KATHMANDU: South Korean carmaker Hyundai entered the Indian market in 1996. Since then, the company has emerged as one of the strongest alternatives to Maruti Suzuki by offering feature-rich vehicles at competitive prices.
India has now become one of Hyundai’s biggest global markets. Vehicles produced in India have also established a strong presence in Nepal over the years.
While Hyundai has not been able to overtake Maruti Suzuki in India, the brand has become one of the most successful passenger vehicle brands in Nepal. Korean cars have remained consistently popular in the Nepali market since 2009.
Unlike many automakers, Hyundai has focused on giving longer life cycles to its models instead of introducing too many new products frequently.
Here is a look at some of the major Hyundai models produced in India over the last 30 years.
Santro
Hyundai Santro was Hyundai’s first model produced in India. The tall-boy hatchback quickly became one of the company’s most successful products.
The Santro also gained strong popularity in Nepal soon after its launch. Hyundai started production of the hatchback in 1998 and introduced a facelift version in 2003.
The new-generation Santro arrived in 2018 and remained on sale for around four years before Hyundai discontinued the model in 2022.
Accent and Verna
Hyundai’s first sedan produced in India was launched in 1999 as the Hyundai Accent.
In 2006, Hyundai introduced the second-generation model under the Hyundai Verna name. The Verna is still considered one of the strongest models in the sedan segment.
However, demand for sedans in Nepal has declined in recent years. Hyundai introduced the fourth-generation Verna in 2023, which is currently on sale in India.
i10
Hyundai launched the Hyundai i10 hatchback in 2007. The model became a major success in both India and Nepal.
Sales of the i10 have consistently remained above 100,000 units annually in India. Over time, Hyundai introduced updated versions including the Grand i10 and Grand i10 Nios.
The i10 still remains one of the preferred petrol hatchbacks in Nepal.
i20
Following the success of the i10, Hyundai introduced the premium hatchback Hyundai i20 in 2008.
The i20 was initially offered with two petrol and one diesel engine options. Hyundai later introduced the i20 Active crossover version.
In Nepal, the i20 Active gained stronger popularity compared to the standard i20 hatchback. The model continues to perform well in India.
Xcent and Aura
Hyundai entered the compact sedan segment with the Hyundai Xcent in 2014.
While the model performed well in India, it achieved only average sales in Nepal. Hyundai later replaced it with the Hyundai Aura.
The Aura also failed to gain strong traction in Nepal. However, the model continues to record decent sales in India.
Creta
Hyundai Creta is Hyundai’s most successful model produced in India. The SUV was first launched in 2015 and received a facelift in 2018.
Hyundai introduced the second-generation Creta in 2020 and later updated it again in 2024.
The company also developed its first India-made EV based on the facelifted second-generation Creta. In Nepal, the Creta remains Hyundai’s most successful model.
Venue
Hyundai Venue is Hyundai’s sub-four-meter SUV. The model was first introduced in 2019.
The second-generation Venue was unveiled in 2025. The first-generation model became highly popular among Nepali buyers.
The new-generation venue has not yet gone on sale in Nepal. However, its launch is expected within the next two months.
Strong identity in Nepal
Hyundai has built a distinct identity in Nepal. The brand also operates Nepal’s first four-wheeler assembly facility.
The Creta and Venue are currently assembled locally in Nepal. Vehicles are produced by Laxmi Motor Corporation and distributed by Laxmi Intercontinental. The company also sells larger and premium Hyundai models imported from markets outside India.
Hyundai’s strong sales network, organized service facilities, and high resale value have helped the brand maintain long-term success in Nepal.
