We Hear: Hyundai-Kia Small CUV to Go On Sale in 2017

Hyundai-Kia is readying a new subcompact crossover that will slot right below the Tucson or Sportage and according to a new report from Auto Express, we can expect it to arrive in 2017, likely as a 2018 model in North America. Citing “senior sources,” the report suggests that the car could be based on the i20, which is closely related to the Accent subcompact sold in North American, and that it could join Hyundai’s lineup instead of Kia’s.

Under the hood, the Hyundai-Kia’s subcompact crossover, will share its engines with the recently revealed next-generation i30 hatchback, which will likely be the Elantra GT. In global markets, the i30 is offered with a variety of engines including a 1.0-liter turbo-three and a 1.4-liter turbo-four. Korean-spec i30s are even available with the same 201-hp 1.6-liter turbo-four and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic found in the Hyundai Veloster Turbo and in the upcoming Elantra Sport.

Should this new subcompact crossover arrive in the U.S., expect it to feature the same engine choices as the Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra, which come standard with an Atkinson cycle 2.0-liter I-4. It may also be possible the the Eco-minded 1.4-liter turbo-four found in the Elantra Eco and the more powerful 1.6-liter turbo-four could find their way into this new crossover. Once it hits the market, the new mini crossover will join a rapidly growing segment that includes the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, Subaru Crosstrek, and the upcoming Toyota C-HR.

Earlier this week, we spied test mules of Hyundai-Kia’s subcompact crossover testing in Death Valley.

Source: Auto Express

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