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Hyundai has been doing well in sales and seems to have promising plans for the future. It has already committed around Rs 45,000 crores and will launch several new models. The carmaker has now confirmed that it will launch two new SUV nameplates by March 2027- in other words, in the next 10 months. One of these will be a mid-size internal combustion SUV while the other will be a sub-four-metre EV.

According to the latest information, Hyundai plans to tap into two high-demand segments with its upcoming SUV nameplates. One is that of sub-four metre EVs and the other is that of three-row mid-SUVs.

The sub-four metre EV was previously spied on test in Mumbai. Back then, it was seen with heavy camouflage. We, however, managed to create a digital rendering of the possible design based on whatever cues were visible. This electric SUV will have a tall stance and a boxy design. We will also notice clean lines and smooth panels in most parts of its design.

This SUV is internally called ‘HE1i’. The ‘i’ in its name signifies that it is an ‘Indian model’. In Hyundai’s internal nomenclature system, having ‘E’ as the second letter signifies that the vehicle is an EV. Connecting these, we can understand that this boxy sub-four metre SUV is an EV that has been designed specifically for India.

Many see it as the Indian version of the Hyundai Inster that’s already on sale in international markets. The two SUVs, however, differ sharply with their design philosophies, packaging and appeal. The HE1 even has a longer wheelbase than the Inster.

Another key point is that the HE1i will use LFP battery packs that are locally sourced. This EV will have a high degree of localisation gone into it and the same will help the manufacturer to price it competitively. In addition to selling it in the domestic market, we may also see Hyundai export the HE1i e-SUV to markets like Europe capitalising on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in early 2026. If so, it is likely to be positioned as a more affordable sibling to the Inster.

In the Indian market, the HE1i will compete primarily with the Tata Nexon.EV, which currently enjoys huge acceptance here. Beating it in sales will not be easy. Hyundai will have to package the HE1i well and give it a compelling price tag. It is too early to comment on what features the HE1i SUV will come with. Some speculations point to it getting features lime 360-degree camera and even ADAS.

This electric SUV will be underpinned by Hyundai’s E-GMP (K) platform and will likely offer the choice of two battery packs- 42kWh and 49 kWh. Both of these are expected to deliver range figures of over 300 km per charge. The 42kWh version will have 97hp and 147Nm on offer, while the 49kWh version’s powertrain will deliver 115hp and 147Nm.

In Hyundai India’s EV lineup, it will sit below the Creta EV, as the carmaker’s most affordable EV offering. The market launch is expected in late 2026.

The second product will be a three-row mid-size SUV that will compete with the likes of Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari when launched. In the carmaker’s lineup, it will sit above the Alcazar and will effectively become the long-awaited replacement to the Tucson. This will also be an India-specific product, built on the same platform as the China-spec Long Wheelbase (LWB) Tucson.

This SUV will have fresh styling and a feature-rich cabin. It will, in some way, be the Hyundai derivative of the upcoming Kia Sorento. The Ni1i SUV will be powered by the new 1.5L strong hybrid petrol engine that is said to be in development now.