Seeing Increased Competition, Hyundai To Rejig, Introduce One New Creta Variant

• Published On: 28 June 2019
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To take on new rivals in India, Hyundai to launch another variant of best-selling Creta SUV.

Long time bestseller model for the South Korean carmaker Hyundai, the compact SUV Creta is being challenged by recent launches such as Mahindra XUV300 and Tata Harrier in India. Although the new launches have not significantly impacted the stats of Hyundai’s compact SUV so far, the numbers do not take a lot of time to change. As they say prevention is better than cure, so Hyundai is taking the cue from the same and is buckling up to widen the choice for prospective customers by introducing another variant of Creta in India. The launch is supposed to come sooner rather than later, the first week of upcoming April to be precise.

The upcoming variant of the compact SUV will not only be up to date as far as the safety norms are concerned, it will also offer extra features to attract customers. A recent report states that the South Korean giant will introduce the new ‘EX’ variant of Creta. This will not be an addition as the current Hyundai Creta E+ variant will be replaced by the upcoming model. Hyundai Creta EX will sweeten the deal for customers by adding new features such as front fog lights with daytime running lamps, rear-seat armrest with cup holder, adjustable headrests for the rear seats and reverse-parking camera. The features added will be made standard for all variants of Hyundai Creta EX trim.

Hyundai will naturally keep the prices of the diesel Creta EX higher than the petrol model. However, with the price difference there will be some features on the diesel model not found on the petrol Creta EX. These features include 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, steering-mounted audio controls, sunglass storage space, map light, two tweeters and a 12V charging socket in the front. Although the E+ trim currently offers power outlet at front for petrol variant, the EX trim will not come with the same for petrol variant.

Other changes that Hyundai will make to the line-up include possible discontinuation of Creta S automatic model. This would make the SX trim the entry-level diesel trim for automatic gearbox option for Hyundai Creta.

The current variant reshuffle will bring no other changes for the Hyundai’s best-selling compact SUV. Everything from gearbox to engine to looks will remain the same. Hyundai sells Creta with 3 engines in India. These options include a 1.4L diesel model, 1.6L diesel model and a 1.6L petrol model. All engine options come with the option of a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox as per the variant.

Talking of the outputs for these engines, the 1.4L diesel is rated for 88.7 Bhp and 219 Nm. The 1.6L diesel delivers 126 Bhp and 260 Nm. The lone 1.6L petrol model gives out 122 Bhp and 151 Nm.