A new subcompact crossover from Hyundai will soon enter the market with the intention of siphoning sales from the Chevrolet Trax and other segment newcomers like the Honda HR-V and Jeep Renegade, according to Edmunds.
Hyundai already had the chance to introduce a new crossover this year named the Creta– currently on sale outside Canada and the U.S.–but execs ultimately turned it down because it is “more traditionally styled,” according to President and CEO of Hyundai Ameica Dave Zuchowski. “The thing should be styled less conservatively and more aggressive,” to appeal to younger audiences, he added.
The new crossover could likely make use of the Hyundai Velostar’s front-wheel-drive platform, according Zuchowski, who spoke with the news outlet.
The South Korean manufacturer has yet to set on sale date, but judging by the success of the segment we’d surmise that date is sure to be sooner rather than later. With that said, General Motors currently has one of the biggest targets on its back, as both the Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trax represent the best-selling vehicles in the segment. By the 2017 model year, it’s expected that the Trax will see an update of sorts in an effort to keep things fresh, while Buick has recently announced a 1.6L turbo engine for its hot-ticket Encore.
Comments
So it’s using Elantra based chassis instead of accent?
As a new Encore owner, I’ve noticed something funny about the Encore/Trax/Mokka. That is: one can waste a lot of time thinking you see it on the road around you, only to discover it’s a different but similar car. The Captiva can trick you. And there’s a slew of luxury brands with cars something like this.
The funny thing is the closest look alike appears to be the Santa Fe Hyundai.
http://www.drivenews.co.za/2013/news/hyundai-considering-small-cuv-under-ix35/