Hyundai has been preparing the 7-seat version of the highest-selling SUV in the country, the Creta for quite some time now. We might see the product in flesh within this year itself. Hyundai plans to expand its portfolio to maintain and grow its 17% market share even further. However, it has to be on its toes because a number of new players are entering the Indian market with modern and exciting products. The Indian automobile industry is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world, which is the reason why so many players want a piece of the pie. Keeping all this in mind, Hyundai is trying to launch new products in different segments. For example, there are plans to launch a micro-SUV codenamed AX which will go up against the likes of Tata Hornbill (upcoming), Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and Renault Kwid. Then there is news floating around that Hyundai wants to enter the MPV segment as well to challenge the sole segment leader, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga as well as not so successful Mahindra Marazzo. But the most talked-about launch from Hyundai this year has to be the 7-seat version of its mega-successful Creta. Let us take a look at what to expect from the SUV.
Also read: Hyundai i20 N Line spotted testing – What to expect?
7-seat Hyundai Creta – Exterior and Interior
The 7-seat version will be almost similar to the regular Creta in external appearance at least till the C-Pillar, although, there might well be some changes to visually differentiate the two. The front end might feature a redesigned grille and bumpers. The split headlight unit will most likely carry forward although the tiny details might differ. The side profile, of course, will be slightly different than the regular Creta because of an additional row of seats in the third row. The overhangs might be longer and the roof design might have to be redesigned to accommodate the additional seating arrangement. We will see a completely new styling on the third quarter of the SUV including the rear quarter glass area and the tail end. This might include new LED tail lamps and bumpers to give it a distinct appearance.
Also read: Hyundai micro-SUV AX spied testing – Will rival Tata Hornbill and Maruti Suzuki S-Presso!
The interior of the new 7-seat Creta has been spied and it looks like there is a large Digital Touchscreen Infotainment Display at the centre console, which will come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with Bluetooth Connectivity. We expect that this SUV will have almost all the features of the regular Creta and some more. Hyundai has always been focused on providing the customers with a ton of convenience features and there are no reasons to think otherwise in this case. We expect a large Panoramic Sunroof, Wireless Charging, Connected Car Tech, Voice Commands, Steering Controls, Cruise Control, Multiple Airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, Hill-Start Assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors and much more.
Also read: Hyundai Venue vs Renault Kiger – New comer vs The Segment Leader!
7-seat Hyundai Creta – Engines, Prices and Rivals
The engine options for the 7-seat version will likely to be carried on from the regular Creta. This means that there will be two petrol and one diesel engine options on offer. There will be a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol making 114hp and 145Nm, a 1.4-litre turbo petrol making 138hp and 242Nm and a 1.5-litre diesel making 113hp and 250Nm. There will be all sorts of transmission options including manual and automatic. The level of flexibility is something we have come to expect from Hyundai products. The prices of the 7-seat Creta are expected to be somewhere around Rs 14 lakh to Rs 19 lakh, ex-showroom. With that price point, it can prove to be a tough competitor to the recently launched Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and the upcoming Mahindra XUV500.
Image Source: We Guide Auto
