It’s safe to say Hyundai is going all-in on pint-sized SUV offerings all over the world. In the United States (and other markets), the company is selling the Venue as a sub-Kona model measuring just 159.1 inches (4044 millimeters) long. The Venue is not sold in Europe, but that’s only because the newly announced Bayon will be heading there as a subcompact crossover likely based on the i20 supermini.
As it turns out, it looks like Hyundai has plans for an even smaller crossover, one that will likely fit in the A-segment. Allegedly codenamed “AX1,” the petite vehicle was spotted by Instagram user Shingeun_pic somewhere in South Korea, resting on a trailer together with another prototype. This is more along the lines of a tiny hatchback with a tall roof, square wheel arches, and short overhangs.
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The adorable little Hyundai is believed to be in development mainly for India, but reports say it could be sold in some Asian countries as well. The heavy camouflage does a good job at hiding the design, although it can’t hide the quirky shape reminding us of another cutesy oddball – the Suzuki Ignis.
The car will certainly qualify for India’s sub-four-meter category bringing lower taxation to owners, and it’s giving us the impression the AX1 will be roughly 3.8 meters (150 inches) long. In other words, a smidge longer than the Internet’s favorite little SUV, the Suzuki Jimny.
Its name remains a mystery at this point, as do the technical specifications. Indian reports speculate the microscopic crossover rides on the same platform as the Santro, a city-oriented hatchback now in its third generation and sold in India. It features a generous ground clearance suitable for the rough roads of India and has the rear door handles “hidden” in the C-pillar.
Hyundai’s entry-level crossover is expected to be offered with a turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0-liter gasoline engine and a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter four-pot for the base version. Depending on the engine, a five-speed manual and a five-speed automated-manual are said to be planned.
It could go on sale in India in 2022 and slot in terms of pricing between the Grand i10 hatchback and the aforementioned Venue.