Image: Hyundai official image
Hyundai Motor India has set out a plan to expand its SUV line‑up in the Indian market by the 2026–2027 period. According to recent investor presentations and Indian media reports, the company is working on at least four new SUV models, including a compact EV and a new‑generation Creta. For Nepali buyers, these models matter because Hyundai Nepal typically sources most of its portfolio from India.
Four new SUVs planned
Indian reports indicate Hyundai will introduce:
- Hyundai Bayon (mid‑size SUV) The Bayon small crossover is already on sale in Europe, and Indian media expect a localized version to arrive in India around late 2026 or early 2027. According to these reports, the India‑spec Bayon is likely to use small petrol engines, including a new 1.2‑litre turbo petrol, with possible 1.0‑litre turbo and 1.5‑litre naturally aspirated petrol options. Exact power figures and prices are not confirmed. Indian estimates place it roughly in the Rs 10–18 lakh (India) bracket, which would translate to higher on‑road and import costs for Nepal. In Hyundai’s SUV line‑up for our market, Bayon would sit between Venue and Creta and target buyers looking for a compact SUV with a more premium feel.
- Compact electric SUV (codename HE1i) Hyundai has confirmed a localized compact electric SUV for India, scheduled around FY 2027. According to the announcement, this EV will be built on a dedicated platform and is expected to be priced lower than fully imported models. Reports suggest two battery pack options with LFP cells supplied by Exide Energy, aimed at city and short‑distance users. If this EV is shipped to Nepal, pricing after taxes and import costs could land in roughly the Rs 30–40 lakh band. Final sticker prices will depend heavily on where Nepali EV tax policy stands at that time.
- New‑generation Hyundai Creta Creta is Hyundai’s best‑selling SUV in both India and Nepal. Indian media cite Hyundai as preparing a full model change around 2027, with a larger body, sportier styling and a more high‑tech cabin. Reports mention a new platform, a digital instrument cluster around 10 inches, a larger infotainment screen close to 13 inches, and Google built‑in services. Engine choices are expected to continue with 1.5‑litre petrol and diesel along with a strong‑hybrid variant for India. If the hybrid version is exported to Nepal, it should deliver better fuel economy than today’s Creta. The price is likely to move above the current range, which sits around Rs 45–70 lakh in Nepal depending on variant.
- New three‑row hybrid SUV (codename NI1i) Hyundai is also reported to be developing a new three‑row SUV that will sit above Creta and Alcazar in India. According to Indian coverage, this SUV may use a long‑wheelbase platform similar to Tucson and pair a 1.5‑litre petrol engine with a hybrid system. Reports point to a launch window towards the end of 2027. For Nepal, this could become a family‑focused premium SUV and would likely be priced well above Rs 70 lakh if imported, competing with larger Japanese and Chinese three‑row models.
What this means for Nepal
Laxmi Intercontinental, the official distributor for Hyundai in Nepal, has not yet announced these specific models for our market. Hyundai Nepal usually follows the Indian launch cycle with a gap of a few months.
For Nepali buyers, the key points are:
- Expect more SUV choices from Hyundai after 2026, including a new mid‑size option (Bayon) and a three‑row hybrid SUV.
- A localized compact EV from India could make Hyundai electric SUVs relatively more affordable in Nepal compared to fully imported global models.
- The next‑generation Creta is likely to move upmarket and in price, while offering stronger safety, connectivity and efficiency.
All timelines and specifications above come from Indian media reports and Hyundai’s investor presentations. Exact engines, features and prices for Nepal will only be known once Laxmi Intercontinental officially confirms local launch plans and publishes Nepali price lists.
Current prices on Nepal AutoMart
- Hyundai Creta price in Nepal: Rs 51.96 lakh – Rs 87.96 lakh ex-showroom, 41 variants
Reported by the Nepal AutoMart news desk. Prices verified against Nepal AutoMart's own distributor-sourced data.
