Hyundai said to be readying 7-seat Creta with next-generation model; Alcazar's future in doubt

The Hyundai Creta, one of the most popular SUVs in the Indian market, is set to return in a new form. According to media reports, the company is preparing to bring out a third-generation Creta. Internally, the project has been given the codename "SX3". Hyundai is also preparing to launch a seven-seat model along with this new generation, which could be a good option for large families.

Hyundai currently sells the Alcazar as its three-row SUV. However, there is talk that the company could discontinue the Alcazar if the new seven-seat Creta arrives. In international markets, the Alcazar is known as the Creta Grand. So that the two models do not compete with each other, the company could use the name of the hugely popular Creta brand to strengthen its hold on the seven-seat segment further.

The next-generation Creta is very likely to be offered in both five-seat and seven-seat configurations. The design of the seven-seat model will be largely similar to the regular Creta, but specific changes will be made to the front and rear to give it a distinct look.

The new SUV will be built on the modern "K3" platform of Hyundai and Kia. The next-generation Kia Seltos is also based on the same platform. The platform will make the vehicle's structure stronger. A longer wheelbase and larger overall size will also give more space in the cabin. Seen during road testing, the vehicle looks boxier, wider and more dashing than before.

On engines, the company may retain the current popular options. These are likely to include a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (160 bhp of power and 253 Nm of torque) and a 1.5-litre diesel engine (116 bhp of power and 250 Nm of torque).

The company is also considering offering strong-hybrid technology in the vehicle. With demand for hybrid vehicles rising, the hybrid option is most likely to be available in the seven-seat version of the Creta.

After its launch, the seven-seat Creta will compete directly with powerful SUVs such as the Mahindra Scorpio-N, Tata Safari, MG Hector and Tomahawk. A stiff contest is therefore likely in the Indian SUV market in the coming period.