Mumbai, January 24: Hyundai has commenced public road testing of an all-new compact SUV in India, featuring a rugged and boxy silhouette that departs from the brand’s recent fluidic design language. The prototype, which was recently spotted with minimal camouflage on Mumbai’s roads, showcases an upright stance and squarish proportions aimed at the high-volume sub-4-metre segment. This new model is expected to bridge the gap between the Hyundai Exter and the Venue, offering a more traditional SUV aesthetic to compete with rivals like the Tata Punch and Maruti Suzuki Fronx.

The upcoming SUV is heavily influenced by Hyundai's global "Parametric Pixel" design theme, particularly in its lighting elements. Spy shots reveal slim LED tail lights with a dotted pattern reminiscent of the flagship Ioniq 5, alongside a flat tailgate and a beefy rear bumper. Despite its compact footprint, the vehicle features short overhangs and high ground clearance, a combination designed to navigate congested urban environments while easily tackling rough road conditions and speed breakers. Nissan Gravite MPV Launch Postponed in India; New Dates for Renault Triber Rival To Be Announced Soon.

Hyundai HE1i Specifications and Features

Codenamed HE1i, the new SUV is widely expected to be Hyundai’s direct answer to the Tata Punch.ev. It is likely to be based on the E-GMP (K) platform, which also underpins the international Hyundai Inster. To ensure competitive pricing in the Indian market, the model will feature heavy localisation, including India-made LFP battery cells sourced through Hyundai’s partnership with Exide Energy Solutions. The cabin is expected to be premium and tech-heavy, featuring a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, a matching infotainment touchscreen, and a 360-degree camera system for enhanced safety.

The exterior design includes modern touches such as flush-fitted door handles, a sporty roof spoiler, and chunky rocker panels that reinforce its off-road character. Reports suggest the vehicle will come equipped with 16-inch dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels and flared wheel arches with plastic body cladding. Inside, passengers can anticipate high-end amenities including ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Hyundai Compact SUV Price in India

While Hyundai has not officially confirmed the naming convention, the HE1i is expected to be positioned strategically in the INR 10 lakh to INR 15 lakh price bracket. This pricing would place it in direct competition with the Citroen eC3 and the market-leading Tata Punch.ev. The model’s boxy vertical walls and flat roofline are intended to maximise interior headspace and boot capacity, addressing a key requirement for Indian family car buyers. MY2026 Kawasaki Ninja 300 Price in India, Specifications and Features.

The production of this new compact SUV is slated to take place at Hyundai’s Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu. Given the current testing phase and the reduction in camouflage, industry analysts expect the model to arrive in showrooms by early 2027. This launch will be part of Hyundai's broader strategy to introduce four new electric vehicles in India by the end of the decade, following the release of the Creta EV.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 24, 2026 09:31 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).