Next-Gen Hyundai Creta Likely To Be Based On Kia SP2i Platform

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The next generation Hyundai Creta will debut in 2020 and could share its engine and platform with the Kia SP2i SUV that launches in coming months

With several new SUVs about to populate the market, the Hyundai Creta, which has been topping the sales charts for quite some time now, might see its sales share decline due to the launch of the fresher competition. To avoid this, Hyundai has been working on the next-gen Hyundai Creta that will share its platform with the Kia SP2i.

While the exact India launch date is unknown at the moment, the next-gen Hyundai Creta is expected to be unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo in February next year. The new model will even spawn out a 7-seater version, which will most likely take the place of the Tucson. The bigger version will take on models like the next-gen Mahindra XUV500 and the MG Hector.

The 7-seater version of the next-gen Hyundai Creta will be sold under a different brand to ensure clear differentiation from the 5-seater model. Both the models will be based on a new platform that will debut on the Kia SP2i. Even the engines for the next-gen Creta will be sourced from Kia’s first offering in India.

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Hyundai and Kia being sister brands, a lot of parts sharing can be expected between the two SUVs. As the production version of the Kia SP Concept will be powered by 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines, the same motors would be offered on the next-gen Hyundai Creta. The two models could even share suspension components and other equipment.

Between the next-gen Hyundai Creta and the Kia SP2i, the latter will be promoted as a more premium model. Kia Motors has already made it clear that it won’t compete with Maruti and Hyundai on the pricing front as its vehicles will be targeting those who aspire for a more upmarket product. Hence, the new Creta might miss out on some of the features that the Kia SP2i will come with.

The production version of the Kia SP Concept will launch by July 2019. It is expected to have a starting price of Rs 11 lakh and will compete with the Tata Harrier, Jeep Compass, and Mahindra XUV500. The new SUV will be produced at its manufacturer’s newly built plant in Andhra Pradesh.