Hyundai India, which sells only the Santa Fe in the UV segment as of today, plans an onslaught of SUVs starting with the ix25 compact SUV this year, a midsized SUV sometime later and an MPV codenamed “IP” as on date by 2017.
Hyundai India MPV ‘IP’ once launched will compete with Honda Mobilio, Toyota Innova, Maruti Ertiga and Renault Lodgy. It is expected to be priced competitively in a price range between INR 7-10 lakhs. The Hyundai IP MPV will receive both petrol and diesel engine options, which will be mated to manual transmissions while automatic gearbox could also be expected.
Not much is known as to which engines could be seen on board the new MPV. In order to keep costs down, we expect the same 1.4l and 1.6l engines, which currently power the new Verna, to also power the new MPV, albeit with a different state of tune. The engine will be tuned to offer better mileage. The 1.6 liter petrol engine generates 123 PS power and 135 Nm torque while its diesel counterpart generates 128 PS power and 260 Nm torque mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox.
Expected features on board include LED daytime running lights, sunroof, leather seats and power folding mirrors while interiors are dominated by a touchscreen multimedia system, automatic air conditioning and a host of safety features.
This new Hyundai MPV is believed to be inspired from the 8 seater Hexa Space concept (seen in the images in this post), which was showcased at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. Featuring Hyundai Fluidic sculpture design, it has a unique seating arrangement of 3+3+2. Though the chances of this arrangement making it to the production model are less, it is still a possibility.
While the launch of Hyundai IP is aabout two years away, there is one SUV which is closer to launch in India and it is that of ix25. To be launched just ahead of the festive season, new ix25 compact SUV will compete with Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano. Already spied testing in India and currently on sale in China, Hyundai ix25 measures 4,270 mm long, 1,780 mm wide, and 1,630 mm tall.
For Indian markets and for exports, the company will be producing the ix25 at their current plant in Chennai. It will sport the same 1.6 liter engines doing duty on the Hyundai Verna.
via ET Auto
