The second-largest car manufacturer in India, Hyundai, is continuing on with its strategy to have a product in every segment of our market. It has recently announced the upcoming launch of its 7-seat Creta-based SUV, the Alcazar, which will challenge the likes of Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and the upcoming Mahindra XUV500. Already being the highest-selling SUV in the country, Creta is the go-to SUV in the mid-size SUV segment for a ton of people. That is why it is smart to base the 7-seater Alcazar on the Creta to make use of the established success of Creta. This time around, however, we are looking at the other end of the spectrum. The smallest SUV in our market currently is Maruti Suzuki Ignis and Renault Kwid. There is one micro-SUV in works from Tata Motors in the form of HBX (Hornbill), which was showcased at the Auto Expo last year. Hyundai and Tata are trying to enter into this segment soon to gain the advantage. Let us see what to expect from the AX if Hyundai decides to launch it in India soon.
Also read: Over 80% sales in February came from petrol powertrains!
Hyundai AX – Expected Exteriors and Dimensions
The AX is expected to be smaller than the Venue, of course, but more importantly, it will probably be based on the same platform as the Grand i10 Nios. This means that it will have plenty of room for a micro-SUV and the overall tall boy stance will be the key for this product. Hyundai is no stranger to developing tall body and boxy designs for its products. The front end is likely to carry forward the modern design language with LED DRLs on the bonnet and the main headlamp unit on the bumper down below. The centre will be occupied by the large grille and the overall stance will be tall and muscular. The sides will host the roof rails, large wheel arches and alloy wheels to accentuate the look further.
Also read: Tata HBX (Hornbill) spied testing with AMT gearbox – What to expect?
Hyundai AX – Expected Interiors
There have not been any reports on the interiors of the AX just yet. But we expect the interiors to be somewhat along the lines of either the Santro or the Grand i10 Nios itself. The overall cabin quality and features will be modern and Hyundai will keep the product feature-rich, which is what Hyundai does with all its products. Therefore, the feature-list will include Digital Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and all the relevant connected tech.
Also read: Hyundai Grand i10 Nios vs Maruti Suzuki Swift – Prices, features, engines comparison!
Hyundai AX – Expected Engines, Prices and Rivals
Being a segment lower than the Venue, we expect the Hyundai AX to come with the same engine as the Santro. This is a 1.1-litre engine that produces 68 hp and 99 Nm. There might also be the option of getting 1.2-litre petrol engine making 82 hp and 113 Nm. It can come with either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox option to keep the costs in check. The direct rivals will include Renault Kwid, Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, Ignis and the upcoming Tata HBX (Hornbill). This segment might also be popular considering people’s inclination towards SUVs these days. We shall look when Hyundai announces the arrival of the AX for our market.
