighted just before the global COVID-19 pandemic. Hyundai has termed the new model as a CUV or Compact Utility Vehicle that will be underpinned by the same platform that is being used by the Grand i10 NIOS and the Aura.
Termed as a CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle), the new Hyundai car model is likely to utilise the same 1.2-litre petrol engine found on most Hyundai and KIA cars. The familiar powertrain is expected to produce around 85 bhp while returning a claimed fuel efficiency of around 17 kmpl.
Hyundai Ai3 Micro-SUV: Name and Price
While the codename Ai3 has been doing rounds for a while, Hyundai has briefly teased the name Casper to adorn its new SUV. While it is unclear if the new name will come to this new model, we have a strong belief it will. Coming to the expected price of the Hyundai Ai3 micro-SUV, we believe the car will slot in between the Grand i10 NIOS and the Venue at a starting price of Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom).
Reports suggest that Hyundai is planning an annual production of 50,000 units for the upcoming Sub-Compact SUV, with the company already investing close to Rs 1,470 crore to expand its plant capacity from 7.7 lakh to 8.5 lakh units in the last fiscal year.
