Hyundai Ai3 CUV Although Hyundai has been working on its entry-level SUV project since 2016–2017, its development has only just begun to pick up steam. The project had been approved a few years prior, but the pandemic caused delays. Launch is anticipated during the 2023 holiday season.
Given that Tata Punch has been a resounding success in the modern setting, Hyundai’s entry-level SUV becomes even more pertinent. Punch was the first SUV to reach the 1 lakh sales mark earlier this year. Punch has reached close to 1.2 lakh sales in its first year of operation. Hyundai intends to actively target this market due in large part to consumers’ growing preference for SUVs over entry-level hatchbacks.
Based on Grand i10 Nios platform
Hyundai’s entry-level SUV, known as the Ai3 CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle), will ride on the same platform as the Grand i10, Nios, and Aura compact sedans. In compared to the Casper hatchback, which is available in a few overseas regions, it is anticipated to be larger. Venue is 3,995 mm longer than Casper, which is 3,595 mm long. Dimensionally, the Hyundai Ai3 CUV will be similar to its main competition, the Punch, which is 3,827 mm long.
Hyundai’s entry-level SUV will have thick body cladding and powerful body panelling, just like the Punch. The goal is to create a vehicle with a noticeable street presence at a price that is comparable to mid- to top-spec hatchbacks. Hyundai is likely to change the balance of variants for the i10 Nios and Venue at the bottom and top of the range, respectively. This will make room for the impending Ai3 CUV.
Production on a large scale
The entry-level SUV will be produced by Hyundai in 50,000 units annually, according to projections. In comparison to Punch, which sells an average of about 10,000 units every month, the numbers are rather meagre. It looks like Hyundai is concentrating more on issues of profitability rather than going head-to-head with Punch in the numbers battle.
To enable manufacturing of the new entry-level SUV, the business has invested roughly Rs 1,470 crore in capacity development. Over the past fiscal year, production capacity has expanded to 8.5 lakh units.
With more better performance
The 1.2-liter petrol engine that powers the i10 Nios and Aura will power the i3 CUV. It produces a maximum of 83 PS at 6,000 rpm and a maximum of 114 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Both the 5-speed manual and clever auto AMT are available as transmissions. i10 Nios also has a 1.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 100 PS and 172 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is connected to it. Whether or not this will be offered as an option for the AI3 CUV is uncertain.
It will be intriguing to observe how the Hyundai Ai3 CUV does in this quickly expanding market. The entry-level SUV market has had average sales of about 20k vehicles per month in just over two years. Apart from Punch, other contributors include Citroen C3, Magnite and Kiger. Entry-level SUVs currently contribute around 10% of overall UV sales. This number is expected to increase in coming years.
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