Here’s Hyundai’s take on the sub 4-metre compact SUV segment – the HND-14 concept. It gives us a glimpse into the Korean carmaker’s expanding SUV line-up for India.
Just minutes before the Tuscon premium SUV was unveiled, Hyundai showcased it’s immediate rival to the Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport and KUV100.
The company is tight-lipped about the details of this new SUV but mentions that the HND-14 will fall under the 4-metre mark. That would clearly mean that the SUV will qualify for the lower excise duty bracket and will be powered by engines currently doing duty in the Elite i20.
What is interesting is that the HND-14 does not sport the usual fluidic styling cues of current generation Hyundai cars. There are fewer curves than we are used to seeing in Hyundais. Instead is a mix of chunky shapes and butch forms to give the HND-14 the kind of presence that buyers in this segment seek. Powerful wheel arches with large tyres are a clear concept special but even if toned down a bit, should make for a masculine crossover.
Now when the compact SUV makes it to production is anybody’s guess but don’t expect it to be out before 2017. We’ll keep you posted.