The announcement came with little details but we do know that it is based on the ix25 SUV platform, and will compete with the Mahindra Scorpio, Ford EcoSport, Nissan Terrano, and Renault Duster. Size and interior space will be competitive with its rivals.
As can be seen, the segment is hotly contested and the Creta's success will hinge on its design and pricing. Pricing will be one of its main appeal as Hyundai aims for 90% local content with Creta. A choice of petrol and diesel engines in the 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre displacement categories are believed to be in the pipeline for the new model.
ETAuto said the Creta is being developed at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore (RM580mil).
Hyundai said Creta would become an influential global model in one of the fastest-growing vehicle segments, helping the company to reach out to many more consumers in new and established international markets.
The name "Creta" derives from the name for Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Crete was the focal point for Greece’s global prowess in trade and culture, in its heyday connecting Europe, Asia and Africa.
