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Hyundai’s new Compact SUV is expected to be an Indian alternative to the Inster the company offers in European markets, designed and engineered to better suit local consumer preferences
Hyundai has started testing a new Compact SUV in India, a model featuring rugged, old-school proportions. The company has shed quite a lot of camouflage, indicating it could be planning to launch the model within a year. The new Hyundai SUV features a squarish exterior, which gives it an authentic SUV look. Hyundai appears to have designed it to measure well under 4 metres, which should make it easy to drive through narrow and congested roads.
The overhangs of the upcoming Hyundai SUV look extremely short, and along with its high ground clearance, should make it easy to tackle speed breakers and potholes. The boxy shape and high ground clearance would give the model a powerful road presence, and the former would also maximise passenger and boot space.
The raised roof rails reinforce the future Hyundai model’s authentic SUV styling, and so do the large, squarish side windows and the chunky rocker panels. There are several modern styling touches also on the exterior, such as flush-fitted door handles, a kick in the belt line near the C-pillar, a sporty roof spoiler, and slim tail lights featuring a dotted pattern, inspired by the company’s Parametric Pixel theme.
Also Read: 4 New Hyundai Cars Likely To Launch In India This Year
There’s a strong chance this prototype is Hyundai’s upcoming Tata Punch.ev rival, so far referred to in the media by its codename – HE1i. The dimensions and exterior design align with the details about the HE1i reported so far. If true, this model should arrive in Hyundai showrooms in early 2027.
The HE1i is said to be based on the same platform as the Inster – E-GMP (K). It will be heavily localised to be priced competitively, right down to the cell level. Hyundai will leverage its strategic partnership with Exide Energy Solutions to use India-made LFP cells in the battery pack of the HE1i.
Also Read: Discounts On Hyundai Cars In Jan 2026; Exter, i20, Verna, Creta, Venue
The new Compact SUV from Hyundai should be loaded to the brim with premium features, including ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charger, and USB Type-C ports in front and rear. It will likely pack a slew of premium safety equipment as well, including a 360º camera system, advanced driver assistance systems, and six airbags.
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