Hyundai i20-based SUV begins testing in Europe

Will be sold in countries where the Creta isn't present.

It has been known for a year that Hyundai is working on a new sub-compact SUV for North America, Europe and Oceania. Now, Motor1 has published the first spy shots of the small SUV which started testing in Europe in recent weeks.

The future B-segment SUV was previewed by the Hyundai Intrado concept at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The spy shots suggest that it will have a unique design on the front, much like the way its potential rival Nissan Juke does. The front-end is adorned by the new cascading grille, and a two-tier headlamp setup reminiscent of the Citroens. The profile is rather conventional, while the rear-end seems to feature distinctive tail lamps with LED signature.

Hyundai's second B-SUV will be based on the Hyundai i20's platform. The main difference between it and the Creta will be the more unconventional appearance and active and passive safety equipment abound, demanded by the North American, European and Oceanic markets. Unlike the i20 Active, the Intrado will have a new body structure and paneling, and some off-road capability.

Also See: Genesis G70 spied testing in South Korea

When it goes on sale in 2017, the Hyundai Intrado will likely be offered with 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol, 1.4-litre T-GDi petrol and 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engines. Transmission choices may include 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. An all-wheel drive system would be available, but the base models would be front-wheel drive.

With the Creta already establishing its command in the INR 10-15 lakh segment, and is soon to be joined by the Tucson right above, the i20-based SUV is unlikely to come to India.

[Image Source: Motor1]