It wasn’t all that long ago when the idea of a subcompact crossover would draw a blank stare from most folks. These days, it’s one of the world’s fastest-growing product segments, with makers from around the world to field their own entries.
So, Hyundai wants to take a step below the current Tucson model with plans to add a new subcompact ute that, we learned only last week, will be dubbed the Creta. Now, the maker is offering up a first rendering of what that model will look like.
The name, the Korean carmaker says, is “simple and easy to remember,” tough cretins might find it a little strange, especially considering the two current Hyundai utes are known as the Tucson and Santa Fe.
It “deliberately evokes welcome similarities with the term ‘creative’ and draws on positive associations with the Mediterranean island of Crete, which is famed for combining a relaxed and tranquil environment with a vibrant, energetic approach to outdoor activities,” or so says a statement from Hyundai.
As for the design, the carmaker suggests the model will feature “a bold front, voluminous side (and) sporty rear, aimed at giving it a “premium look” That could be critical if Hyundai wants to avoid having it bring to mind its older image as a maker of econoboxes.
The rendering suggests that the Hyundai Creta will nonetheless pick up on the maker’s latest design language, dubbed Fluidic Sculpture 2.0. The most obvious point of reference is the hexagonal grille which is clearly inspired by the latest-generation Tucson, rather than the Intrado concept that Hyundai unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show last year.
(Hyundai mulls addition of full-size sport utility. For more, Click Here.)
Other distinctive details revealed by the rendering include almost angry headlights, a blacked-out A-pillar and rising character line.
The new Hyundai Creta will make its debut later this year in India. And while that is so far the only market Hyundai has confirmed, it did hint that the new ute will be “an influential global model.” Two years ago, its chances of reaching the U.S. would have seemed uncertain. No longer.
(Click Here for details about TDB’s first drive in the 2016 Hyundai Sonata and Sonata Hybrid.)
Among the competitors it would go up against here are the new and extremely hot-selling Honda HR-V, as well as the Nissan Juke, Jeep Renegade and Mazda CX-3 – with others on the way.
While the compact crossover segment is clearly booming, that doesn’t mean a manufacturer can ignore other parts of the utility vehicle market. As TheDetroitBureau.com reported just days ago, the Korean carmaker also is giving serious thought to a high-line, full-size utility vehicle that would be certain to reach the U.S.
(To see more about Hyundai plugging and playing with Android Auto, Click Here.)
It wouldn’t hit market for at least two to three years, however, cautioned U.S. CEO Dave Zuchowski.
