New Hyundai HB20 could soon hit the automotive market using new hybrid engine technology. The expectation is that the model will gain more power than the current 120 hp.
The Hyundai's spotlights even seemed to be aimed at the SUV market, with the arrival of the new Creta on the market and imported models. However, the brand's strategy also encompasses the new Hyundai HB20, and the automaker is already offering parts for the new generation of the model for the Brazilian vehicle market.
According to information from people close to the brand, the new Hyundai HB20 could reach the automotive market in the next three years, an average time for a manufacturer to develop a product of this type. Of course, news about the new version of the model is limited, especially in relation to its design.
Since arriving on the Brazilian automotive market in 2013, the Hyundai HB20 has changed its design four times. The last change, in 2022, gave the model its current appearance, with a much more robust grille and sharper headlights. The changes helped to distance the product from the old design, which had not been well accepted by Brazilians and critics.
Hyundai HB20 has changed its look four times since it arrived here
The bet is that the new Hyundai HB20 will have lines similar to those of the azera and Elantra, already sold in other markets. They mix a futuristic and aggressive design and this would give the hatch a more sporty feel.
But the public must wait to find out about this. The launch of the new Hyundai HB20 around 2026 or 2027, for example, could bring another important new feature: hybrid powertrain for the HB20.
A The information was first revealed by the Estadão website. The South Korean brand recently announced an investment of US$1,1 billion for new technologies, including hybrid systems.
New Hyundai HB20 will hit the market with mild hybrid powertrain
One of the products within the brand's contribution will be the Hyundai Creta. As for the HB20, the hatch should receive a mild hybrid system, applied to the 1.0 TGDI itself, similar to what can now be seen in the model. It is worth mentioning that there is already an application of the 1.0 turbo engine as a mild hybrid – in Brazil, in fact. O Kia Stonic It is sold here with a 1.0 TGDI engine and MHEV system, which basically replaces the alternator and starter motor with a low-capacity electric motor and small battery.
The electrical system, in this case, operates at cruising speeds and when starting at traffic lights, for example. Kia makes up the Hyundai group, which is why technologies will be shared between the companies. The Stonic, in this case, has a more updated 1.0 TGDI engine, which should be present in the new Hyundai HB20 and Creta.
However, it would not be powered just by gasoline, but as a flex vehicle - which is the hatch currently. Furthermore, the brand must calibrate the engine to maintain 120 horsepower and 17,5 kgfm of torque, or even gain a few more horses.
Can Hyundai Elantra reach the Brazilian automotive market?
Hyundai announced in March the arrival of two new models on the national automotive market for the second half of the year, the Palisade SUV and the hatch ionic 5. However, the brand has not yet confirmed which will be the third car to be produced nationally at the Caoa Group factory in Anápolis (GO).
The plant located in the interior of Goiás has the capacity to produce 150 thousand vehicles per year, however, today it only manufactures the HR-V and the Tucson. However, there is still plenty of room for a new model. A good guess from experts for the brand might be the Hyundai Elantra sedan, which could compete with the Toyota Corolla, which in its new generation has gained a bolder and sportier appeal.
