Hyundai’s Tata Punch-rivaling SUV Inches Closer To A Possible Reality, Spied Images Surface Online For First Time

• Hyundai’s micro-SUV will be a rival to the Tata Punch.

• This isn’t the Casper and will be an all-new product. 

• Gets a boxy and upright silhouette, similar to the Venue.

• Features H-motif DRLs and a sunroof.

• Likely to borrow Grand i10 Nios’ 1.2-litre petrol and 1-litre turbo-petrol powertrain options.

• Possible Indian debut sometime in 2023.

The micro SUV space, which was properly broken in by the Tata Punch, might have a new entrant in the form of a Hyundai product very soon. Hyundai’s new micro-SUV has been spotted in almost full camouflage in the overseas market ahead of its possible debut in the country. Mind you, the micro SUV you see here is completely different from the Casper that broke cover earlier. 

Just another SUV?

The spotted vehicle isn’t just another SUV. With this, Hyundai could potentially bear fruit from a segment that is currently dominated by the Tata Punch, which has been enjoying a pretty much-unrivaled stint.

Starting with the design, the micro SUV’s fascia reeks similarities with the Venue, especially the way the lower headlights are designed and positioned. They flank the massive hidden grille which takes up most of the front fascia, just like the sub-4 metre SUV. However, this SUV gets a very unique element in the form of a H-motif DRL, which obviously stands for ‘Hyundai.’

The overall silhouette with a raked A-pillar and the chunky squared-out wheel arches once again seem to take a leaf out of the Venue’s book. The SUV can also be seen with five-spoke dual-tone alloys that seem production ready. At the rear, the micro SUV seems to get a simple pair of tail lamps and a number plate housing on the tailgate.

Features

The interior of the micro SUV hasn’t been snapped yet, but being a Hyundai, it can be expected to be brimmed with features. Good news comes in the form of a single-pane sunroof, a feature that the Punch doesn’t offer. 

You can also expect an infotainment system (probably eight inches) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digitised driver’s display, connected car features, automatic climate control, wireless phone charger, cruise control, and keyless entry with push-button start amongst all other basic comforts like powered windows and a sound system. Its safety kit should include multiple airbags, electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors with camera.

Powertrain

Hyundai is likely to offer it with the same engine options found in the Grand i10 Nios. A 83PS/114Nm, 1.2-litre petrol unit and a 100PS/172Nm, 1-litre turbo-petrol unit paired to a five-speed manual as standard. The former also gets the choice of a five-speed AMT. A CNG unit launch is highly unlikely for the micro-SUV, but could be introduced later on.

Also Read: Citroen C3 vs Tata Punch: Which Car Is Faster And More Frugal?

While the timeline for the debut of Hyundai’s new micro SUV is not yet revealed, we expect it to be revealed in the country sometime in 2023. It could be priced from around Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards and will compete with the Tata Punch. It’ll also offer a rugged alternative to the Maruti Ignis and Mahindra KUV100.