Hyundai plans to launch entry level SUV by 2019

Hyundai Motor India plans to launch an entry level SUV in the first half of 2019 as it looks to strengthen its presence in the fast growing segment.

The company, which today launched all new Tucson with an introductory price ranging between Rs 18.99 lakh and Rs 24.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), has already three SUV models in its portfolio, including Creta and Santa Fe.

"We aim to launch an entry level SUV in the first half of 2019. It will be below Creta. So, we will have four SUVs in our product range," Hyundai Motor India Ltd MD & CEO YK Koo told reporters here.

SUV sales have been growing all over the globe, including China and Europe, and is also going to be a very popular segment in India as well, he added.

Hyundai is currently developing a sub 4-metre compact SUV in order to fill the gap that lies below Creta. It had showcased concept compact SUV Carlino at the Auto Expo this year in February.

When asked about vehicles with alternate fuels, Koo said the company has asked its global R&D centre to look into possible models for the country.

"Hyundai has strong portfolio of electric and hybrid vehicles. We are planning to unveil a hybrid product during the 2018 Auto Expo," he added.

Commenting on the Tuscon launch, he said with the introduction of the SUV the company is aiming to strengthen its presence in the premium segment. The company has set a target of selling 500-700 units of the model per month.

Hyundai has launched the third generation Tucson with both petrol and diesel powertrains.

The manual petrol variant is priced at Rs 18.99 lakh while the diesel versions are priced between Rs 21.59 lakh and Rs 23.48 lakh.

The petrol automatic is priced at Rs 21.79 lakh while the one with diesel powertrain is priced at Rs 24.99 lakh.

"The launch of third generation all new Tucson will create a benchmark by giving Hyundai experience to the aspirational Indian customers," Koo said.

With over 45 lakh units sold globally, Tucson is one of the best selling SUVs in the world, he added.

Tucson comes with 2 litre petrol and diesel engine options and new various features including a puddle lamp, downhill brake control and front and rear parking sensors.

The petrol version with manual transmission company comes with 155 PS of power and delivers a fuel efficiency of 13.03 km/ litre. The petrol automatic delivers a fuel efficiency of 12.95 km/ litre.

The diesel variant with manual transmission offers 185 PS of power and a claimed fuel efficiency of 18.42 km/litre. The diesel automatic delivers a fuel efficiency of 16.38 km/ litre.