A Closer Look At Maruti’s Hyundai Creta Rival

• Maruti Suzuki brewing a Hyundai Creta rival with Toyota.
• Should offer features like a large touchscreen infotainment system, 360-degree camera, and ventilated front seats.
• Will be based on the localised version of Toyota’s TNGA-B platform.
• Hybrid powertrain likely to work with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder motor.

Toyota and Maruti are jointly developing SUVs which will rival the Hyundai Creta and recently, spy shots of the Maruti model have surfaced online again. 

By the looks of it, the upcoming compact SUV from Maruti gets a large honeycomb mesh grille and what seems to be a split headlamp set up. The test mule is rolling on a set of 5-spoke alloy wheels in a monotone shade, but the SUV sold to customers will be fitted with different and updated alloys. At the rear, the SUV seems to feature spilt LED taillights. 

In terms of features, the upcoming Creta challenger was spotted with a 360-degree camera in the latest spy shots. Some of the features expected on board include a large touchscreen unit running the infotainment system with connected car tech, ventilated front seats, head-up display and premium sound system. The safety suite should comprise six airbags, electronic stability control, and ISOFIX child seat mounts as well as ADAS. 

Now to the platform and engines. The Maruti SUV will be based on a localised version of Toyota’s TNGA-B platform. It will get a self-charging hybrid powertrain (first-in-segment) that is likely to comprise a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine teamed to an electric motor. This setup is currently used by the international-spec Yaris. 

Toyota’s version of the Creta rival will break cover first in June followed by the Maruti version in the second half of 2022. It will go up against the likes of Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, VW Taigun, MG Astor and of course, the Hyundai Creta.