If you look at Hyundai's global product portfolio, you may have noticed that they're missing out on a certain segment. It's a class that's been seeing a lot of success in the Southeast Asia region too. We are, of course, talking about small, seven-seat multi-purpose vehicles or MPVs. But that might change in the near future.

The South Korean brand will definitely consider building a compact three-row MPV, should there be any demand for it. That's according to Punnet Anand, senior general manager and group head of Hyundai India. Seeing how Honda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Toyota have enjoyed success with their small seven-seaters, a Hyundai MPV should make for an interesting challenger to the Japanese offerings.

However, there is one sign that they might be serious about building it after all. Recently, Hyundai confirmed that they will be opening a manufacturing plant in Indonesia. That bit of news is significant as Indonesia is not only a huge market for MPVs, it's also where other small MPVs are built, namely the Xpander, Ertiga, Mobilio, and Avanza. Of course, nothing is set in stone just yet but the location of the new assembly line is interesting nonetheless.

This isn't the first time Hyundai drew up plans to build a compact MPV. In fact, there was a concept that appeared way back in 2012 but the automaker decided to axe the project for yet to be determined reasons. It was called the Hexa Space, and it had the same formula modern small MPVs have these days; About 4.4 meters long with space for seven occupants.

Perhaps the Hexa Space concept was ahead of its time when it was first shown seven years ago. But if Hyundai wants to join in on the success its rivals have been enjoying for years, they have a lot of catching up to do, and that's if they will actually push through with the idea.

Source: Indian Autos Blog