3rd Generation Hyundai Creta Will Be Called Kona Globally: We Explain
Hyundai is currently working on the next-generation Hyundai Creta, and several videos and images of the heavily camouflaged SUV have already surfaced online.
The SUV is expected to arrive in India sometime next year, and reports suggest that the launch could happen by March. The upcoming Creta was recently spotted testing in India as well. The Creta is a global product from Hyundai, but it is likely to be called the Hyundai Kona in international markets.
We recently came across images of a heavily camouflaged SUV that initially looked like the next-generation Kia Sonet. However, upon closer inspection, it turned out to be the next-generation Creta. The confusion mainly happened because of the angle from which the spy images were captured.
Earlier spy pictures of the Creta had the front grille completely covered. However, during testing in India, the test drivers intentionally removed the camouflage from the grille area to allow better airflow. This was reportedly part of high-temperature testing, where engineers evaluate the functioning of the air intakes and cooling systems.
The front grille reminded many people of the new-generation Kia Seltos, which led to speculation that the upcoming Sonet would take design inspiration from the Seltos. However, it was actually the new Creta hidden underneath all the camouflage.
Hyundai's first ever EV in the Indian market was Kona EV. However internationally it was available in both ICE and EV forms. Now, Hyundai is merging the Kona and Creta programs and the same product will be known by the name Creta in India while people would call in Kona internationally. Hyundai is is calling it as the "SX3" project. This would help them to streamline production, improve crash safety, and reduce costs.
The SUV is based on Hyundai’s new K3 platform and will reportedly be known as the Kona in international markets. The upcoming Creta is expected to grow in size, which means it should offer noticeably more cabin space compared to the current version.
Unlike the older Kona SUVs, the new-generation model is expected to adopt a more upright and boxy SUV design instead of the hatchback-inspired styling seen before. The exterior design is likely to draw inspiration from Hyundai’s Crater concept.
The SUV is expected to feature a sharp-looking front design with a connected LED light bar and dotted LED DRLs. The headlamps are likely to be positioned on the bumper, similar to the current Creta, while the front grille itself is expected to be a large unit integrating the lighting elements into it.
At the rear, the SUV is expected to borrow design cues from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and could feature parametric pixel-style tail lamps. We are also likely to see a new alloy wheel design along with thick body cladding around the wheel arches, adding to the rugged look. The next-generation Creta is also expected to become a software-defined vehicle (SDV).
The cabin of the upcoming Creta is expected to undergo a complete redesign. Hyundai is likely to introduce a bridge-style centre console layout. The international version is expected to feature a column-mounted gear shifter, which would free up more space in the centre console area for additional storage. However, it remains to be seen whether the India-spec model will get the same setup or continue with a conventional centre-console-mounted gear selector.
As usual, we can expect premium-looking materials in the cabin along with soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door pads. The SUV is likely to feature a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system along with a fully digital driver display of the same size.
We are also expected to see Hyundai’s next-generation Pleos Connect operating system, which should give the cabin a more modern look. There is even a possibility that Hyundai could offer a slim display for the co-passenger side and adopt a more minimalistic digital instrument cluster design.
The SUV is expected to offer features like a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, ventilated seats, leatherette upholstery, automatic climate control, ADAS, a 360-degree camera, parking sensors, multiple airbags, and several other safety features.
Hyundai currently offers the Creta with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, and a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine. However, the biggest highlight of the next-generation Creta is expected to be the introduction of a new 1.5-litre strong-hybrid petrol engine.
This hybrid engine is reportedly being developed specifically for the Indian market and is expected to be introduced in several future Hyundai and Kia models as well.
The hybrid setup is likely to be tuned to offer a balance between fuel efficiency and performance. In the long run, Hyundai may eventually phase out the diesel engine in favour of the hybrid powertrain. Internationally, Hyundai Kona SUV might get a bigger 1.6 litre strong hybrid engine.
Apart from the new strong-hybrid option, the existing petrol and diesel engines are also expected to continue with both manual and automatic transmission choices.
Hyundai will also launch an updated electric version of the Creta in the market and that would actually help Hyundai strengthen its position in the mid-size SUV segment. This way, the Creta will have petrol, diesel, petrol hybrid and EV powertrains on offer.