Hyundai Creta petrol auto bookings open

Hyundai dealers have started accepting bookings for the Creta SX+ petrol automatic and Creta S+ diesel automatic. The booking amount has been set at Rs 25,000 with deliveries being promised around the festive season. However, there is no word on pricing yet.

Currently available only in the diesel SX+ trim, Hyundai will extend the use of the six-speed gearbox to a lower-spec diesel Creta and a petrol-engined model as well. The petrol automatic Creta, like its diesel automatic sibling, will use a six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox paired to the 1.6-litre petrol engine. The features of the petrol automatic Creta will mirror those of the top-spec automatic diesel variant as it too will be based on the SX+ trim.

Hyundai has plans to introduce a lower S+ trim of the diesel automatic Creta. Being a level below the SX+ trim, the S+ diesel automatic misses out on many features such as keyless entry and go, climate control, diamond-cut alloy wheels, projector headlamps and split folding rear seat.

In addition to this, the carmaker is considering bringing in a four-speed automatic gearbox to its i20 range. This will make it better equipped to compete with the Jazz and Baleno – both of which offer the option of an automatic CVT gearbox. However, it is not known as to which i20 variant will get this option.

The Creta has become a hot favourite for Indian customers with the SUV having crossed one lakh bookings in less than a year of its launch. The automaker had also announced a hike in production of the SUV from 10,000 units a month to 13,000, with 10,000 units dedicated for the Indian market to help lower waiting periods that had gone up to 10 months in the initial months.

The i20, although not as popular, has been a strong seller for Hyundai, impressing customers with its spacious cabin and lengthy equipment list.