Hyundai launches its much anticipated SUV, the CRETA at INR 8.59 lacs

Hyundai Motor India Ltd today globally launched the all-new and long awaited SUV, the CRETA. With the launch, Hyundai aims to strengthen its position in the fast growing Indian SUV market where it was missing in action for a while. The CRETA will compete against a slew of other SUVs like the Nissan Terrano, Renault Duster, Ford EcoSport and the Mahindra XUV500.

Positioned as the ‘Perfect SUV’ for the Indian market, CRETA has been one of the most anticipated vehicles of 2015. It is a perfect blend of style, engineering and power for new generation customers and comes loaded with first-in-class features that will set a new benchmark for the segment. And all this at an attractive price point.

In terms of styling, the CRETA adopts Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy, which builds on Hyundai’s highly acclaimed design aesthetic to create an SUV with a unique and innovative form. At 4.2 metres, the CRETA is an extremely well designed car, with strong lines and a bold stance which make it look much larger than it really is. It does look like the younger sibling of the Santa Fe and has a strong road presence. Design elements like the triple-slat chrome grill, LED headlamps and the sloping roofline give it a distinctly premium appeal that makes it stand apart in the segment. The overall build quality on the outside looks solid.

The CRETA is jam packed with premium features, many of which are segment firsts. It has a 7″ infotainment system with 1GB internal memory which includes audio video navigation, bluetooth connectivity, and a 6 speaker audio system. Creature comforts include rear AC vents and a Smart Key with push button start. In terms of safety, the car has 6 airbags, ESP, Hill Assist, cornering headlamps and a rear parking guidance system with a parking camera.

The CRETA is available with a choice of two diesel engines and one petrol unit. The petrol variant is powered by a 1.6 litre Gamma VTVT engine, producing 123 PS. The two diesel engines on offer include a 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre CRDi engine, producing 90 PS and 128 PS respectively. The CRETA comes with a 6 speed manual and an optional 6 speed automatic transmission, which is a segment first. It will be available in 10 variants, with prices starting at INR 8.59 lacs for the base petrol, while the top of the line diesel variant is priced at INR 13.60 lacs.

CRETA is a quality product. It demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to ‘Make in India’ and their confidence can be gauged by the INR 1000 cr. investment in its development and the 3 year unlimited warranty that they have offered on the vehicle, which is worth a round of applause.

The CRETA is priced extremely well for what it offers. The early interest in bookings clearly show that it is set to redefine the market and one can expect a lot of fireworks in the segment, going forward.