According to Hyundai, the Ni1i is the company's first hybrid model in the Indian market. Hyundai has decided to participate in hybrid vehicle production to keep up with new trends and compete with car manufacturers in the same segment in the market. A recent share from the company's representative on MotorBeam shows that the hybrid car market is growing steadily in India thanks to strong demand for fuel-efficient alternatives in the context of rising prices.
Hyundai also aims that the Ni1i will compete with 3-row high-chassis models such as the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari. Although the company has not officially announced the powertrain of Ni1i, according to initial data, it is likely that Ni1i will install a 1.6-liter gasoline engine combined with an electric motor. In case the company wants to compete on price, this hybrid model will be equipped with a 1.5 gasoline engine combined with an electric motor.
In terms of size, the new model is expected to be 4,630 mm long and based on the platform of the Tucson LWB in China, which is 4,680 mm. Therefore, the interior space of Ni1i will be wider, especially the third row of seats.
automakers such as Toyota and Suzuki lead the hybrid car trend in India, while domestic automakers such as Tata Motors and Mahindra focus only on electric vehicles. However, if the demand for hybrid cars continues to increase, it is likely that domestic car manufacturers will adjust their strategies.
With the upcoming Ni1i model, the company will not only expand its SUV line but also join and compete directly with the hybrid line in India. As new energy vehicles gain traction, the Ni1i will play an important role in Hyundai's strategy to maintain competitiveness in the context of a strong growth of the automotive industry.
The Hyundai Ni1i model not only challenges current competitors such as Mahindra XUV700; Tata Safari but also provides users with more options in the hybrid high-chassis segment.
