Hyundai Creta facelift continues testing; 1.5-litre diesel test mule spotted

The current-gen Creta has been on sale since 2020 and is next in line to get a major update. As we’ve reported before, Hyundai’s blockbuster SUV in a refreshed avatar will go on sale early next year. Ahead of its global debut, the brand has been testing the Creta facelift in India as well as abroad, with fresh spy shots now emerging from South Korea.

1. Creta facelift to get major styling tweaks
2. Will be sold with three engine options
3. Creta EV global debut by late 2024

Hyundai Creta facelift: what do the new spy shots suggest?

The test mule is camouflaged, but a close look reveals some styling details that match with the ones seen earlier. The overall silhouette and proportions are textbook Creta, but the bigger giveaway of this test mule being a future model is its alloy wheel design, which is similar to the current mid-spec Creta. 

What also confirms that this sighting is of a Creta is the sticker on one of its fenders that reads its internal codename, SU2i. Hyundai used the same code for the current Creta, where SU2 stands for the vehicle and the “i” stands for India. 

Hyundai Creta facelift: what else is known

Unlike the Tucson-like design that the Creta has in other markets, the India-spec Creta facelift seems inspired by the Palisade SUV sold overseas. It will get a vertical headlamp cluster that’s likely to be a split unit, with Palisade-like LED daytime running lamps. Previous spy shots have hinted at an all-new grille with cube-like detailing that also closely matches the Palisade.  

The refreshed Creta will get a 360-degree camera, along with an ADAS suite (also available on the Seltos). At the back, expect a heavily redesigned tailgate, a new bumper and new LED tail-lights, along with tweaks and feature upgrades on the inside.  

Hyundai Creta facelift engine options

Three engine options will be on offer on the Creta facelift. The entry-level engine will be the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit good for 115hp, while the Creta diesel, seen in these spy shots, will be equipped with a 115hp, 1.5-litre unit. The third engine on offer will be the 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo petrol that also sees duty on the Verna, Alcazar, Carens and the Seltos. 

Hyundai Creta facelift launch details

Sources tell us that the production for the refreshed Creta will begin at the Hyundai India plant by mid-January 2024, and the market launch and price announcement will take place by late February. The Creta line-up will expand further later next year with the debut of the EV variant.

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