New Hyundai Creta SX (O) Executive Launched, Gets Additional Features To Take On Upcoming Nissan Kicks

• Hyundai has refreshed the Creta range in anticipation of increased competition in the premium compact-SUV segment.
• The segment has seen Renault slash the prices of the Captur, while Nissan is getting ready to launch the Kicks on January 22.
• The Creta SX (O) Executive variant is available with 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines and gets ventilated front seats.
• Rear parking sensors, front passenger seatbelt reminder, part-fabric seat covers and eco-coated AC ducts are now offered as standard.
• LED taillamps and ioniser in the climate control system added to the SX, SX (O) and SX (O) Executive variants.

Hyundai has added new features and a whole new variant to the popular Creta lineup to take on increasing competition in the premium compact-SUV segment in India. Renault has recently announced a price cut to the tune of about Rs 81,000 for the struggling Captur, while Nissan is getting ready to launch the Kicks with some interesting features on January 22. Naturally, Hyundai does not want the Creta to suffer.

Although the Tata Harrier and MG Hector are likely to be positioned a segment above, they will be pitted against the Hyundai Creta, especially against the new top-spec SX (O) ‘Executive variant. As of now, only the Jeep Compass poses a serious threat to the top-spec Creta variant.

Here’s the complete price list of the Creta (ex-showroom Bangalore):

Except for the Creta E+ 1.6-litre petrol variant, prices of the compact-SUV have gone up across the board by Rs 7,000 to Rs 30,000. The new SX (O) Executive variant is around Rs 50,000 more expensive than the older top-spec SX (O) variant.

What’s new?

• All variants now get rear parking sensors, front passenger seatbelt reminder, eco-coating in the AC ducts and the mandatory speed alert system (one beep at 80kmph, continuous beeps after 120kmph) as standard.
• SX, SX (O) and SX (O) Executive variants now get LED taillamps, a feature which was not introduced with the facelift back in May 2018
• SX, SX (O) and SX (O) Executive also get the smart key band, which was earlier limited to the SX (O) variant.

The Hyundai Creta, at least in the top trims, does address two of the gripes we had with the facelift - it now gets segment-first ventilated front seats, and a sorely missed LED taillamps. But it still misses out on automatic headlamps, automatic wipers and limits ISOFIX child seat anchor to the AT-equipped variants only. Regardless, customers may find the Creta to be an even better a package with the new additions.

Meanwhile, the engine options remain unchanged. The petrol variants are powered by a 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally-aspirated motor that puts out 123PS of maximum power and 151Nm of peak torque paired to either a 6-speed manual or a torque converter automatic transmission.

The E+ variant is exclusively limited to the 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine that produces 90PS/220Nm paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. The S variant, on the other hand, gets both the 1.4-litre and the larger 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. The 1.6-litre motor develops 128PS/260Nm and is available with both 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions.