The next-generation Hyundai Creta just went on sale in India with a strong pipeline of orders

The radical new crossover is set to receive a slightly longer variant with additional row of seats in due course. A camouflaged prototype of the 7-seat variant has been spotted testing in public for the first time in South Korea.

The 2020 Hyundai Creta 7-seat variant will have India and China as its primary markets. Visually, the longer version of the crossover sports a few differentiators which are visible on the prototype despite the camouflage. The front grille appears to be featuring new type of meshing with chrome accents. The silver finished runners on the rocker panels are also new.

The main area of interest, however, is the rear overhang which is completely new. The extruded rear section features flat roofline, quarter glass panels and an upright fascia to free up as much space as possible for the third row occupants and luggage. The 2020 Hyundai Creta 7-seat variant is likely to have the same wheelbase as its 5-seat sibling in an attempt to have maximum parts sharing.

Longer Hyundai Creta will be carrying forward the existing version’s powertrain lineup. For India, the mid-premium crossover offers a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine with 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT, a 1.4-liter three-cylinder turbo-charged direct injection petrol motor with a 7-speed DCT and a 1.5-liter turbo diesel mated either to a 6-speed manual unit or a 6-speed torque-converter automatic.

As far as the outputs are concerned, the base petrol motor is tuned to dish out 115 hp and 144 Nm of torque. The top-end turbo petrol is good for 140 hp and 242 Nm of torque while the lone oil burner has 115 hp and 250 Nm of torque on tap. The 7-seater is likely to carry forward the engines without any changes in specifications.

The Hyundai Creta 7-seater will be locking horns with similarly extruded crossovers such as the MG Hector 7-seater and Tata Gravitas (Harrier 7-seater). While its competitors are slated to be introduced later this year, the 3-row Creta is not likely to be here before 2021.

The 2020 Hyundai Creta 5-seater starts at INR 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Expect the longer variant to be dearer by around INR 1 lakh. The equipment level is likely to be similar to that existing variant although we can expect a few additional features. For example, the prototype seen here is equipped with front parking sensors which are not available in the 5-seat variant.