Hyundai seems to follow the other automakers who are either planning or our in their final stages of launching their mini SUV’s. The segment may not be very new in terms of size, what makes it new is that the price point at which the automakers are developing the Mini SUV.
Ford may have given this segment the real marketing push for the segment where the American car maker plans to launch the EcoSport. French carmaker Renault also plans to follow the same with the launch of the Duster. Chevrolet too has filed patents of the drawings for the Mini SUV.
Hyundai has made a soft announcement about the plans to launch a mini SUV and could be based on the ix-Oniq concept which the South Korean car maker had showcased at the 2009 Geneva Motor show.
The Concept displayed had styling cues based on Hyundai’s Fludic Design Sculpture. Code named HB the SUV will be positioned below the Tucson or the ix35. The all new light-car-sized B-segment platform in a brand-new factory in Brazil, which opens later this year.
Hyundai also plans to export the Mini SUV to Latin America. While the sub-compact SUV has been designed specifically for the Brazilian market it could most possibly see a launch in the Indian market.
The SUV could get the 1.6 diesel and petrol engine which also powers the Verna. Hyundai could most possibly also add the Automatic gearbox which could further add more appeal to a larger segment of buyers.
We Hope the mini SUV makes it to the Indian market earlier than expected.
