For the last two years, Hyundai has been developing
a new UV positioned below the Hyundai Creta (Hyundai ix25) and Hyundai Kona
(Hyundai Kauai/Hyundai Encino). Referred to as the QXi and Carlino in India,
A-CUV in the USA and Leonis in South Korea, it’s one car that will serve
markets worldwide.
Spy shots captured in South Korea, the USA and today
in India show that new entry-level Hyundai SUV features the same design,
indicating that the Hyundai HND-14 ‘Carlino' Concept that was unveiled at Auto
Expo 2016 is evolving into a global SUV, to be positioned as a B-segment model
in some markets, and in the A-segment in others.
For a model its size, the Hyundai QXi looks
surprisingly SUV-like, an aspect Hyundai perfected with the conventionally designed
Creta. While it is very similar to the Creta from the sides, its front-end is
inline with latest global Hyundai SUVs, replete with a Cascading grille and a
Composite Light comprising LED DRLs positioned on top of the headlights.
Hyundai’s new baby SUV rides on a new platform,
Hyundai Latin America’s product specialist Armando Cardoso, said in an
interview last month. While specifications would vary in different markets, an
expected communality is the 1.0-litre T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine that comes
in two flavours: 100 PS and 120 PS.
Transmission choices may include a 5-speed manual
transmission and a 7-speed DCT. The high-spec version could come with a 6-speed
manual transmission and a 7-speed DCT. Availability of the bulky and expensive
AWD system is unlikely in most markets, but note that the Creta gets it in
China and Brazil and the QXi's chief rival, the Ford EcoSport, also gets a
transfer case in top-end variants in markets which receive snowfall.
Recent reports say that Hyundai will launch the QXi
in India in April 2019. The U.S. launch will take place by 2020.
