Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) reportedly plans to
launch a new model in April 2019. Internally codenamed ‘Hyundai QXi’ and
reported to be called 'Hyundai Styx', the new offering will be a sub-4-metre
SUV positioned against the Maruti Vitara Brezza and the Ford EcoSport. Autocar
India has come up with its rendering created on the basis of its spy images.
As per the rendering, the Hyundai QXi follows the
company’s latest design philosophy, whose key elements include a bolder, more
angular version of the signature cascading grille and the ‘Composite Light’
setup. The latter comprises LED DRLs at the hood level and low-set projector
headlamps. These design elements should help the Maruti Vitara Brezza-adversary
establish a connect with models like the all-new Santa Fe and Kona.
On the sides, the Hyundai QXi will have a Hyundai
Creta-like silhouette with a roofline that balances sportiness with
practicality. The rendering shows the SUV featuring a large DLO with a beltline
swiftly rising towards the rear. The same design feature will be seen on the
2019 Hyundai Grand i10 as well. As per the rendering, the sub-compact SUV will
feature flared wheel arches for a rugged styling. At the rear, the new model is
expected to look like a slightly smaller version of the Hyundai Creta.
Powering the Hyundai QXi will be a range of petrol
and diesel engines. The company’s smallest SUV will reportedly feature a
1.0-litre T-GDI turbo-petrol engine that output a maximum power of 120 PS and a
peak torque of 117 Nm. The diesel engine variant should be powered by a new
1.5-litre diesel engine that is expected to offer 116 PS and 250 Nm. Hyundai
could provide a BSVI-compliant version of the current 1.2-litre Kappa engine
too.
The Hyundai QXi was previewed by the Carlino concept
the 2016 Auto Expo. In the transition from the concept model to the
production-spec version, the compact SUV has undergone many changes to stay in
line with the company’s latest design language. The new model will reportedly
become Hyundai’s first SUV to offer an optional AMT. Meanwhile, the Hyundai
AH2, which launches on 23 October 2018, will become the first recipient of the
‘Smart Auto’ AMT.