Back in 2012, Hyundai showed interest in developing a new compact MPV when they released the Hexa Space concept.
Back in 2012, Hyundai showed interest in developing a new compact MPV when they released the Hexa Space concept. In July last year, they confirmed that the MPV had been given the green light and would be developed to take on the Renault Lodgy, Honda Mobilio and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
Production version of the Hyundai Hexa Space MPV concept has been put on hold
The new MPV was expected to be shown as a pre-production model during the Auto Expo held last month in Delhi. But instead, Hyundai decided to show the new Carlino concept, which is a sub-4 metre compact SUV. Company sources say that the MPV has been put on a hold to concentrate on the new SUV.
This is mainly because the MPVs in the segment have been slowly losing sales. The Renault Lodgy, Honda Mobilio and even the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, which is the segment leader, is not doing well in terms of sales. Instead, there is a growing demand from the compact SUV segment. Hyundai has a compact SUV called the Creta, which rivals the Renault Duster, but they do not have any sub-4 metre SUV. The segment has seen an increase in demand lately. The SUVs in the sub-4 metre segment are the Ford Ecosport, Mahindra TUV 100 and the new Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. The Creta is currently their smallest SUV globally.
Hyundai will instead concentrate on the Carlino based compact SUV
The Hyundai Carlino concept was showcased for the first time at the Auto Expo and it is a sub-4 metre SUV. It is expected to be powered by the same engines that do duty on the Hyundai i20 hatchback. Automatic and manual transmissions will be offered. The vehicle is still under development and will be production ready only next year.
Source – Autocar India