5 new Hyundai SUVs for India; 7 seat Creta to Maruti Brezza-rivaling Carlino compact SUV

Hyundai currently sells 2 SUVs in India – the Creta and the Tucson. Over the next couple of years, the South Korean automaker will greatly expand its SUV portfolio in India by launching no less than 5 new SUVs. Here’s the wrap.

Creta Facelift

The best-selling Creta will get a mid-life nip and tuck in 2018. The facelifted Creta will bow in during the second half of this year, sometime during the festive season. While the 1.6 liter petrol and turbo diesel engines will be carried over, along with 6 speed manual and automatic transmissions, the exteriors will get a stylistic makeover. The interiors are expected to gain a few features. The facelifted Creta is likely to be priced similar to the current model.

Kona Electric

Hyundai will begin its electric car sojourn in India with the Kona Electric SUV. This compact SUV, which will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, was showcased as a concept last year. The electric SUV, based on the i20 platform, is expected to run on lithium ion batteries, with a super impressive range of about 400 kilometers. While it’s likely to sport a steep price tag due to import into India as a completely built unit (CBU), it’ll be the, brand-building stepping stone for more electric cars from the South Korean brand.

Carlino sub-4 meter compact SUV

Hyundai will launch a sub-4 meter compact SUV to rival the Maruti Vitara Brezza and Ford EcoSport in 2019. The SUV was first showcased in India during the 2016 Auto Expo as the butch and boxy Carlino concept. The same concept is expected to take a production form. The Carlino is expected to pack in turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. Extensive localization and affordable price tags are givens.

7 seat Creta

Hyundai has revealed that it’s looking at a 7 seat Creta for the Indian market. Likely to feature an extended wheelbase, the Creta with 3 rows will directly challenge the likes of the Mahindra XUV500 and the Tata Hexa. More powerful 2 liter petrol and turbo diesel motor borrowed from the Tucson are likely to power the longer Creta. More clarity on this new SUV is likely to emerge in the coming months.

Micro SUV

A micro SUV to gun straight for the Mahindra KUV100 is also on the cards from Hyundai. The South Korean automaker is seriously considering such a vehicle for the Indian market, whose love for SUVS is well known. Not much is known about the Hyundai micro SUV for now, except for the fact that it’ll be the least priced SUV sporting the Hyundai badge in India. Again, more clarity on this vehicle is expected soon.