Hyundai Motor India is preparing to expand its SUV portfolio with a new internal-combustion engine (ICE) SUV, which has now been confirmed for launch during the upcoming festive season. The new model is expected to target the highly competitive mid-size SUV space and will be positioned around the same segment as the Hyundai Creta.
The upcoming SUV is one of two major new products Hyundai has planned for the current financial year. The second model will be a sub-compact electric SUV, expected to arrive later in the year. Hyundai is therefore looking at both conventional powertrains and electric mobility to strengthen its presence across important SUV segments.
While Hyundai has not officially revealed the production name of the new ICE SUV, it is widely expected to be based on the Bayon. Test vehicles related to the Bayon-based SUV have already been spotted in India, adding further weight to speculation around its upcoming launch.
The new SUV is expected to sit between the Venue and Creta in Hyundai’s India portfolio. This positioning could give the company another product in a segment that has seen strong demand from Indian buyers. The mid-size SUV category currently includes several popular models, making it one of the most closely contested areas of the Indian passenger vehicle market.
In terms of powertrain options, the new Hyundai SUV is expected to be offered with petrol and diesel engines. Hyundai is also believed to be evaluating electrification for the model in the longer term, with a hybrid powertrain reportedly being considered for the end of the decade. However, specific engine specifications and transmission options have not yet been officially confirmed.
The SUV is also expected to focus heavily on features and technology, following Hyundai’s established approach in the segment. Recent reports suggest that the India-spec model could receive a number of premium features while retaining a practical SUV-focused design. Its pricing is likely to be positioned competitively to take on established rivals in the segment.
The timing of the launch is particularly significant. The festive period, which includes Dussehra and Diwali, is traditionally one of the strongest sales periods for the Indian car industry. Manufacturers often introduce new models during this period to take advantage of increased customer interest and higher showroom footfall. Hyundai itself has previously highlighted the importance of the festive season for vehicle sales.
With the new ICE SUV arriving alongside a compact electric SUV later this year, Hyundai is set for a busy product cycle in India. More details regarding the SUV’s final name, specifications, features, pricing and exact launch date are expected to emerge closer to its official debut.
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Rajababu Kushwaha is the Founder and Editor of AutoCrest. He covers the latest car news, reviews, comparisons, EV updates, and buying guides for Indian car buyers.