The upcoming sub-compact SUV from Hyundai, set to rival against the likes of Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza could sport the Leonis nameplate. According to Autoguide, the South Korean automaker has patented the name-plate in the United States.
In the patent application filed, the name Leonis is designated to be used on multiple automobile configurations such as a sports car, vans, trucks, buses, RVs and SUVs.
So far, the Hyundai Leonis is being referred to as the QXI, the vehicle’s current codename. The South Korean automaker first showcased this product to the world in its concept iteration at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo.
The Hyundai Leonis is expected to launch in India sometime during the first half of 2019, likely in-between the month of April-June. It is going to use the same underpinnings as that of the current spec Hyundai i20 hatchback. However, the automaker will modify the platform to handle the additional weight.
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Though it is still not confirmed, but this all-new sub-compact SUV from the South Korean automaker will get a brand-new engine line-up. These engines are expect to meet the upcoming BS-Vi emission regulations.
The petrol derivative is likely to come with a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged engine. This engine is capable of churning out 118 BHP of power along with 171 Nm of peak torque.
The diesel engine is going to be a newly developed 1.5-litre unit. It will produce close to 115 BHP of power along with 270 Nm of peak torque.
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The transmission responsibilities will be taken care of by a 5-speed manual in the petrol engine and a 6-speed manual in the diesel derivative. There are rumours of Hyundai introducing an AMT gearbox in some of the variants.
It would be too early to comment on the exterior design of the Hyundai Leonis. However, with the help of the recent spy images that circulated on the internet, we can tell you that this vehicle will take several design cues from its elder sibling, the Hyundai Creta.
That said, the front profile is reminiscent of Hyundai’s latest design philosophy. The Leonis will get LED daytime running lamps in place of the regular headlamps with the latter placed at the position where you usually find a vehicle’s fog-lamps.
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The cabin layout of the this new sub-compact SUV is likely to take its inspiration from the Hyundai Creta as well. Or maybe not and can have its own unique identity! Whatever it maybe, one thing we can say for sure is that it will come loaded with features right up-to the brim.
In sync with the competition, the prices of the Hyundai Leonis in India are likely to fall in-between the range of INR 7.5 lakh to INR 10 lakh. Other than the Maruti Vitara Brezza, this SUV will also compete against the likes of Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon and the upcoming Mahindra S201.
