Hyundai HND-14
Hyundai HND-14IBTimes India

Korean car-maker Hyundai is aggressive on strengthening its SUV portfolio, and currently has a compact SUV in development. The compact SUV, which will be based on the Carlino concept Hyundai unveiled at Auto Expo 2016, will reportedly feature a 1.0-litre engine.

The ET Auto report does not say if the engine is petrol or diesel-powered. Considering rumours that say Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, which will be the prime rival of the Hyundai compact SUV when launched, will get a 1.0-litre Boosterjet petrol engine soon, Hyundai may also go for a force-fed petrol engine. The company also plans to introduce its first Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)-equipped car in 2018. This also indicates the 1.0-litre engine might be coupled with AMT transmission. The Hyundai compact SUV is expected by the end of 2018 or early 2019.

The showcased Carlino concept SUV has been developed at the Hyundai Namyang Design Centre. The production-spec compact SUV will be Hyundai's first project from its Indian R&D centre in Hyderabad. The concept showcased features swept-back headlamps and a new front grille, which is in line with the new Fluidic 2.0 design theme. Even though the rear features a boxy design, the concept features a distinct character compared to the other SUVs from Hyundai. The production spec of the Carlino concept is expected to feature many changes in the exterior and interior.

Hyundai will launch the Tucson SUV, which will sit between the Creta and the Santa Fe, by the end of this year. The test runs of the Tucson are already underway. The Hyundai portfolio will have four SUV models by 2020.