Hyundai updated most of its compact cars with mid-lifecycle facelifts, and launched the Ioniq 5, Exter and Verna this year. In 2024, the carmaker will be looking to thoroughly revamp its SUV line-up in India, with updates to the Creta, Alcazar, Tucson and even the all-new Creta EV. Here’s a low-down of all that's expected from Hyundai.
1. Hyundai Creta facelift
The Creta is soon due to receive its first mid-lifecycle update, which will bring comprehensive changes both inside and out. Spy shots have hinted at a thoroughly updated design inspired by Hyundai’s global flagship, the Palisade. It’ll have a redesigned grille, new vertically positioned split projector headlamps and horizontal LED Daytime Running Lamps. While the interiors could see minor styling tweaks, the more notable updates will be to the equipment list, with the inclusion of ADAS, a 360-degree camera and an updated 10.25-inch infotainment.
Also, the 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol will join the range, filling the gap left by the discontinued 1.4-turbo. Other engine options include a 1.5-litre petrol and diesel, with both mated to either manual or automatic gearboxes. Expect a sportier Creta N Line variant to follow suit by Aprli-May 2024.
2. Hyundai Alcazar facelift
Following the Creta will be its three-row derivative, the Alcazar, that’ll also see its first major mid-lifecycle facelift with comprehensive exterior and interior updates. Heavily camouflaged test mules have given away very little, but expect changes to be in line with the updated Creta, albeit with some differentiation marking it out as the three-row SUV. In the interior, too, expect similar additions to the equipment list as the Creta, along with new upholstery and trim options.
It is, however, likely to remain unchanged under the skin. Unlike the Creta, the Alcazar has already been updated with the 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, and the 115hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine is expected to continue as is. There will likely be no changes to the transmission options as well.
3. Hyundai Tucson facelift
Hyundai recently took the wraps off the Tucson facelift globally. Exterior updates are quite minimal – slightly redesigned grille, LED daytime running lamps and bumpers – but it gets a comprehensive makeover on the inside. The dashboard design is completely new with the infotainment screen and instrument cluster now housed in a slick, curved one-piece panel; the centre console area has a much more minimalistic layout; and there’s an all-new new steering wheel. There are also new physical dials for the HVAC system that make a return in a bid to enhance usability.
While the Tucson gets a range of petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid and even plug-in hybrid powertrain options overseas, the India-spec model is likely to remain unchanged under the hood. That means it will continue with the existing 156hp, 2.0-litre petrol and 186hp, 2.0-litre diesel engines mated to 6-speed and 8-speed automatic gearboxes, respectively. The latter also gets an optional AWD system.
4. Hyundai Creta EV
Hyundai’s first mass-market EV for India will be based on its bestselling SUV, and will be a direct conversion of its internal combustion engine platform, albeit with some modifications. Test mules have been spied with the regular Creta’s bodyshell, but Hyundai could give the electric derivate some unique design elements to distinguish it from its ICE counterpart. However, on the whole, expect its styling to look similar to the facelifted version. The story is likely to be similar on the inside as well, with the interior and equipment list likely to be the same as the ICE version.
Our sources tell us that the Creta EV will employ a 45kWh battery pack that will be supplied by LG Chem, Hyundai’s global supplier of lithium-ion battery packs. The electric motor will be shared with the latest-gen, entry-level Kona EV available overseas. That means it will be powered by a single motor on the front axle producing about 138hp of power and 255Nm of torque. It’s expected to debut around the same time as Maruti’s all-electric eVX, which will be its direct rival alongside the MG ZS EV.
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