Hyundai Shows Creta Small SUV Ahead of India Launch

Anxious to capitalize on the high tide of consumer interest in its new global small SUV badged the Creta, Hyundai Motor India displays it at the Sriperumbudur plant near Chennai where the vehicle is being built.

Spy shots have drawn huge public attention and some reports say dealers have received upwards of 10,000 preorders, but Hyundai says only that interest is very high. Preorders officially will be taken when the Creta has a more formal launch later this month.

Hyundai is letting its Indian arm lead the local publicity charge but is calling the Creta a global model that can be sold in most world markets with only tweaks to satisfy local regulations and preferences. The Creta badge will apply in all markets.

“The Creta is the most awaited and aspirational SUV of the year and will be a revolutionary product in the Hyundai portfolio,” Hyundai India CEO B.S. Seo says at the preview. “The global SUV Creta will herald a new chapter in Hyundai Motor India‘s success story and will set a new benchmark in the SUV segment of India with unmatched capabilities.”

The Creta strongly resembles the Hyundai ix25 that was launched in China last October and is being produced at a Beijing Hyundai plant.

Hyundai sources say some Rs10 billion ($157 million) was spent on developing the Creta and that when in full production, about 20% of the vehicles will be exported.

In India it will compete with the Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster, Mahindra Scorpio and Nissan Terrano.

The Creta is offered in the India domestic market with four engine choices – three diesel and one gas-powered. The diesels include a basic 1.4L CRDi, 89-hp mill, available only with 5-speed manual transmission, and a turbocharged 1.6L CRDi making 126 hp and available with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

A 1.6L VTVT gasoline engine that develops 121 hp will be offered with a 6-speed automatic transmission only.

The Creta was shown to news media with high-end interior appointments including leather seats, 5-in. (13-cm) touchscreen, navigation system, smart key with push-button start, rear air-conditioning vents and other appointments.

Full specs and pricing will be released later this month.