Hyundai is working on a
micro-SUV similar to Maruti Suzuki's Ignis. South Korean reports say that this
model, codenamed 'AX', will debut at Auto Expo 2020. nThis year, Hyundai will
be busy refreshing existing models. It will launch the next-gen i20, next-gen
Creta, facelifted Verna and the facelifted Tucson. So, it is possible that the
company will unveil the AX only in concept form at Auto Expo 2020 and introduce
the production version in 2021. Supporting our theory is the fact that Hyundai
is not the one to directly launch production models; it showcases future models
first in concept form.
The Hyundai AX will be a crucial product
not only for India but also South Korea. There, it will be an indirect
successor to the previous generation Hyundai Atos (Hyundai Santro) and will be
produced at a new plant in Gwangju. The annual manufacturing target (in S.
Korea) for the Hyundai AX has been set at 70,000 units. It will be based on the
K1 platform of the new-generation Hyundai Santro.
In India, Hyundai may target an INR 4-6
lakh (ex-showroom) price bracket for the AX. Going with its modern-premium
positioning in the market, it would definitely make this model a more premium
product and better equipped than its key rivals.
Under the hood, the Hyundai AX should have
the Hyundai Santro's 1.1L naturally aspirated four-cylinder unit delivering 69
PS and 99 Nm of torque. Expect the transmission options to
include a 5-speed manual and 5-speed automated manual units.
Expect the production-spec Hyundai AX to
arrive in India in 2021.
