Hyundai's Upcoming Compact SUV Revealed in Mumbai Testing With Dual Prototypes

Hyundai Motor India’s upcoming compact SUV has been spotted testing on public roads for the first time, offering early clues about the company’s next major product for the Indian market. Two heavily camouflaged test vehicles were seen together in Mumbai, suggesting that Hyundai is simultaneously evaluating different trim levels of the same model.

Spy images indicate noticeable differences in exterior detailing between the two prototypes, pointing to a lower-spec and a higher-spec variant. Despite the heavy camouflage, the overall proportions and stance make it clear that this is not a facelift of an existing Hyundai SUV but an all-new offering positioned below or alongside current compact models.

The test mule features a squared-off silhouette with sharp lines, drawing visual similarities to the Venue and Creta while introducing a more upright and rugged profile. Pixel-style LED lighting elements are visible at the front and rear, a design cue associated with Hyundai’s global electric vehicle lineup, including the Ioniq range. The closed-off front fascia and steeply raked windscreen further hint that the SUV could be an electric vehicle rather than an internal combustion model.

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Additional details spotted include flush door handles, a silver accent near the rear window line, a shark-fin antenna, and slim LED tail lamps with a pixelated pattern. The rear bumper appears muscular, with vertically stacked reflectors. Large outside rearview mirrors with integrated cameras suggest the possibility of advanced driver assistance features, including a 360-degree camera system.

While the interior remains concealed, reports suggest the presence of a large touchscreen infotainment system, in line with Hyundai’s focus on feature-rich cabins. Industry sources believe the vehicle could be the rugged SUV concept showcased during Hyundai’s investor presentation last year, potentially built on a monocoque platform with optional all-wheel drive.

Another theory is that the prototype represents Hyundai’s smallest electric SUV, possibly related to Kia’s upcoming EV2. The lack of a visible exhaust supports this speculation. With road testing now underway, more information on specifications, powertrain options, and launch timelines is expected in the coming months, as Hyundai prepares to strengthen its position in India’s competitive compact SUV segment.

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