With changes in variant mix, Hyundai Creta will now be available across 7 trim levels and with 6 colour options
Based on demand and evolving consumer preferences, OEMs regularly update the variant list. A recent example is discontinuation of SX Executive variant of Hyundai Creta. With the changes, Creta is now available in E, EX, S, S+ Knight, SX, SX (O) and SX (O) Knight Edition trims.
Hyundai Creta SX Executive Discontinued
Creta SX Executive was launched back in June 2021. At that time, the auto industry was in a severe crisis due to chips and parts shortage. Because of that, many car makers were launching new variants which were devoid of features. Creta SX Executive missed out on features like touchscreen, Bluelink connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Arkamys Sound mood, burglar alarm, etc.
Thanks to this, Hyundai was able to launch Creta SX Executive at a much more affordable price tag. Compared to SX variant, the Executive variant was priced about Rs 80k lower. Another update for Creta is discontinuation of Mulberry Red colour option. This is a bit surprising, as red is a popular choice for cars. Maybe there wasn’t enough demand for red shade in case of Creta. Henceforth, Creta will be available in colour options of Polar White, Denim Blue, Phantom Black, Polar White with Phantom Black Roof, Titan Grey and Typhoon Silver.
Creta prices range from Rs 10.84 lakh to Rs 18.34 lakh for the petrol variant and Rs 11.89 lakh to Rs 19.13 lakh for the diesel variant. Prices will soon be updated as the company launches updated Creta with BS6 phase 2 compliant engine. As of now, Creta is available with engine options of 1.5-litre MPi petrol and 1.5-litre diesel. The former makes 115 PS / 144 Nm and comes with transmission options of 6-speed manual and IVT. The diesel unit makes 116 PS / 250 Nm and is mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
Creta to get new turbo petrol motor
Both Hyundai and Kia are in the process of introducing a new 1.5-litre turbo petrol motor. After Alcazar, new-gen Verna will be getting the new engine. New Verna is scheduled to debut on March 21. The update will also be introduced with Creta, Seltos and Carens. The new 1.5-litre turbo petrol motor generates 158 bhp and 253 Nm. Transmission choices include 6-speed manual and 7-speed DCT.
With the new engine, Verna has already become the most powerful in mid-size sedan segment. Creta and Seltos will soon enjoy similar benefits. For reference, rival Maruti Grand Vitara outputs 114 bhp whereas Skoda Kushaq generates 148 bhp. However, the new turbo petrol motor for Creta is likely to be less fuel efficient, especially in comparison to electric hybrid variant of Maruti Grand Vitara. The latter has certified fuel efficiency of 27.97 km, which will be tough to match by Creta’s new 1.5-litre turbo petrol motor. But for folks who prioritize performance, the new 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine will definitely fit the bill.
Creta facelift to get ADAS
With new Verna getting ADAS and Seltos facelift spied with ADAS module, it is likely that Creta facelift will also get ADAS. Entry of Grand Vitara and Toyota HyRyder has increased competition in compact SUV segment. While Creta is still the top selling compact SUV, it is always better to be a step ahead of rivals. Creta facelift is expected to be launched in 2024.
In terms of sales, Creta was the top selling compact SUV in February 2023 with 10,421 units. It had a market share of 29.45%. Grand Vitara was second with sales of 9,183 units and market share of 25.95%. As is evident, there’s currently a close contest between Creta and Grand Vitara for the number 1 position.
