India-bound Hyundai AX1 Micro SUV rendered

In India, demand for SUV or cars with SUV like looks have been increasing. Almost every car manufacturer has a vehicle in this segment. There are vehicles like Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier in the compact and mid-SUV segment whereas Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and recently launched MG Gloster is their in the expensive or luxury SUV segment. One new segment that was recently been created in the market is Micro SUV. These are normally hatchbacks that are designed to look like an SUV. Maruti’s S-Presso is one such example.

Tata is also working on one such micro SUV which will based on the HBX concept showcased at the Auto Expo earlier this year. Along with Tata, Hyundai is also working on a micro SUV and it was recently spotted testing internationally. Here we have a render image of the upcoming Micro SUV from Hyundai which shows how it might look like. Hyundai calls this new micro SUV by the code name AX1. Hyundai AX1 when launched will be the most affordable SUV in Hyundai’s line up. It will be placed below Venue and will compete with Tata’s HBX in the segment.

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The render has been shared by Indian Auto on their website. The AX1 concept render is inspured by other Hyundai SUVs. It has a huge grille at the front. The LED DRLs and turn indicators are designed in a way that it looks like an extension to the grille itself. The headlamps are placed on the bumper like Hyundai Venue. It has a muscular looking front bumper with faux skid plate placed on the lower part.

Moving to the side profile, it has a boxy design and is similar to what we have seen in the spy images. There is a black cladding around the wheel arches to give it an SUV like look and feel. The ORVMs have integrated turn indicators and the rear door handles are placed on the C pillar. This is similar to what we have seen in Maruti Swift, Tata Altroz and Chevrolet Beat. The render however misses out on roof rails which was seen in the spy pics.

The alloy wheels looks classy and have a new design to them. Like other Hyundai vehicle, upcoming micro SUV AX1 from Hyundai is expected to have a decent list of features. It is expected to offer features like touchscreen infotainment screen, good quality audio system, automatic climate control, BlueLink connected car features and so on.

When it comes to engine and transmission, Hyundai has not revealed any information about that. However, it is expected that AX1 will be powered by the naturally aspirated 1.1 litre petrol engine that is seen in Santro hatchback. This engine will be available with a manual and AMT gearbox option. Other possibility is a 1.2 litre petrol and diesel engine that is used in Grand i10 Nios hatchback. This engine will also be offered with manual and AMT gearbox. It is not known whether Hyundai will be introducing the 1.0 litre turbo petrol engine in a different state of tune. The render is actually a product of artist’s imagination and there are high chances that the original car will look a lot different from the render.

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