Hyundai Creta is the best selling mid-size SUV in the Indian market. It even overtakes some of the compact SUVs in terms of sales numbers. The mid-size SUV segment is one of the most competitive segments of the Indian market. So, the manufacturers keep updating their vehicles so that they can stay more competitive in the competition. Hyundai launched the Creta last year and they are about to update the Creta soon. It will get new features and some improved connectivity features.
The base E variant will get some feature deleted probably to avoid a huge price hike. It will miss out on electrical adjustment for outside rearview mirrors, luggage lamp and passenger seatback pocket. The turn indicators will be repositioned onto the front fenders which were on the outside rearview mirrors till now.
The mid-level EX and S variant will now support wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. As of now, the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay rely on a wired connection. The biggest update will be to the SX and SX(O) variants. It will come with OTA or over-the-air updates for the maps embedded in the touchscreen infotainment system, remote engine starts with a smart key which will be available with both manual and automatic transmissions.
There will be a soft paint finish on the dashboard. Hyundai will also add a welcome greeting and new voice commands for opening/closing the driver side power window, retrieving contact details and points of interest search.
Mechanicals
There will be no updates to the mechanicals to the Creta. So, it will continue to offer three engine options. Currently, there is a 1.5-litre diesel engine, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.44-litre turbocharged, direct-injection petrol engine.
The diesel engine produces 115 PS of max power and a peak torque output of 250 Nm. It is offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 115 PS of max power and 144 Nm of peak torque. It comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or an IVT automatic gearbox. Then there is the turbo petrol engine that produces 140 PS of max power and a peak torque output of 242 Nm. It is offered only with a 7-speed Dual-Clutch automatic gearbox.
Price and Competitors
The price of the Creta is expected to increase slightly as Hyundai revises the feature list of the variants. Currently, the Creta starts at Rs. 9.99 lakhs ex-showroom for the base variant and the top-end variant costs Rs. 17.67 lakhs ex-showroom.
It competes against the Kia Seltos, MG Hector, Renault Duster, Nissan Kicks, Maruti Suzuki S-Cross, Mahindra Scorpio, Tata Harrier, Skoda Kushaq and upcoming Volkswagen Taigun.
Hyundai Alcazar
The Alcazar is the next product by Hyundai for the Indian market. It is based on the Creta but has a longer wheelbase and is going to launch in late May’21. The Alcazar will sit between the Creta and the Tucson. It will get the same 1.5-litre diesel engine as the Creta with the same power outputs but the engine will be retuned. There will also be a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that will produce 157 bhp and 191 Nm of torque. Both the engines will be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.