3 SUVs That Will Lead Hyundai's BIG Comeback
Hyundai is working on a focused strategy to regain momentum in the Indian market. Three SUVs, expected to launch in the coming months, will play a crucial role in shaping the Korean brand’s big comeback in the country. These are the next-generation Creta, Bayon and a sub-four metre electric SUV.
Hyundai is known to be developing a small SUV that will be positioned between the second-generation Venue and the Creta in its lineup, when launched. It will be based on the Bayon that’s on sale in many international markets. The global Bayon is set to get a generational update, and it will be the new, second-generation that would be brought to India. The project is currently codenamed BC4i.
When it launches here, the Bayon will compete with models like the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Toyota Taisor, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger. We don’t have an exact launch timeline for this product yet. Speculations point to a late 2026 window.
The second-generation Bayon will have an SUV-like design. (The first-generation looked more crossover-ish.) It will be larger than its predecessor, and will come with a boxy, upright stance. Key design highlights will include a bold grille, split-headlamp setup, shark-fin antenna, thick wheel-arch cladding, stylish alloy wheels, sleek LED tail lamps possibly with a connecting light bar and more.
The cabin is expected to feature a clean and modern design and a long list of features. We expect it to come with a large touchscreen infotainment system, connected car features, 360-degree camera, and maybe even ADAS.
Powertrain details remain under the wrap, at the time of writing. According to speculations, the Bayon could get a new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine. The exact power and torque figures of this unit aren’t known yet. It will, however, be hybrid ready, and a strong hybrid version could be introduced in the future. Transmission options could include 6-speed manual, 7-speed DCT, and e-CVT in the case of hybrid. Hyundai could offer the i20 N-Line-sourced 1.0L turbo-petrol engine on lower variants. We expect the Bayon to have its ex-showroom prices in the Rs 8.5 lakh-14 lakh bracket.
Another launch expected in the coming months is a sub-four metre electric SUV. The vehicle has already been spied testing in Mumbai. It is internally called ‘HE1i’. The ‘i’ in its name signifies India. It is being developed specifically for our market. ‘E’ confirms that it is an EV.
The HE1i SUV has a boxy design tall stance. The heavy camouflage on test mules limited our ability to guess details of the design. The bodywork will likely feature neat lines and smooth surfaces.
Many believe that this will be the India-spec version of the Hyundai Inster sold overseas. The two SUVs, however, differ sharply with their designs and the HE1i even has a longer wheelbase.
Hyundai is likely to base it on the E-GMP (K) platform. It will also use locally-sourced LFP battery packs- likely 42kWh and 49kWh units. Range is likely to fall in the 300-350 km bracket. The vehicle will have a high degree of localisation in its manufacturing process and the same will help Hyundai to price it competitively. When launched, this electric SUV will compete primarily with the Nexon.EV and MG Windsor. A sharp pricing will be critical for its success here.
This electric SUV is expected to have a modern, tech-heavy cabin. It is likely to come with features like a large touchscreen infotainment system, 360-degree camera and even an ADAS suite. We expect this EV to launch sometime in late 2026.
Image source: Carscoops
Despite its age, the Creta still rules its segment. Hyundai is preparing a full generational update to this mid-size SUV. Expected to arrive by the end of 2026 or in early 2027, the next-generation Creta will have major design and mechanical changes.
Prototypes are currently being actively tested in India. Spy sightings confirm major changes in overall styling. The new SUV could use the ‘Art of Steel’ design philosophy seen on the Crater concept. It is likely to borrow several of the concept’s cues as well. The new Creta will also grow considerably in dimensions, as it will be based on the third-generation K3 platform. The transition to K3 will also mean improved safety and crashworthiness.
The upcoming Creta’s cabin will get a modern and clean design. It will use more upmarket trims and fresh colours. The feature list will also be revised. One of the biggest changes inside will be the inclusion of the new Pleos Screen. The recent test mule sightings from India have confirmed this. Features like panoramic sunroof, powered and ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, level 2 ADAS and more will be carried forward.
We expect the new Creta to use the same engine-transmission combinations as the outgoing model- 1.5 naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines and a 1.5L turbocharged diesel. A new 1.5L strong hybrid petrol powertrain could be introduced later.