Hyundai dealers have started accepting bookings for the Creta compact SUV which is due for launch on the 21st of July 2015. The vehicle will primarily rival the Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano and upcoming Maruti S-Cross.

Hyundai ix25 SUV Launched In China
The ix25 name is specific to China and Hyundai will use the Creta name globally

The much awaited compact SUV from Hyundai, the Creta can now be booked across the company’s dealerships in the country from today. The booking amount for the Hyundai Creta ranges from Rs. 40,000/- to Rs. 50,000/-, depending on the variant and location. Today also marks the commencement of production of the Creta as Hyundai plans to stock up inventory, anticipating heavy demand for the vehicle. The Creta which is known as the ix25 in China, is a global model and shares many of parts with the i20.

Engine options on the Hyundai Creta will be 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol and diesel, being borrowed from the Verna. While manual gearbox is obvious, Hyundai will also offer automatic transmission on the much awaited 5-seater. The company will focus on offering diesel options at launch as demand for diesel SUVs is much higher in India. The vehicle will ride on 17-inch wheels which will be the biggest in the segment while the ground clearance is a respectable 200 mm. An all-wheel drive option won’t be offered, at least not at launch.

Hyundai has been betting big on the Creta compact SUV as the company hasn’t focussed much on the SUV segment in India. While the Santa Fe is doing decent numbers (for its price), it is not a volume spinner. To be priced between Rs. 10 to 16 lakhs (on-road, Mumbai), the Hyundai Creta will help the Korean automaker boost its market share significantly. That is the reason why the company has preponed the launch of the vehicle by a couple of months. When launched, expect the Creta to cannibalise sales of the Verna 4S.

Hyundai ix25 Interiors
The interiors of the Creta will share a lot of similarities with the Elite i20

Source – AutocarIndia.com