Hyundai Creta Announced: Coming To Fight All HR-V, CX-3 and EcoSport Compact SUVs

In October 2014, Hyundai launched the ix25 SUV exclusively for the Chinese market after a production version of it was debuted at the Chengdu Auto Show two months prior with prices starting at 119,800 yuan (RM71,093)

Now, the ix25 compact SUV will serve as the base for an all-new Hyundai ‘Global SUV’ model as revealed by Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL). Its name? The Hyundai Creta and it will be launched first in India during the second quarter of 2015 before being sold in other worldwide markets.

However, the Hyundai Creta will join a highly competitive compact SUV segment which consists of participants like the Mazda CX-3, Ford EcoSport, and Honda HR-V.

With the ix25 as a base, powerplant options for the Creta could include two four-cylinder petrol engines in 1.6- and 2.0-litre capacities that generate 123hp/151Nm and 158hp/192Nm respectively. Transmission options mated to these engine include either a six-speed manual or automatic. The smaller capacity 1.6-litre ix25 model makes do with front-wheel drive while the larger 2.0-litre model gets either front- or all-wheel drive.

As for the proportions, the ix25 measures 4,270mm in length, 1,780mm in width, and 1,630mm in height. Wheelbase stands at 2,590mm. Expect the Hyundai Creta to be somewhere along these dimensions as well.

Just to compare, here are how the Creta’s competitors measure up against it:

• Honda HR-V: 4,294mm length; 1,772mm width; 1,605mm height; 2,610mm wheelbase
• Ford EcoSport: 4,273mm length; 1,765mm width; 1,675mm height; 2,519mm wheelbase
• Mazda CX-3: 4,275mm length; 1,765mm width; 1,550mm height; 2,570mm wheelbase

Should the Hyundai Creta make its way to Malaysia, it will further expand the compact SUV market that is currently being dominated by Honda and its HR-V.