Spotted testing in the US recently, Hyundai’s first sub-4m SUV is expected to launch here in the first half of 2019
Nearly one year since the rumours began, we finally have confirmation that Hyundai’s upcoming sub-4m SUV based on the 2016 Carlino concept will be powered by a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. In a conversation with Y K Koo, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, CarDekho also came to know that the SUV will be launched in April 2019.
The Carlino will be positioned below the Creta and employ Hyundai’s 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, T-GDi petrol engine with a direct-injection. The same motor powers the UK-spec i20 and is available in two states of tune. The power figures vary from 100PS to 120PS while the torque stands at 172Nm. A 5-speed manual is offered with the lower-tuned motor while a 6-speed manual does duty on the more powerful one. Hyundai might offer a 7-speed DCT (dual clutch transmission) with the Carlino as an option and we have talked at length about why it makes sense here.
If Hyundai opts for the more powerful version of the petrol motor, then it will be a direct rival to the Ford EcoSport, which brought us the famed 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. That said, the 1.2-litre petrol that powers the current Elite i20 in India could also be offered as an option to give it a competitive starting price. Other engine options could include the 1.4-litre diesel engine that puts out 90PS/220Nm powers the Elite i20.
Since it’s a Hyundai, expect the Carlino to get a fair share of features, including a touchscreen with latest connectivity options, projector headlamps with daytime running lamps (DRLs), climate control, steering-mounted controls, and more. We expect the SUV to be priced between Rs 8 lakh to Rs 11 lakh, which will help it compete against the likes of the Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and the upcoming Mahindra S201 and Jeep Renegade in the sub-4m compact SUV segment.
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