Following its debut at Auto Expo 2020, Hyundai India will launch the all-new Creta in India on March 17. The second-generation SUV gets revamped exteriors and interiors, along with BS6-compliant engine options.
Hyundai has gone bold with the new Creta’s exterior design. It gets the brand’s ‘cascading’ front grille, along with a split-headlamp setup that features LED light clusters and DRLs. The bumper is all-new and so is the faux skid plate. At the side, the slightly squared-out wheel arches lend it a muscular stance and dual-tone alloys look attractive too. The split-light setup has also been carried over to the tail-lights, a design feature that is sure to divide opinion. A faux skid plate is also present at the back.
While Hyundai hasn’t revealed any details about the cabin, a peek into the car at the Expo confirmed that the India-spec Creta gets a different cabin layout, compared to its Chinese counterpart – the iX25. The touchscreen will be landscape-oriented (the iX25 has a portrait layout), and, as a result, the central air-con vents have been repositioned. It’s expected to get features like BlueLink connected-car tech, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, automatic climate control and cooled seats.
The new Creta is expected to share its engine and gearbox options with the Kia Seltos. There’s a 115hp, 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that is likely to be available with 6-speed manual and CVT automatic gearbox options, along with a 115hp, 1.5-litre turbo-diesel unit that can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or torque converter automatic gearbox. Hyundai may also introduce a ‘Turbo’ variant of the Creta, similar to the Grand i10 Nios and Aura, by making use of the Seltos’ 140hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine. This unit can be had with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The first-generation Creta was a huge sales success and dominated the midsize SUV segment for much of its lifespan. So, the new Creta has large shoes to fill and is up against some serious competition like the Kia Seltos, the MG Hector and the Tata Harrier. Expect prices for the new Creta to be in the range of Rs 10-16 lakh (estimated, ex-showroom).