New Hyundai Compact Electric SUV Spied Beside Tata Nexon EV

Hyundai India’s upcoming mass-market EV has been spotted testing, this time alongside the segment-leading Tata Nexon EV. The heavily camouflaged test mule was seen at a charging station, signaling the advanced stages of real-world testing for the sub-4-meter electric SUV. It is likely to be positioned below the Creta EV.

Evolution of Testing: From Mumbai to Chandigarh

This latest sighting is the most significant in a series of appearances across India and international markets. By tracing its testing history, we see a clear progression toward a production-ready model:

• January 2026 (Mumbai): First spotted in dense urban traffic, these early mules ran on basic steel wheels. It sparked a debate between enthusiasts, whether the car was the "Exter EV" or a new "Venue EV".
• March 2026 (Goa): A more advanced prototype was seen at a public charger in Goa alongside the Kia Syros (Clavis) EV. This mule featured "Pixel" LED signatures and aero-efficient alloy wheels for the first time.
• April 2026 (Chandigarh): The current sighting next to a Nexon EV confirms its "tall-boy" stance. Despite its compact footprint, the Hyundai EV stands nearly as tall as the Nexon, suggesting superior interior headroom.

Look at this Hyundai compact electric SUV’s previous spy sightings

Expected Specifications and Benchmarks

Reports suggest this model is likely the India-spec version of the Hyundai Inster. It will utilize the localized E-GMP (K) platform. This strategy aims to keep costs competitive while offering a premium feature set to rival the Tata Punch EV and Citroën e-C3.

Feature	Expected Details
Battery Pack	40 kWh – 45 kWh
Estimated Range	400 km – 450 km (MIDC)
Safety	6 Airbags, Level 2 ADAS, 360° Camera
Interior Tech	Dual 10.25-inch screens, Ventilated Seats

The cross-country testing of this new Hyundai EV suggests a launch is imminent, likely by late 2026. It may imply that Hyundai is ensuring the vehicle is rugged enough for India’s diverse geography. For buyers, this means a high-tech, spacious alternative is finally arriving to challenge Tata’s long-standing dominance in the EV sector.

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