Korean auto giant Hyundai has unveiled the new-generation Creta for the Russian market, two years after the second-generation version made its global debut. You will notice the new-gen Creta for Russia looks slightly different from the India-spec version and that is because the model has received cosmetic changes that differentiate it better from the model on sale in other countries. Production of the new-gen Creta in Russia will begin on July 1, 2021, and the launch is scheduled for later this year.
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The strip connecting the taillights has been removed from the tailgate and makes for a cleaner appearance
The Russian-spec Hyundai Creta looks familiar but sports a sharper grille, a redesigned bumper with sharper creases and overall looks less bloated in comparison. This has been achieved courtesy of the new skid plate that helps with the sportier appearance. The profile hasn't been changed, while the tailgate has been revised and misses out on the strip connecting the taillights. The split LED set up though has been retained. Somehow, the new-gen Creta for Russia manages to look more palatable than the Indian version.
The cabin though stays the same as the India-spec model and is finished in a dual-tone black and brown colour scheme. The feature list too remains identical with the 7-inch digital instrument console, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, BlueLink connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; climate control, panoramic sunroof, heated seats and multi-drive modes. The 10.25-inch infotainment screen is available as an optional feature on the SUV.
The cabin and features remain identical to the Indian version. Hyundai spent over $100 million to upgrade its facility for the Creta's production
Power on the Russian-spec new-generation Hyundai Creta comes from the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engines. The former belts out 119 bhp while the latter is good for 148 bhp. Both mills are paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic with AWD available as an option. The model will be locally assembled at the Hyundai Motor manufacturing plant in St. Petersburg.
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In a statement, Joo Suchoun, General Director - Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Russia, said, "The debut of the new Creta crossover is very symbolic for the Hyundai Motor plant in Russia because this model is one of the key ones on our production line. It was to launch this new product that we seriously modernized the existing one, as well as installed completely new equipment, including an intelligent cobot that works closely with people to create a new generation of the Creta model."
Production of the new-gen Creta will begin on July 1 in Russia, sales are set to commence later in the year
Hyundai says the new-gen Creta was specifically tested in Siberia to withstand the country's climatic conditions. This included testing the efficiency of the vehicle's systems under constant subzero temperatures, snowy and slippery roads, and the performance of the car during a cold start. The automaker also revealed that it has invested about $100 million to upgrade its facility to produce the new SUV.
Meanwhile, Hyundai is already working on the Creta facelift that is likely to arrive in China first sometime next year. India will get the model by 2023, and we can expect some visual tweaks similar to the Russian version making it to the SUV then.
