Hyundai Carlino-based SUV spied for first time; to rival Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

Hyundai, the second largest carmaker in India, competes with Maruti Suzuki in almost every segment. However, Hyundai is yet to bring a compact SUV to rival Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza under Rs 10 lakh category. The Indian subsidiary, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has earmarked a model for 2019 and it has been spotted for the first time while testing.

Though specific details about the Hyundai SUV is not available, Hyundai has given some idea about the SUV in the form HND-14 Carlino concept at Auto Expo 2016. The production version spotted under camouflage now retains the same silhouette of the Carlino concept while detailing seems to be different.

The Carlino concept featured a rectangular grille with integrated headlamp while the grille on the test mule looks like an iteration of Hyundai's new cascading grille. One can also spot Kona-like split headlamps. A closer look reveals a beefier front bumper and skid plate up front. Overall, the new compact SUV is expected to be a scale down version of the 2018 Hyundai Creta in terms of styling.

Reports claim the compact SUV will make use of stretched i10 platform and will share many parts of Elite i20 and Creta to keep its price in check. The SUV will have a monocoque shell and front wheel drive layout. The AWD version is not expected in India.

Hyundai is expected to offer the Carlino-based SUV with a 1.0 litre T-GDi turbo-petrol producing 120PS of power and 117Nm of torque. In addition, the tried and tested naturally-aspirated 1.2 litre Kappa petrol that produces 84PS and 117Nm and the 1.4 litre U2 CRDi diesel motor that produces 90PS of power and 224Nm of torque are also expected.

A report in Overdrive claims Hyundai will reveal the new compact SUV in April 2019. It will be fourth Hyundai SUV in India after Creta, Tucson and Santa Fe. Since it will be an entry-level SUV pitted against Ford EcoSport and Tata Nexon (in addition to the Vitara Brezza), competitive pricing is also expected. 

Image source: Rushlane