- A new hybrid Hyundai SUV is reportedly under development for the Indian market.
- The model will be larger than the Alcazar, offering a more comfortable three-row layout.
- It is expected to arrive in 24-30 months, as the first hybrid Hyundai in the region.
Hyundai already boasts an impressive lineup of SUVs in its global portfolio, yet it seems the company believes there’s always room for more. Recent reports out of India indicate that Hyundai is developing a new three-row SUV equipped with a hybrid powertrain.
Currently codenamed Ni1i, this project will ultimately take on a different name when it hits the market. The targeted launch is still a good 24 to 30 months away, which means we’re just scratching the surface of the development phase.
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Hyundai currently offers five SUVs in India, namely the Exter, the Venue, the Creta, the Alcazar, and the Tucson. The new model will be positioned above the recently facelifted Hyundai Alcazar while remaining cheaper than the Tucson. A longer body will accommodate a more comfortable third row of seats, getting closer to the likes of the Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector Plus, and Tata Safari, which are more spacious than the Creta-based Alcazar.
According to Autocar India, the Ni1i could share its underpinnings with the Chinese-spec Hyundai Tucson, which features a longer wheelbase of 2,755 mm (108.5 inches) and stretches to a total length of 4,670 mm (183.9 inches). This footprint is quite comparable to its Kia Sportage sibling, which is also available in a long-wheelbase version in certain markets.
Hyundai Alcazar
The architecture is compatible with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains based around a 1.6-liter gasoline engine. However, the Indian model could use a different and more affordable self-charging hybrid setup, with a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter engine at its core.
The new SUV will be the first hybrid Hyundai in the region since all of the existing models are either pure ICE or fully electric. Hybrid sales are rising in India, which explains why more automakers want a piece of the pie. Still, it is safe to assume that Hyundai will also offer ICE-only options for the new model, for those who are not yet interested in electrification.
Hyundai’s upcoming three-row SUV is expected to be manufactured at the Talegaon factory, recently purchased from General Motors. The same factory is rumored to become the home of production for the next generation of the Hyundai Venue.
