Hyundai Names Creta as its new Compact SUV in India

In a move to enhance its model lineup, Hyundai Motor India Ltd, today announced the name of its new compact SUV christened as Creta. Seeing the rising demand in SUV segment, the automaker will launch its new product in the second half of 2015 in India followed by sales in world markets.

According to Hyundai, Creta will be a global product for the Korean automaker in one of the fastest-growing vehicle segments. In a press release issued by the company, “Creta is Hyundai Motor’s Modern Premium brand direction – SIMPLE, CREATIVE, CARING. The ‘Creta’ name is simple and easy to remember. Pronunciation of Creta evokes welcome similarities with the term ‘creative’. The Creta name will be used for all the global markets.”

Based on Kia Soul’s platform, the compact SUV follows Hyundai's 'Fluidic Sculpture 2.0' design language; hence the resembles from the flagship SUV Santa Fe. The dimensions of the vehicle are 4270mm length, 1780mm width, 1630mm height and 2590mm wheelbase. There is no clarity on engine option yet; however we are expecting 1.6-litre VTVT petrol, 1.4-litre CRDi diesel and 1.6-litre CRDi diesel from Verna.

In the SUV segment, Hyundai India’s only offering is Santa Fe in the price range of Rs 26 lac to Rs 30 lac. The company is still to evade the compact SUV segment to compete with the likes of Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster and SUV segment where Mahindra and Tata takes the lion’s share.

Last month in May, the carmaker fueled by the demand for its Elite i20 and i20 Active retailed 52,515 units out of which 37,450 units were domestic sales and 15,065 units were exported to other countries.

For now, Hyundai has only announced the name and in following months, the company might reveal the powertrain specification and feature list. Watch the space for more news to follow soon.