Hyundai had earlier confirmed that it’ll be launching an all-new SUV in India later this year codenamed Ai3 to compete with the Tata Punch.
The Hyundai Ai3 is based on the i10 Nios platform and will be getting the same and few additional features. As per what we have seen in the spy shots, this SUV is looking very similar to the South Korea’s model, Hyundai Casper, and could have the same engine options as well. The front of the Ai3 has a mesh parametric front grille with circular projector headlamps, and LED DRLs. From the side, it will be three-door version with alloy wheels same as the i10 Nios, that is 15-inch alloys. The rear has a parametric tail lights.
| Engine | 1.2-litre Kappa Engine | 1.0-litre turbo petrol | 1.2-litre Bi-Fuel |
| Displacement | 998cc | 998cc | 1197cc |
| Power | 81.8 bhp | 120 bhp | 67.72 bhp |
| Torque | 113.8 Nm | 172 Nm | 95.2 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT, 5-speed AT | 5-speed MT, 7-speed DCT | 5-speed MT |
| Fuel Efficiency | 20.1 km/l | 18 km/l | – |
Since, the Hyundai Ai3 is based on the i10 Nios, it might as well get the same engine options with one additional engine as it’s most likely won’t have the diesel engine due to India’s Emission norms. The 1.2-litre petrol engine produces 81.8 bhp and 113.8 Nm of torque paired to a 5-speed Manual Transmission, and 5-speed Automatic Transmission with expected fuel efficiency of 20.1 km/l.
It’ll also get one additional petrol engine which is 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine that puts out 120 bhp and 172 Nm of torque paired to 5-speed Manual Transmission and 7-speed DC Transmission and expected fuel efficiency of 18 km/l. The Ai3 could get a CNG option after it has launch, which will be the 1.2-litre Bi-Fuel which produces 67.72 bhp and 95 Nm of torque with 5-speed Manual Transmission only and no Automatic Transmission.
As for the features, it has two-spoke multi-function steering wheel, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, height adjustable driver seat, adjustable headlamps, projector headlamps, cruise controls, Bluelink connected car tech, LED DRLs, and 15-inch alloy wheels. In safety, it has ABS with EBD, ESC, reverse parking camera, and ISOFIX anchorages.
As for the pricing, we’ve no news on the pricing, but since it is based on the i10 Nios, we can expect it to start at Rs. 6 lakh.