Hyundai’s new compact electric SUV prototype spotted testing in Mumbai, hinting at an affordable urban EV made in India. Discover the details now!
Prototype spotted on Mumbai streets
Hyundai has been quietly testing a brand‑new compact electric CUV on public roads in India. The prototype, first photographed weaving through the bustling traffic of Mumbai, appears to be roughly the same width as the city‑friendly Grand i10, signalling a deliberate move toward a small‑footprint urban SUV.
Design cues reveal its electric nature
The test‑mule sports a minimalist front end: a solid front bumper replaces the traditional grille, and four small dots centered on the nose spell out the letter “H” in Morse code – a subtle nod to Hyundai’s electric ambitions. Noticeably absent is a fuel‑tank cap, suggesting the charging port will be positioned up front rather than on the sides as seen on conventional gasoline models.
Pixel‑styled lighting and boxy proportions
Both the daytime running lights and rear lamps feature a distinctive “pixel‑ated” LED strip, echoing the lighting language Hyundai has deployed on its Ioniq EV family. Combined with a upright stance, a short overhang and a square‑shaped rear, the vehicle exhibits a compact, boxy silhouette that sits comfortably under the 4‑metre mark – ideal for the sub‑compact SUV segment.
Target market and production strategy
While Hyundai has not revealed an official model name, industry insiders believe this could be the smallest electric SUV the brand has ever developed for the Indian market. With growing demand for high‑ground‑clearance, city‑sized EVs, the vehicle is poised to compete directly with other affordable urban electric cross‑overs.
Hyundai has previously confirmed plans to launch a series of small electric SUVs worldwide. Testing the prototype in India underscores a localisation‑first approach: the company intends to produce the model at a domestic plant, keeping prices competitive and logistics costs low.
What we still don’t know
Key specifications such as the official model designation, battery capacity, driving range per charge and a launch date remain under wraps. However, the frequent appearances of the test vehicle suggest Hyundai will unveil more concrete details in the coming months as it moves toward a formal market introduction.
Stay tuned for updates on Hyundai’s next‑generation electric SUV and what it could mean for affordable EV ownership in emerging markets.