Hyundai Motor India is gearing up to expand its electric vehicle portfolio with an affordable sub-4 metre electric SUV, internally codenamed HE1i. This upcoming compact EV has been spotted testing once again, this time with fresh images emerging from South Korea, offering a clearer view of its boxy design and practical proportions. The model is expected to launch in India around Diwali 2026 or early 2027, positioning it as a strong rival to the Tata Punch EV.
Latest Spy Shots Reveal Distinct Design Elements
The recent spy images from Hyundai’s home market show a heavily camouflaged prototype, but several key design cues are now visible. The vehicle sports an upright stance, high roofline, and short overhangs — ideal for maximising interior space and tackling Indian road conditions with good ground clearance.
Key Design Highlights:
- Flat, bold front face with low-set headlamps and high-mounted LED DRLs (likely featuring pixel-style elements seen on other Hyundai EVs).
- Tall and commanding profile with thick body cladding, roof rails, and a nearly horizontal window line.
- 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, giving it a premium yet rugged look.
- ADAS module on the windshield and cameras mounted on both ORVMs (outside rear-view mirrors), hinting at advanced safety features.
- Flush door handles and a closed-off grille, clearly signalling its electric identity.
While the silhouette draws inspiration from the global Hyundai Inster, the India-specific HE1i is expected to feature custom tuning for local requirements, including higher ground clearance and robust suspension setup.
Platform, Powertrain, and Expected Range
The HE1i is being developed on a dedicated electric architecture, reportedly based on the affordable E-GMP (K) platform. It is a made-for-India model that will be designed, engineered, and manufactured locally at Hyundai’s Sriperumbudur plant in Tamil Nadu.
Expect two battery options:
- Standard Range: ~42 kWh battery.
- Long Range: ~49 kWh battery.
Power is likely to come from a front-wheel-drive single-motor setup (around 97–115 hp). Claimed range could be in the 300–355 km (WLTP) territory, translating to a real-world 250–320 km in Indian conditions — perfectly suited for urban and suburban use. DC fast charging support is also anticipated.
Features and Interior
Hyundai is known for packing features, and the sub-4m EV is expected to follow suit to stand out in the segment:
- Dual 10.25-inch digital displays.
- Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, connected car tech, and OTA updates.
- Level 2 ADAS, 360-degree camera, and ventilated seats (on higher variants).
- Panoramic sunroof, premium audio, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality possible.
The boxy design should deliver class-leading cabin space for a sub-4 metre SUV, making it family-friendly despite its compact footprint.
Pricing and Positioning
The HE1i is expected to be priced between ₹11–17 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant. It will sit below the Creta Electric and directly challenge the Tata Punch EV, Citroën e-C3, and upcoming compact EVs from other brands. High localisation of batteries and components will be key to achieving competitive pricing.
Significance for Hyundai in India
This entry-level EV marks Hyundai’s serious push into the high-volume affordable electric segment. With the Creta Electric already in the market, the HE1i will help the company broaden its appeal and ramp up EV sales significantly by FY2027.As testing continues and camouflage thins out, more details on the final design, exact specifications, and official name are expected soon. The sub-4 metre EV could be one of the most important launches for Hyundai in India in the coming years.
