Hyundai Plans Two New SUVs to Take On Maruti Victoris and Tata Nexon EV

Hyundai Motor India is preparing two new SUVs for the Indian market in 2026 as it looks to regain market share amid growing competition from Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors.

The company is working on an ICE crossover internally codenamed Bc4i and a new electric SUV, HE1i, both of which were discussed by Hyundai management during recent interactions with media and analysts following its FY26 earnings. These two new SUVs begin the wave of over 2 dozen new product onslaught the company announced last year.

People aware of the plans said the Bc4i will be based on the Hyundai i20 platform and will measure around 4.18 metres in length. The model is expected to be positioned against the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Victoris instead of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx.

Hyundai is expected to position the SUV with naturally aspirated petrol and CNG powertrains, focusing on fuel efficiency and lower running costs rather than outright performance. The model is also expected to come with a high level of connected features, infotainment and driver assistance technologies, areas where Hyundai has traditionally focused strongly.

The second model under development is the HE1i electric SUV, which is expected to be under four metres in length and positioned directly against the Tata Nexon EV.
Unlike Hyundai’s earlier EVs, the HE1i is expected to be developed more closely around Indian market requirements, including localisation, pricing and urban usage patterns.

The two SUVs form part of Hyundai’s effort to widen its presence across multiple SUV price points instead of depending heavily on a few large-volume products.
“We shall be introducing two completely new nameplates which have been keenly awaited by all of you. Both these launches are expected to meaningfully boost our volumes and act as powerful catalysts for our next phase of growth,” Tarun Garg, MD and CEO of Hyundai Motor India, said.

“One will mark the debut of our new localized dedicated EV in the compact SUV space, accelerating our transition towards electrification and strengthening our future-ready portfolio. The other one will further expand our presence in the ICE SUV segment,” Garg added.

Industry executives said carmakers are increasingly introducing multiple SUVs in overlapping price brackets with different designs, body styles and fuel options to attract a wider set of buyers.

For Hyundai, the move is also aimed at strengthening its lineup around the Hyundai Creta, which continues to face growing competition in the mid-size SUV segment.
The company has guided for 8-10% domestic growth in FY27, supported by new launches and higher production capacity. “Backed by these product actions and other initiatives, we remain confident of delivering domestic volume growth of 8% to 10% in FY27,” Garg said.