Hyundai is the country’s second-largest carmaker having a reputation for offering premium quality mass-market vehicles in a reasonable price range. Some of the Korean automaker’s renowned nameplates in the Indian market have been the Creta, Verna, i20, and Grand i10.
The brand is known for its technology-driven vehicles, plush interiors, and premium appeal attracting the masses. The company ensures that all of its vehicles remain up-to-date with the latest tech and features if not the benchmark.
Following its strategy to keep its cars above its rivals, the carmaker will be launching some full-blown new-gen cars, some completely new entries, and a few facelifts in the year 2023. Here’s a detailed walkthrough of all that’s in store for us this year from the Korean automaker’s stable.
New-Gen Verna
Hyundai has officially confirmed the launch of the highly awaited Verna on 21 March 2023. Bookings are underway for a sum of Rs 25,000, and the deliveries are expected to start in May this year. The new-gen Verna will have several new features over its outgoing model to give a tough fight to its rivals.
The design language of the Verna is based on the brand’s sensuous sportiness philosophy. Under the hood of the sedan will be a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol unit. Both motors have been made E20 fuel-ready and RDE-compliant but there won’t be any diesel engine on offer.
Creta Facelift
Hyundai will launch the Creta facelift in India in 2023. The new model will come with a revised design and upgraded cabin along with ADAS tech. The facelift borrows inspiration from the larger Tucson featuring its new parametric grille along with a few other changes.
The Creta facelift will still get the same engines – a 115bhp, 1.5L 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol, & a 115bhp, 1.5L turbo-diesel. However, the current 1.4-litre turbo-petrol unit will be replaced by an all-new 160bhp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol motor.
Alcazar Facelift
Just like its 5-seater sibling, the Alcazar will also get a mid-life update in terms of a facelift. Although, unlike the Creta facelift which draws inspiration from the Tucson, the Alcazar facelift will be based on the design language of Hyundai’s flagship SUV, the Palisade.
The facelifted Hyundai Alcazar is expected to go on sale in the near future. It will get an updated front fascia comprising revised headlamps, bumper, and the Palisade-like grille section. Its interior will also get a host of new features similar to the Creta, including ADAS.
New Kona EV
Hyundai’s Kona EV was one of the first electric vehicles to be introduced to the Indian market. However, the model has now become dated and needs a refresh to compete with the likes of the MG ZS EV and the BYD Atto 3. Also, as part of the push for electric vehicles, the Korean automaker has plans to introduce the updated Kona EV in the latter half of 2023.
The new Kona EV made its global debut last year. It’s now larger in size and gets a radical design along with a set of new features. In India, the current Kona EV currently gets a 39.2 kWh battery pack which is claimed to offer a driving range of 452 km per charge.
New Micro SUV
Hyundai is expected to bring a new compact SUV to compete with the Tata Punch, Citroen C3, Nissan Magnite & Renault Kiger. This new SUV will be built on the Grand i10 Nios’ K1 platform while it will share its looks with the brand’s Casper micro-SUV sold abroad.
This vehicle will be positioned below the Venue. It is most likely to be offered with two engine options, the Kappa 1.2-litre NA petrol engine, and the 1.0L turbo petrol engine. The company could also offer a CNG version of the micro-SUV. Both manual and AMT gearbox options could be available.
Palisade SUV
For buyers looking for a high-end full-size SUV, Hyundai may be getting ready to introduce the new Palisade SUV in India after introducing the Hyundai Tucson SUV there. The new Palisade SUV will be promoted as the company’s flagship model.
Currently, details regarding the company’s choice of engine and gearbox combos are pretty scarce. The new Palisade SUV is sold with 2 engine choices on the international market, a 3.8L V6 petrol engine, and a 2.2L turbo-diesel engine.