Having recently applied mid-lifecycle facelifts to its range of compact cars, Hyundai is making significant moves in the automotive landscape. The launch of the Ioniq 5, Exter, and Verna this year showcased the brand’s commitment to innovation. Looking ahead to 2024, Hyundai is gearing up for a comprehensive overhaul of its SUV lineup in India. Anticipated updates extend to popular models such as the Creta, Alcazar, Tucson, and the introduction of the all-new Creta EV. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from Hyundai’s ambitious plans for its SUV lineup in the coming year.
Hyundai Creta facelift
Prepare for a significant upgrade to the Hyundai Creta as it gears up for its inaugural mid-lifecycle update. Recent spy shots have provided a glimpse of a comprehensive transformation, drawing inspiration from Hyundai’s global flagship, the Palisade. The upcoming changes encompass a redesigned grille, new vertically split projector headlamps, and horizontal LED Daytime Running Lamps, promising a refreshed exterior. Interior enhancements may include subtle styling tweaks, with a more significant focus on upgraded features such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), a 360-degree camera, and a revamped 10.25-inch infotainment system.
Under the hood, the Creta is set to introduce the 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, filling the void left by the discontinued 1.4-turbo variant. The lineup will continue to offer 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engine options, available with manual or automatic transmissions. Notably, a sportier Creta N Line variant is expected to join the lineup around April-May 2024, adding an extra layer of excitement to Hyundai’s popular SUV.
Hyundai Alcazar facelift
The upcoming mid-lifecycle facelift for the Hyundai Alcazar, the three-row derivative of the Creta, is set to bring about substantial changes both inside and out. Despite heavily camouflaged test mules revealing little, expectations are aligned with the refreshed Creta design, tailored to distinguish it as a three-row SUV. Interior updates for the Alcazar are anticipated to mirror those of the Creta, featuring additional equipment enhancements, along with new upholstery and trim choices.
While retaining its current powertrain configuration, the Alcazar is likely to maintain the 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine introduced earlier. The 115hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine is expected to persist without alterations, and there are no anticipated changes to the available transmission options. The Alcazar’s mid-lifecycle facelift promises to bring a renewed and enhanced experience to Hyundai’s three-row SUV offering.
Hyundai Tucson facelift
Hyundai has revealed the global facelift for the Tucson with minimal exterior changes, including a redesigned grille and LED daytime running lamps. The interior undergoes a comprehensive makeover, featuring a new dashboard design with a sleek, curved one-piece panel housing the infotainment screen and instrument cluster. A minimalist layout characterizes the center console, and a new steering wheel adds to the updated look. Notably, physical dials for the HVAC system make a return, enhancing usability in the revamped Tucson interior.
While the global Tucson offers a variety of powertrain options, including petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants, the India-spec model is expected to maintain its current engine lineup. This includes the existing 156hp, 2.0-litre petrol engine and the 186hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine, paired with 6-speed and 8-speed automatic transmissions, respectively. Additionally, the diesel variant retains the option of an All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system for enhanced versatility on the road.
Hyundai Creta EV
Hyundai’s upcoming mass-market EV for India will be derived from the best-selling Creta SUV, undergoing a direct conversion from the internal combustion engine platform with some modifications. While test mules have been seen with the regular Creta’s body, expect unique design elements to differentiate the electric version. The overall styling is likely to resemble the facelifted Creta, and the interior and equipment list should align closely with the ICE variant for a familiar Hyundai experience.
Sources indicate that the upcoming Creta EV is set to feature a 45kWh battery pack supplied by LG Chem, Hyundai’s global lithium-ion battery pack provider. Sharing its electric motor with the latest-generation, entry-level Kona EV available internationally, the Creta EV will boast a single motor on the front axle, delivering approximately 138hp of power and 255Nm of torque. The electric model is anticipated to make its debut around the same time as Maruti’s all-electric eVX, positioning itself as a direct competitor to the MG ZS EV in the Indian electric vehicle market.
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