New Hyundai Creta revealed with radical new design

Hyundai Motor India has taken the covers off the India-spec, second-generation Creta SUV at Auto Expo 2020. Revealed as the new-generation ix25 in China last year, the new Creta not only comes with revamped exterior and interiors but will also come with a new BS VI-compliant engine line-up. 

The Hyundai Creta gets a radical new design that’s a sharp departure from the outgoing model’s ‘please-all’ appearance. Hyundai’s cascading grille is the focal point at the front but it’s the headlight arrangement that could polarise opinion. The split headlight arrangement comprises a slit-like LED DRL on top with the main cluster – also lined by an LED strip – positioned lower down. The headlight cluster is made of an LED headlights with new-look fog lamps below. A scuff plate at the base of the bumper is also included. 

Hyundai’s cascading grille is the focal point at the front but it’s the headlight arrangement in the second-generation Creta that could polarise opinion.

Squared-out wheel arches add muscle to the Creta, though the angular glasshouse does link the new SUV to the outgoing model. Dual-tone paint has been used to good effect, with a silver finish extending on to the C-pillar. Also nice are the Creta’s flashy 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Buyers with conservative tastes, however, might find the Creta’s rear fussy. The split LED tail-lamps, an appliqué that links the lights and the low-set number plate make for a rather extroverted look. 

Larger and longer
The new Creta is marginally larger than the original, and is longer in its wheelbase too. Unfortunately, Hyundai has not revealed the India-spec Creta’s interior just as yet, so we can’t comment on the space on offer. Still, given that the new Creta and Kia Seltos (Hyundai and Kia come under the Hyundai Motor Company) have much in common under the skin, space will be at par too.

What also remains to be seen is how much of the China-spec Creta’s (ix25) cabin design is carried over on to the model for India. The Chinese ix25 gets a Tesla-like 10.25-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen and digital dials. Hyundai has confirmed the Creta for India will come with a panoramic sunroof and the brand’s BlueLink in-car connectivity tech, though features like cooled seats and wireless charging are also expected.  

Engine and gearbox options for the new Creta are expected to be shared with Kia’s Seltos SUV, as we’ve reported before. The 115hp, 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox is likely, along with the 115hp, 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel unit that will come with 6-speed manual and torque converter automatic gearbox options. Hyundai might also introduce the Seltos’ 140hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine in the Creta, which comes with 6-speed manual and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox options.  

Hyundai will reveal the Creta’s interior and more details closer to its launch, which is slated for mid-March 2020. Expect prices to be in the range of Rs 10-16 lakh (estimated, ex-showroom). 

The original Creta not only defined what a midsize SUV ought to be but also dominated the segment for much of its life. Since the first-generation model’s launch in June 2015, the Creta has sold a total of 459,939 units till end-December 2019. Hyundai will want the all-new Creta to take the legacy forward – and faster at that.