Hyundai QXI (Carlino) sub-4 metre SUV spotted testing in India

-    Hyundai’s first sub-4 metre SUV will be based on the Carlino Concept showcased at 2016 Auto Expo.

-    Likely to be introduced in 2019 as a part of Hyundai’s product offensive. 

-    Will rival the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport and Tata Nexon.

We exclusively reported Hyundai’s first sub-4 metre SUV test mule being spotted for the first time. Codenamed the QXI, the sub-4 metre SUV was spotted testing in the US last month. Now, a similar test mule was spied in India with a Tamil Nadu registration. 

Based on the Carlino Concept from the 2016 Auto Expo, the new QXI will be positioned below the Creta in the line-up. It will be Hyundai’s take on the high-selling compact crossover segment which is currently dominated by Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Honda WR-V and Tata Nexon. 

Appearance wise, the QXI will have Hyundai’s characteristic cascading grille up-front flanked by new-gen Santa Fe-like headlights. The two-tier headlamp units will get a sleek unit on top with LED DRLs and a larger unit on the bottom whereas the fog lamps will move further down the bumper. Being a crossover, there will be body cladding all around the vehicle. The silhouette seems to be a scaled-down Creta, even the rear will have a similar tailgate as its elder sibling. There will also be new stylish alloys to go with the overall looks.

Also read: Hyundai QXI, India-bound new sub-4m SUV, spotted for the first time

Being a Hyundai, the cabin will have all the bells and whistles expected from its segment. The spy shots don’t reveal much but we know that there will be a touchscreen infotainment system dominating the dashboard. We expect to see Creta-like elements inside the cabin. Under the hood might be a powertrain similar to the Elite i20. So we expect a 1.2-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel powering the compact crossover. Transmission could be the five- or six-speed manual with a probability of the AMT as well after it debuts in the AH2/Santro. 

The QXI will be one of the eight new products Hyundai India plans to launch in the country by 2020. The list of new products also includes the new-gen Santa Fe, updated Elantra apart from the refreshed Grand i10, Xcent, Elite i20, the Verna and the Creta. Meanwhile, we might also see Hyundai’s first EV for India which will be assembled at the carmaker’s Tamil Nadu facility.

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