New Hyundai SUV Spied in Chennai: Exter Update or Bayon?

image source : Rushlane

A new compact SUV from Hyundai has been spotted on test near the company’s Sriperumbudur plant in Chennai. The prototype was covered in heavy camouflage, but its overall shape has opened up big questions. The test car does not fully match the existing Exter, yet it also carries traits seen on Hyundai’s global small crossovers. This has raised one key doubt is Hyundai testing the refreshed Exter or getting ready to bring in an India-spec Bayon?

A New Hyundai SUV Spotted On Test

The Exter entered the Indian market in 2023, and a mid-cycle update has been expected. Still, the shape of this prototype looks slightly different. The Exter leans toward a tallboy stance, while the new test mule sits lower and appears more like a raised hatchback. This change in proportions is one of the biggest clues that something more than a routine facelift could be in development

Hyundai has been working on a new crossover positioned between the Exter and Venue. This model will directly take on the Maruti Fronx. With the brand filling every possible space in the compact SUV ladder, there is a strong possibility that the spotted SUV is the India-ready version of the Bayon

Hyundai’s Growing SUV And EV Strategy

Hyundai is pushing hard to rebuild momentum in the market. After falling behind Tata Motors and Mahindra in monthly sales, the brand is planning one of its busiest product phases in recent years. The slowdown in launches especially in the SUV and EV categories, gave competitors enough room to grow

To correct this, Hyundai has outlined a wide product plan that touches nearly every body type—compact hatchbacks, compact SUVs, midsize SUVs, premium SUVs, EVs and future hybrid options. Out of the 26 models planned, around seven to eight will be all-new vehicles. This includes internal combustion models, crossovers, and new electric offerings

Hyundai’s New Compact EV For 2027

Part of this plan includes a new electric compact SUV designed specifically for India. The launch has been confirmed for 2027. At the company’s Investor Day 2025 event, global CEO Jose Munoz announced that this model will be engineered, developed, and manufactured entirely in India. The SUV will take inspiration from the Hyundai Inster EV and use the cost-friendly E-GMP (K) platform. Buyers can expect two battery versions: Standard Range and Long Range. This EV will be Hyundai’s answer to the Tata Punch EV

However the test mule spotted near Chennai is not this upcoming EV. Several signs make that clear:

• There is a visible fuel-filler cap above the rear-left wheel
• An exhaust canister is present
• The Inster EV positions its charging port on the front bumper area, not the rear quarter

These clues confirm that the spied SUV is an ICE model

Exter Refresh Still A Strong Possibility

The odds still support the Exter facelift being a possibility. The SUV was first introduced in 2023, and Hyundai usually refreshes models within a similar time frame. The prototype’s basic silhouette does resemble the Exter. Hyundai is expected to upgrade the cabin with more premium materials and new tech

A major highlight will be Hyundai’s next-gen AAOS infotainment interface. The Exter facelift could become the first mass-market Indian model running Google’s Android Automotive OS. It may feature a 12.9-inch central touchscreen and a 9.9-inch digital cluster. Engine choices should stay the same: the 1.2-liter gasoline unit and the factory-fitted CNG option. The facelift is likely to launch in early 2027

India-Spec Hyundai Bayon Also On The Cards

There is also a high chance that this is the India-bound Bayon. The SUV is expected to arrive by mid-2026. Positioned between the Exter and Venue, it will target the fast-growing crossover segment where the Maruti Fronx currently leads. The India version may debut Hyundai’s new 1.2-liter turbo-petrol motor, built for stronger torque and hybrid compatibility. The global Bayon uses a 1.0-liter turbo motor with 6MT and 7DCT choices, and some of these may come to India as well

Hyundai Prepares For A Packed Launch Timeline From 2026 To 2028

From new SUVs and MPVs to lifestyle vehicles, next-gen infotainment systems, EVs and hybrids, Hyundai is preparing for a major product expansion between 2026 and 2028. The newly spotted prototype is only the start. Whether it turns out to be the Exter facelift or the India-spec Bayon, Hyundai is clearly gearing up for a stronger push in the compact and subcompact SUV categories