Hyundai i20-based premium SUV to launch globally within 18 months

If an Indian launch is considered, it will slot between the Hyundai Creta and Hyundai Tucson (scheduled for launch this festive season). Note that the Creta is not sold in USA, Europe or Australia, and Hyundai is unrepresented in the B-Segment SUV market.

Revealing spyshots of the i20-based SUV have surfaced online, featuring an exterior that draws inspiration from the Hyundai Intrado concept. Similar to the Nissan Juke, the CUV features projector headlamps located in the bumper, separate pair of LED DRLs and turn indicators, 'Cascading grille' from the Hyundai i30 and small intakes for the air curtain around the wheels.

The CUV's engine lineup could be sourced from the new Hyundai i30, which includes a 1.4L MPI N/A, 1.0L T-GDI turbocharged and 1.4L T-GDI turbocharged petrol. A 1.6 four-cylinder CRDi diesel engine could also be offered in various states of tune.

In European markets, the Hyundai i20-based SUV will rival the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008 and Fiat 500X. HMIL has confirmed that it will launch the Hyundai Carlino sub-4m SUV around 2018, and the Intrado-based SUV may not be a priority for the company as the Creta is getting steady volumes, and its representation in the premium segment is augmented by the Hyundai Elantra and the forthcoming Tucson.