Hyundai could be planning to launch a new micro-SUV in the Indian market to compete with the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and the upcoming Tata HBX. The new micro-SUV which is speculated to be codenamed AX1 has been spied in the South Korean market with heavy camouflage cover that reveals only a few details of the upcoming vehicle.
The AX1 is speculated to be based on the new generation Hyundai Santro platform and will be styled with the brand’s latest design philosophy that debuted in the Indian market with the Venue. The headlamps of the AX1 are likely to be positioned lower on the bumpers and the car could feature an LED daytime running light close to the bonnet shutline, although there is no evidence of the same in the spy shots.
The AX1 in the spy shots also features six-twin spoke alloy wheels with a quirky design. The rear door handle has been positioned in the C-Pillar and overall the AX1 features an upright stance. The AX1 in the pictures is also seen with low profile tyres but the brand is not likely to use them if the car ever makes it to the Indian market keeping in mind the road conditions in our country.
As of now, pictures of the interiors are unavailable but looking at the eccentric exterior design the interiors could feature a multilayered dashboard, digital instruments, ventral infotainment system, air conditioning, power steering and more. The brand could also capitalise the S-Presso’s performance at the Global NCAP and position the AX1 with much better safety features to incline the buyer’s towards the AX1.
The Hyundai AX1 is speculated to be powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol motor and is likely to be available with a manual transmission as well as the option of an automatic transmission. The brand is also likely to offer a less powerful naturally aspirated unit for the entry-level models. It is speculated that the Hyundai AX1 is being developed for the South-East Asian markets as well as emerging markets such as India.
