Key highlights
- Hyundai compact EV spotted testing in Chennai
- It will be manufactured and exported from India
- India launch likely in January 2027
Hyundai launched a new mid-size crossover in India yesterday, called the Bayon. While the Bayon will close the gap between Venue and Creta, a new compact EV is also taking shape alongside.
Hyundai’s top officials have already announced that a compact EV SUV is taking shape, and it will be made in India and exported to the global market. This EV was spotted testing in Chennai recently, wearing full camouflage.
Snapped from the rear quarter, this unnamed EV has a boxy profile with a tall design. This design strategy is new to Hyundai’s range in India, and it looks almost like a Kei car.
However, the tallboy design will turn into a spacious cabin, which will attract its core customers. The test car has a clean body line with the new geometric alloys and sleek LED taillights.
A faint glimpse of the dashboard confirms that the test car is equipped with the Hyundai Pleos Connect generative AI assistant infotainment system. This will be the first Hyundai car to introduce the Pleos Connect in India.
Meanwhile, the rear-view mirror has a similar shape to the Venue’s ORVM. The overhangs are also short, and the previous spy images have revealed the fascia with the low-mounted LED headlights and sleek LED daytime running lights.
Hyundai has used the E-GMP (K) platform for this compact EV. The same platform is used on the Hyundai Inster EV, which is also a compact EV sold overseas.
Online reports claim that this EV will be a close derivative of the Inster EV. Globally, the Inster is sold with two battery options: 42 kWh and 49 kWh, offering up to 370 km real-world range.
Hyundai has scheduled the official debut of this EV later this year for the global market. However, a few online reports hint that it will launch in India in early 2027, likely in January 2027.
This new EV will be priced around Rs 9-15 lakh, and it will be positioned against the likes of the MG Windsor, Tata Nexon EV, and the Mahindra XUV 3XO EV.
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