Hyundai India took off the warps of its much awaited ‘Urban’ Sports Utility Vehicle the Creta at a function here on Tuesday. The Creta, which is Hyundai’s entrant into the growing segment of so-called ‘crossover’ vehicles, combines the space of a large hatchback with the high ground clearance and looks of a Sports-Utility Vehicle.
The Creta which is designed to go head-to-head with the Renault Duster, Ford EcoSport and the upcoming Suzuki S-Cross which is expected to be launched later this week, has been priced aggressively. As the vehicle is longer than four meters in length it cannot enjoy excise benefits that accrue to small cars in India. However, that also means that Hyundai can fit the car with larger engine options.
The Creta comes with three engine options, a 123PS 1.6-litre Petrol alongside a 90PS 1.4 litre and 128PS 1.6-litre Diesel engines. The 1.6 litre petrol variants of the SUV are priced between Rs8.59 lakh and Rs11.19 lakh, while the diesel versions will come in the range Rs9.46 lakh to Rs13.6 lakh.
The vehicle would be offered with two diesel engine options -- 1.4 litre trim costing between Rs9.46 lakh and Rs11.45 lakh, while the 1.6 litre diesel engine variants priced between Rs11.59 lakh and Rs13.6 lakh. The 1.6 litre diesel automatic trim is priced at Rs13.57 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi).
Hyundai India’s Managing Director BS Seo spoke highly of the car’s new ‘HIVE’ construction technology that he claimed offered ‘unmatched safety’ to all occupants.
Hyundai has also equipped all variants of the car with Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). All but the two lowest variants (Base, S) have at least two airbags (driver+passenger); the top SX(O) model comes with six airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), which they claim is a first in the segment. Hyundai has also equipped a six-speed automatic transmission on the 1.6-litre Diesel engine option, also a first in this segment.
Sales of the competing Renault Duster/Nissan Terrano and the Ford EcoSport have been weak over the preceding a few months, however this is likely due to the introduction of the Creta and Suzuki S-Cross which is due to be launched later this week. Hyundai claimed that over 15,000 potential customers expressed interest ahead of the launch with a quarter of them choosing the automatic variant. Maruti has also claimed immense interest in the new S-Cross and between these two new similar vehicles, this segment and the auto market in general could see an uptick leading up to the prime festive season later this year.