Hyundai Carlino, Upcoming Maruti Brezza Rival, Spied In India

Ever since 2016, Indian fans of Hyundai cars have been waiting with bated breath for the company to launch the Carlino. Showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo as a concept, the Carlino was a brawny-looking SUV destined to take on the Ford EcoSport. Maruti has had a head start in the segment, launching the Vitara Brezza during the same Auto Expo, while Tata is also laying its claim since September 2017 with the Nexon. Now, the near production-ready version of the Carlino has been spotted testing in India, and we know that the SUV is expected to be launched by April 2019.

Unlike the brawny concept, the production version of the Hyundai Carlino will not be as intimidating. While the dimensions seem to be similar to the concept, the in-your-face muscular design has been replaced by a design inspired by new-age Hyundai SUVs like the Kona. There also seems to be some changes to the design specifically for the Indian market.

The front fascia on the test mule spied in India has a round lower headlamp as compared to the rectangular one seen in test mules in the US and Korea. It is also closer to production-spec than the mules potted abroad, featuring production-spec black pillar trims, body panels, alloy wheels, roof rails etc.

Being based on the same platform as the Elite i20, the Carlino (or whatever Hyundai decides to call it) will borrow a lot of items from its hatchback sibling, apart from shared elements inside (switches, instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment system etc.) This could extend to the powertrains as well - including the 1.4-litre, turbo-diesel and the 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol.

Expect Hyundai to price the Carlino at a slight premium compared to the competition but offer better features and its signature build quality as well. We’re guessing something in the Rs 8.5-11.5 lakh price bracket.

Photos Courtesy Nithin via Rushlane.com