auto news desk,The stage is almost set for a clash between Hyundai and Tata Motors in the micro SUV segment. Actually, South Korean manufacturer Hyundai is planning to enter the micro SUV segment. Hyundai’s new micro SUV, codenamed AI3, was recently spied testing. According to media reports, AI3 will not be completely based on the company’s Casper, it is expected to be longer than Casper. The Caspel is the smallest and most affordable compact SUV in the Hyundai portfolio, available in the global market.
Tata Punches is currently leading the micro-SUV segment with sales of around 12,000 units per month (average). Now if Hyundai comes out with a micro SUV then the sales of Tata Punch are likely to get affected. Hyundai’s new micro SUV may debut in India this year. It could be based on the same platform as the Grand i10 Nios and will be placed below the Venue.
The Casper has a wheelbase of 2,000 mm and a length of 3,595 mm, but the micro SUV coming to India could measure 3,815 mm in length and 2,450 mm in wheelbase. Let us tell you that the wheelbase of Tata Punch is 2,445mm and length is 3,827mm. The price of Tata Punch starts from around Rs 6 lakh and it is expected that the price of this micro-SUV from Hyundai can also start from around Rs 6 lakh.
According to media reports, the new mini SUV may share the powertrain with the Grand i10 Nios. The hatchback is currently available with a 1.2-litre NA petrol engine that is capable of producing 82bhp power and 113.8Nm torque. It gets the option of 5-speed manual and AMT gearbox. The same powertrain can be seen in this micro-SUV from Hyundai.