Spied - IAB reader snaps a new Hyundai Elite i20 'cross' testing in Chennai

Elite-based cross, if launched, will rival the Etios Cross, Cross Polo and Avventura.

Indian Autos Blog reader, Mr. Mohamed Shahid Hussain, has spotted a rough-road variant of the Hyundai Elite i20 testing near Chennai.

An i20-based crossover indeed threw us a surprise, as Hyundai India plans to launch a proper compact SUV next year by the way of the Hyundai ix25. So what's the need for a jazzed-up hatchback, one may ask.

The Elite-based crossover may serve as an offering for those who are purely interested in the looks of the car. The test mule spotted here gets aluminium roof rails, side body claddings and different alloy wheels, which could appeal to the younger male section of the target audience. If it comes to the market, the Cross would be placed at the top of the variant walk, and would be the highest earning member of the i20 family.

When the Etios Cross was launched this year, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) received 5,400 bookings for the car, which far exceeded internal estimates.

Like TKM, who sell 1,500 units of the Etios Cross each month, Hyundai may want to explore this new segment which sees minimal investment (the development cost is not considerable), yet a substantial increase in interest levels surrounding the product.

Also see: Fiat Avventura vs Toyota Etios Cross vs VW Cross Polo - Comparison

The Elite i20 Cross would borrow its engines from the Elite i20. The 1.2-liter petrol and 1.4-liter diesel engines are paired to 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions respectively on the hatch.

We expect to hear more about the Elite Cross in the weeks to come.

Competitors: Fiat Avventura, VW Cross Polo, Toyota Etios Cross
Expected Price: INR 6.5-8 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: Not available