Hyundai’s upcoming Maruti Brezza-rival looks like a mini-Creta: SPIED

The Hyundai Creta has been the best-selling SUV in the compact SUV segment for a long time now. However, the company has been conspicuous by its absence in the sub-4-meter SUV segment. That said, the company has been busy working on an all-new SUV that will compete with Maruti Vitara Brezza and the Ford EcoSport. This upcoming Hyundai SUV made its India debut as the Carlino concept at the Auto Expo 2016. Finally, the production version of the upcoming Brezza-rival has been spotted testing in the US.

While the Carlino concept looked quite boxy, the production version seems to have borrowed many design cues from the Creta. In line with the latest iteration of the company’s fluidic design language, the smaller grille of the concept model has been replaced with a bigger, cascading-effect version. Also, going by the spy images, the SUV will get a twin-vertically stacked headlamp layout that is likely to carry projector DRLs and turn indicators on the top and main headlights at a lower position. Also, safely expect the upcoming Hyundai SUV to get plastic cladding all around. The steeply-raking C-pillar looks a lot like what the Creta offers. It’s said that even the tailgate will be similar.

Details of this SUV’s interior aren’t available at the moment. However, reports state that the dashboard will get a floating-type touchscreen interface for the infotainment unit. Also, the cabin will likely borrow several design cues from the Grand i10 and the Creta. Also, as has been the case with every Hyundai model, the SUV will offer a best-in-segment features list.

It’s a bit too early to comment on the specifications. However, it’s pretty much for sure that the company would want to benefit from the lower duties for sub-four-meter models with an engine size of less than 1.2 litres for petrol and 1.5-litre for diesel variants. Hence, we won’t be surprised to see this SUV getting the excellent 1.2-litre Kappa and 1.4-litre CRDI motors from the Elite i20 to be carried over. It’s noteworthy here that this SUV is yet to start testing in India. However, the new model is expected to be launched here by the end of next year.

Images courtesy – Carwale