Top News

Hyundai Motor India is plotting a strong comeback plan after slipping to the fourth spot in sales. Instead of relying on conventional petrol and diesel powertrains, it is betting big on hybrids and electrics, in order to regain lost ground. Here are four launches from the carmaker expected in the near term.

The Creta is probably the carmaker’s most important model. It continues to dominate the C-SUV segment. In the recent past, a lot has been happening in this segment. Multiple new models have made their respective entries- well packaged, well-designed and packing a lot of appeal. This has, to some extent, made life difficult for the Creta. Hyundai is already working on the next-generation and it will likely launch it in late 2026 or early 2027. This will make the product more relevant against newer rivals.

The next-generation Creta will be underpinned by the third-generation K3 platform. This is, in fact, the same that underpins the second-generation Kia Seltos, launched in early January this year. The move to this platform had made the Seltos larger. A similar development is expected in the case of the next-generation Creta as well. It will be bigger and more spacious inside than the outgoing model.

The new platform will also enhance the safety offered by the SUV. For perspective, the K3-based Seltos delivered an excellent performance in the Bharat NCAP crash tests and scored 31.70 out of 32 points for Adult Occupant Protection and 45 out of 49 points for Child Occupant Protection.

Image source: Shorts car

The design is expected to evolve significantly on the new model. It is likely to take design inspirations from the IONIQ 5. We expect it to come with pixel-styled LED DRLs, a more aggressive front fascia, LED headlamps, chunky body cladding, flush-type door handles, new wheels, and a tall, butch stance.

Inside, the new Creta will look more futuristic and will be tech-heavy. It will come with features like a new steering wheel with ‘four dots’ logo, larger 12.3-inch screens, panoramic sunroof, connected car technology, level 2 ADAS, wireless charger, powered and ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, and more. Initially three engine options will be offered- 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5 turbocharged petrol and 1.5L diesel. Diesel engines still have a significant representation in the mid-size SUV segment, although many manufacturers have already chosen to go petrol only.

Now, the most important part. The next-generation Creta will get a newly-developed strong hybrid petrol engine. It will likely be based on a 1.5L petrol engine, and will make it to multiple Hyundai and Kia models in the future.

In the Indian market, the new-generation Creta will have to compete with the likes of the new Tata Sierra, new Renault Duster, Seltos, Taigun facelift, Kushaq facelift and more. The 4.3-metre SUV space is nearing its saturation and staying relevant is more important than ever.

The carmaker also plans to introduce the second-generation Bayon crossover in India. The project is currently codenamed BC4i and will rival the like Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor, Nissan Magnite, and the Renault Kiger when launched. The launch is expected later this year.

The first-generation Bayon used to have a crossover-like design but the new model will look more SUV-like and have a taller, more upright stance. Other design highlights will include split headlamps, a bold grille design inspired by larger Hyundai SUVs, thick wheel arch cladding, shark-fin antenna, roof rails, sleek connected LED tail lamps, and futuristic-looking alloy wheels.

Like most other Hyundai products, this product will have a tech-heavy cabin and will come with features like a large touchscreen infotainment system, a 360-degree camera, connected car tech, and possibly ADAS. The new Bayon will get a new 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine that will be hybrid-ready. This engine is yet to make its official debut.

The Bayon will likely offer the 1.0L turbocharged petrol engine alongside the new mill. It is expected to offer the choice of a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT transmissions. Hyundai may also roll out a hybrid version of this product sometime in the near future. We expect the prices to fall in the range of Rs 8.5-14 lakh.

Hyundai’s second mass-market EV will be based on the Inster sold abroad. This electric SUV, when launched, will compete with the likes of Tata Punch.EV and Citroen e-C3. The Punch.EV, its strongest rival, had recently got a facelift that refreshed its overall experience and gave it bigger battery packs and more real-world range.

The Inster-based electric SUV for India, will be based on the E-GMP (K) platform and will likely come with 42 kWh and 49 kWh battery packs, claimed to deliver around 300 and 355km per charge. The actual design of this SUV remains unclear at the time of writing. We know that it will feature EV-spec design cues and have an upright stance. The feature list will also be kept competitive.

Hyundai’s IONIQ 5, first launched in India in 2023, is set to get a facelift in the second half of this year. We expect it to come with subtle design changes ( think of new bumpers, new wheels etc) and slightly larger dimensions.

Inside, the new Ioniq 5 will get a new three-spoke steering wheel, new centre console, more physical controls, updated infotainment system with Over The Air updates, and more. The biggest highlight will be the battery pack. The new car will get an 84 kWh battery pack instead of the 72.6 kWh unit on the outgoing model.

The powertrain on the Indian version will produce around 218 bhp and 350 Nm. The EV will be able to do the 0-100 kph sprint in just 7.5 seconds. The range is claimed to be 570 km per charge. The new battery pack will support 350 kW DC fast charging.

In India, the IONIQ 5 competes with luxury players like BMW iX1 LWB, Volvo EX30, and models like the Kia EV6 and BYD Sealion 7.