At the Delhi Auto Expo 2016, Hyundai showcased a compact SUV concept called the Carlino, which was to preview the Korean company’s smallest SUV. Sources tell us that development of the production version is now underway with the company targeting a 2019 market introduction.
The QXi will sit below the Creta and will give Hyundai a rival to the popular Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Ford EcoSport. The QXi's length is expected to be within 4 metres to benefit from lower excise duty. However, under the expected GST this may no longer prevail and it remains to be seen if Hyundai will stick to the length.
Also, what is uncertain is how much of the Carlino’s styling the production car retains. The Carlino has boxy styling cues which is quite a departure from Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 family design.
Meanwhile, the Hyundai compact SUV will have both petrol and diesel engine options. The diesel will be the familiar 1.4 litre U2 CRDi unit that powers other Hyundais like the Creta. The petrol version will be a 1.0 litre turbo motor capable of developing 118hp. Hyundai wants to use this motor as the “strong mid-range torque of the turbo will be essential for the compact SUV”. As with other Hyundais, expect the QXi compact SUV to be priced competitively.
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