Hyundai’s upcoming subcompact electric SUV, internally codenamed HE1i, has been spotted testing ahead of its anticipated launch in India during the fourth quarter of 2026. The A-segment EV is expected to be produced at Hyundai’s Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu, and recent spy photographs offer a closer look at its cabin and features.
The test vehicle suggests the HE1i could feature Hyundai’s new-generation Pleos Connect infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS. This digital platform supports a smartphone-like interface, multi-window functionality, AI-enabled voice control, and over-the-air updates. It also includes Pleos ID, a unified user profile for personalizing the cabin experience. While Hyundai has confirmed that the India-specific EV will receive a new-generation infotainment system and Level 2 assisted driving technology, the company has not officially confirmed Pleos Connect for the HE1i. However, similarities in the spy shots indicate the system may make it to the production model. The test vehicle also appeared to feature sequential turn indicators, though these may not necessarily appear on the final production-spec India-bound model.
Under the hood, the Hyundai HE1i is expected to use the E-GMP (K) architecture, also used by the global Hyundai Ioniq 5. Reports suggest standard-range and long-range versions with battery capacities ranging from 42 kWh to 51 kWh. The expected range stands at around 450 km on a single charge, though these figures remain preliminary and require official confirmation from Hyundai.
Expected features include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, front-seat ventilation, a sunroof, a 360-degree camera, and additional airbags, although these remain unverified. The expected price is around Rs. 10 lakh and above, with recent reports suggesting an estimated entry-level price of Rs. 10–12 lakh, depending on battery size, localization, and variants. The Hyundai HE1i is expected to compete with the Tata Punch EV, Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV, and Kia Syros EV.