- The first sub-4m SUV from Hyundai based on the Carlino concept
- Launch expected in 2019
Hyundai has begun testing their all-new sub-4m SUV. Displayed as the Carlino concept more than two years ago at the Auto Expo 2016 in Delhi, the SUV seems to be quite close to its final form. The test mules have been spotted in the US with Michigan plates as the car is being tested alongside the Kia Soul.
The Carlino Concept was boxy and square and this unnamed SUV pretty much outlines what the production version of the Carlino would be. But, the grille seems to be different. Unlike the pinched-hexagonal cascade grille design of the new Hyundais, this one has a rectangular grille. It seems like it will get a twin-vertically stacked headlamp layout with probably the LED DRL and turn indicators on the top and the main headlamp beam in the lower element.
From the notches on the wheel arches, peripheral cladding is a given. Overall, it does get a square SUV fascia, something that will suit the Indian taste. The cabin looks larger in pictures and the sloping C-Pillar with a Creta-like tail gate should look good on the car.
We have no idea as to how it looks from the inside, but we did catch a glimpse of a floating tablet-like screen in the spy pics. Now we can’t say if it is the infotainment system or the testing equipment but what we can say is that it will certainly get a touchscreen display. We expect the cabin to be a mix of the Grand i10 and the Creta, loaded with features and a little funky to look at.
We hope Hyundai starts testing the mule in India soon, so that we can at least guess a timeline for the India launch. But for now, we think that the global debut of this compact SUV should be slated for 2019. Also, it will certainly be interesting to see if Kia’s Indian arm is thinking of building something similar to get into the volume game right away.
