Hyundai is preparing its first affordable, locally made electric SUV, and it now has a likely name. The company has trademarked IONIQ P, which is expected to badge its new sub-4-metre EV, codenamed HE1i. Its target is clear: the Tata Nexon EV, the best-selling electric SUV in its class.
Expected design and interior
Spy shots show a boxy, upright SUV with LED lighting, dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels and camera-equipped mirrors, which point to a 360-degree view system. It is expected to sit on the same small-EV platform as the global Hyundai Inster.
Inside, the big change is Hyundai’s next-generation infotainment system, likely the Pleos Connect interface, reportedly on a large touchscreen of around 17 inches.
Expected battery and range
| Spec | Standard | Long range |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | About 42 kWh | About 49 to 51.4 kWh |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Range | – | – |
For reference, the related Hyundai Inster sold abroad offers up to 355 km of certified range. Early cars will use imported battery cells, with locally made cells from Hyundai’s Exide partnership coming later. Production will happen at Hyundai’s Sriperumbudur plant in Tamil Nadu.
Features
- Next-generation infotainment, likely Pleos Connect, on a large touchscreen
- Digital driver’s display
- 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels
- LED headlamps and tail-lamps
- Connected car features
Safety features
- Level 2 ADAS, confirmed by Hyundai
- 360-degree camera, suggested by camera-equipped mirrors
- Six airbags and electronic stability control expected, in line with Hyundai’s recent models
Price, rivals and launch
| Item | Expected |
|---|---|
| Launch | Expected in January 2027 in India |
| Price (ex-showroom) | ₹13 lakh to ₹20 lakh (expected) |
| Rivals | Tata Nexon EV, Tata Punch EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV, Kia Syros EV |
Final thoughts
The IONIQ P could be Hyundai’s most important EV yet: small, locally built and aimed squarely at the Nexon EV’s price bracket. With Level 2 ADAS and next-generation infotainment, it should be well equipped. Range and price will decide whether it can unseat Tata, so watch for the official reveal.