Auto Expo 2016 - The Hyundai Tucson & HND14 SUVs are here

Hyundai’s show stopper of this year’s Auto Expo is the Tucson SUV, which is back in its latest iteration after half a decade. The Tucson will sit in between the Creta and Santa Fe as Hyundai’s 3rd SUV offering for the Indian market. The vehicle will cover the big gap that currently exists between the Creta and Santa Fe.

Hyundai has also unveiled a sub-4 meter compact SUV. Code-named the HND14, this vehicle is likely to make the cut into production next year. So, by the end of 2017, Hyundai will have no less than 5 high ground clearance SUV-like vehicles in the Indian car market, each one sitting at different price points.

The HND14 looks quite boxy and could be a strong Mahindra TUV300 rival. Of course, the Maruti Vitara Brezza will also be a major target, and so will be the Ford Ecosport. While Hyundai’s not revealed as to when the HND14 will make the transition from concept to production reality, we expect the automaker to move rather quickly, and bring this vehicle to the market sometime next year.

Considering that the HND14 is a sub-4 meter SUV, expect 1.2 liter petrol and 1.4 liter turbo diesel engines to be on offer. In fact, the same engine and gearbox line up of the Elite i20 could be transplanted onto the new compact SUV. The vehicle features a monocoque body, and a front wheel drive layout should be standard fare. Don’t expect an all wheel drive option as even the higher priced Creta doesn’t offer one.