Hyundai Creta Crossover Goes Official with Small Diesel Engines and Sporty Looks

The Creta looks tough and sporty at the same time, a bit like a shrunken version of the Santa Fe. The Hyundai Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design elements are unmistakable, but you can't tell how large it is just from looking at the photos.

Measuring just under 4.3 meters in length, the Creta will try to compete with the Renault Duster, Suzuki S-Cross, Mahindra Scorpio and the Ford EcoSport. It's sizable, but not big enough to create problems around town.

While ground clearance appears larger than the Kia Soul's, the Creta won't be coming with all-wheel drive. Instead, it will offer relatively modern Hyundai engines, at least when the Indian market is concerned.

The base unit is a 1.6 Dual VTVT rated at 123 PS. There will also be two diesel options, a powerful 1.6 CRDI with 128 PS that's optionally available with a 6-speed automatic or a basic 1.4-liter (90 PS and 220 NM) that attacks the lower end of the SUV segment.

Four trim levels will be offered, the Creta Base, S, SX and SX (O). All models come with a two-tone interior, but only the more expensive ones will have these nice 17-inch diamond cut alloys, keyless access or a touchscreen infotainment system.

We expect European deliveries to begin around the middle of 2016. The long 2590 mm wheelbase gives it an advantage over its competitors, however, we hope it will be better put together than the Ford EcoSport or the RHD Dusters that used to be imported to Britain.