Hyundai Creta EX variant launched in India

Hyundai India has just launched a new variant of the Creta compact SUV. Called the EX, the variant sits above the  base model, and is meant to be an affordable version of the SUV that offers a few features that most customers use on an everyday basis. The petrol powered Hyundai Creta EX is priced at Rs. 10.84 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi, while the diesel powered variant is priced at Rs. 10.99 lakhs. Both engines use manual gearboxes to drive the front wheels of the SUV.

The petrol engine on the EX variant is the 1.6 liter, naturally aspirated 4 cylinder unit with 121 Bhp of peak power  and 151 Nm of peak torque. A 6 speed manual gearbox is standard and the same engine is available with a 6 speed  torque converter automatic gearbox in higher variants. The diesel engine available with the Creta EX trim is a 1.4  liter unit with 89 Bhp-220 Nm on tap. The diesel variant of the Creta EX also gets a 6 speed manual gearbox. On  higher variants, Hyundai offers a more powerful diesel engine, which gets 6 speed manual and automatic gearbox  options.

As for the key features that the Creta EX trim offers over the E variant, the SUV gets front fog lamps with daytime  running LEDs, adjustable head rests on the rear seat which also gets an armrest with an integrated cup holder. A 5  inch touchscreen infotainment system, steering mounted audio and phone controls, two speakers, a USB charging point and a reverse camera are the few other prominent features on the Creta EX. The SUV also gets twin airbags, ABS+EBD, speed alerts and a seat belt reminder system as standard safety features.

The Creta was facelifted last year with a slew of new features including wireless charging, an electric sunroof and smartband enabled lock and unlock system. The SUV also received a stylistic makeover to help it remain fresh. The Creta will get an all-new model next year, and will grow in size. The 2020 Hyundai Creta will be a 7 seat SUV, and is expected to get pricier as well. It will directly challenge the Mahindra XUV500, and will feature new 1.5 liter  petrol and diesel engine options.

Currently, the Creta is India’s best selling compact SUV with Hyundai managing to sell about 10,000 units each month. The Creta will soon get a cheaper priced sibling in the form of the Venue. The Hyundai Venue will be a sub-4 meter compact SUV, and is scheduled to launch in India on the 21st of March, 2019. The Venue’s impending arrival seems to have forced Hyundai to launch a new variant of the Creta, and we won’t be surprised to see the E variant getting culled to avoid price overlap with the Venue.