NEW DELHI: South Korean auto major Hyundai recently launched its much-awaited global model of the compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) — Creta in the Indian market. The SUV was unveiled amidst a function at JW Marriott Hotel, Aerocity in New Delhi on July 21. The SUV is expected to be launched in the Nepali market in early September. India’s largest passenger car exporter has priced this model with a starting price of IRs 859,000.

According to Laxmi Intercontinental, authorised distributor of Hyundai in Nepal, the starting price of Creta will be around Rs four million in the Nepali market.

Speaking at the global launch of Creta, BS Seo, Managing Director and CEO, Hyundai Motors India Ltd, said, “Creta is a perfectly engineered and powerful SUV for the new generation customers. It is a revolutionary product — a true expression of the ‘New Age Hyundai’.” Citing that they had already received over 10,000 bookings in 20 days in India, he said, “We are confident, Creta will strengthen Hyundai’s position in India and will lead a new trend in the SUV segment fulfilling customers’ aspiration of owning a ‘Perfect SUV’.”

Meanwhile, Executive Director of Laxmi Intercontinental, Nirakar Shrestha said, “We are trying our best to introduce this stylish SUV just before the festive season by the first week of September in the Nepali market.” Informing that they have been receiving a sign-ificant number of enquiries about the compact SUV, he said, “We are optimistic about this model as the preliminary response seems to be promising.” According to him, Creta will compete with Ford EcoSport and Fiat Avventura in the domestic market.

Creta offers a combination of power and style with its robust body structure, superior engine performance and confident ride and handling. Based on Hyundai Motor’s evolved ‘Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy’, Creta demonstrates all the essential attributes of dynamism, comfort, safety and style. The stylish SUV comes with three variants — 1.6L dual VTVT petrol engine, 1.4L U2 CRDi and 1.6L U2VGT CRDi diesel engine. All the engines are mated to six-speed manual transmission while the 1.6L diesel engine is also mated to first-in-class six-speed automatic transmission.

The ‘Hive Structure’ body of the Creta measures 4,270 mm in length, 1,780 mm in width and 1,630 mm in height. The compact SUV has a wheelbase of 2,590 mm and 190 mm ground clearance. Creta offers best-in-class warranty of three years unlimited kilometres. The Creta portrays strong road presence and embodies the aggressive stance of an SUV in its own style. The triple slat chrome radiator grille makes a bold design statement while the smoothly creased hood, lines projector headlamps integrated with LED positioning lamps, vertical fog lamps, sporty stylish skid plate and dual tone front bumper enhance the vehicle’s stylish and distinctive SUV character. The diamond cut 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and skid plates enhance the sporty looks of the SUV.

The compact SUV interiors feature well-cushioned and comfortable seats with optimum thigh and back support. Attractive seats covered in full-leather upholstery, exude a sense of modernity and premium feel. The dashboard with its futuristic water flow inspired design and smart ergonomic contours make the cabin environment pleasing and enjoyable. Beyond active safety techno-logies, Creta is built to comply with Hyundai’s strict safety standards, helping it to meet the safety requirements. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) electronic stability control (ESC), reverse parking camera, vehicle stability management (VSM), and hill start assist control (HAC) are some of the features that ensure the safety quotient of the SUV. The six airbags ensure safety in case of an accident.