New Hyundai small SUV to rival Renault Duster

Hyundai Motor is set to launch an all-new SUV (code: GS) in India in August this year. The production version of the vehicle was showcased at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show and it made its global debut in the Chinese market last year where it is known as ix25. However, the GS will have an altogether different name in India, which will be the second market for Hyundai’s small SUV. However. with its 4.27 metre length, the GS will not qualify as a ‘small’ car

Recently spotted testing in the country, the GS will come with 1.6-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engine options – both shared with the Verna. It will also get both the same manual and automatic transmission options.

Some of the styling inspiration for this SUV can be traced back to the Hyundai Curb compact SUV concept from 2011, although it has been drastically toned down. The sleek profile has been ditched in favour of something boxier in the production model to give it SUV practicality. The styling however is similar to the current ix35, with wrap-around headlight clusters and prominent lower air intakes housing the front fog lights. The model also sports a different, more prominent grille design than its larger sibling. It is expected to come to India with 17-inch alloy wheels too.

Like all the Hyundai offerings, the new SUV will be loaded with class-leading features, and high-quality stylish interiors. However, there will be no seven seat option and the GS will be sold only as a five seater.

Hyundai will be targeting the Renault Duster and the yet-to-be-launched Suzuki S-Cross with GS and according to company sources, a sales target of around 4,000 units a month has been set. To achieve such high numbers, the GS will have to be competitively priced and a range of Rs. 11-15 lakh (ex-showroom) across variants can be expected.

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