Next Hyundai SUV to target Tata!
Hyundai yesterday unveiled its updated flagship Tucson SUV in the country. The Tucson currently sits at the top but will be replaced once IONIQ 5 is launched. However, these are costly price segments. If Hyundai needs to take on Tata, it needs to do something in the affordable space. The next SUV from Hyundai will exactly do this. As of today, the most affordable SUV that Tata makes is the Punch. Tata Punch has quickly climbed the sales charts and has become one of the top-sellers from the brand’s stable. The Punch entered a segment which was assumed dead and has moved on to revive it. This has got Hyundai interested in bringing a product for this space which has been codenamed ‘Ai3’. What would this next SUV from Hyundai offer and what to expect from it? Everything in this article.
Why does Hyundai need a Tata Punch rival?
Hyundai Creta has been a strong puller for the brand. Products like Venue, i20 and Grand i10 NIOS also do their bit in maintaining Hyundai’s second position in the country. However, Tata is seriously catching up. In the last seven months, Tata has overtaken Hyundai in terms of total monthly sales twice. This has definitely challenged Hyundai’s firm second spot. The brand will definitely be planning to bring in some products that will help it further the gap between them and Tata Motors. The Tata Punch rival could help them with this. The segment has been returning good sales and the Korean brand will mostly be looking to bank on the same.
What could this next Hyundai SUV offer?
This product will sit in the micro-SUV segment. To achieve the perfect dimensions, this SUV is said to come based on the Grand i10 Nios’ platform. Moreover, it is expected that this SUV will borrow its powertrain from the i10 Nios as well. This means that it could come powered by a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. Hyundai also has the added advantage of diesel engine. Tata Punch currently lacks this option which Hyundai could definitely use to its benefit.
As far as features are concerned, we expect this SUV to come loaded with many of them. ABS with EBD, six airbags (the six airbag rule will mostly be implemented by the time this car launches), an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, connected car technology, ambient lighting, digital instrument cluster, etc. could be a part of the package.
Launch & Pricing
The SUV is already expected to be in the works with a launch said to take place next year. Could Hyundai use Auto Expo 2023 as the perfect opportunity to showcase its next SUV? Possibly. As far as pricing is concerned, we expect it to start from somewhere around Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom). Are you excited for the Hyundai Punch rival? Do let us know.
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