Hyundai has begun road-testing the 7-seat iteration of the latest-gen Creta, with the first set of spy shots emerging from Korea. This is the first time that the Creta will be seen in a three-row, 7-seat configuration, and we had reported about this development back in November 2016.
While the test mule is covered, there are quite a few differences visible. First up, the grille inserts are different and sport a more premium design, with chrome studs that are similar to some Mercedes-Benz models. The bumper also sees minor alterations, along with the addition of front parking sensors that are not seen on the 5-seat version. From the sides, the 7-seat Creta looks quite similar to the standard car, but a closer look reveals that the roof is flatter, the C-pillar is slimmer and there is the presence of a rear quarter glass as well, which is covered in the spy shot.
The 7-seat Hyundai Creta will most likely have a 20mm longer wheelbase (at 2,630mm, compared to 2,610mm of the 5-seat version) and will also have a 10mm longer rear overhang, making the SUV longer by 30mm than the standard model. In India, it will rival the likes of the Tata Gravitas and the 7-seat iteration of the MG Hector, which is known as the Hector Plus.
The 7-seat Creta will sit above the 5-seat version and below the yet-to-be-revealed next-gen Hyundai Tucson in the brand's global line-up. The next-gen Tucson, previewed last year as a concept, will grow in size and will also come with a three-row layout, as reported by us back in 2018.
Image source: Palisade Owners Club Korea