Hyundai says goodbye to Creta 1.4L turbo petrol variant
The upcoming Hyundai Creta facelift is expected to get sportier N-Line variants that could offer the new, more powerful turbocharged petrol motor.
Hyundai Creta has been the highest-selling compact mid-size SUV in India ever since it was first launched in early 2016. In its second generation now, the SUV remains a hot favourite for the mass market even with plenty of options on offer within the same category.
One of Creta’s major draws is the multiple powertrain and gearbox options to choose from. Until now, it came with the options of a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.5-litre diesel engine and a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The Korean carmaker has silently pulled the plug on the 1.4-litre petrol unit.
Turbo petrol trims of Creta, namely S Plus and SX (O), have been removed from the brand’s official website and are no longer available for sale. Although an official statement hasn’t been released by Hyundai, the stricter RDE (real drive emission) norm is considered to be the primary reason for the gasoline motor’s discontinuation.
This petrol mill churned out 138 bhp and 144 Nm of peak torque and was exclusively available with a seven-speed dual-clutch (DCT) automatic transmission. The same engine also powers Creta’s platform siblings–Kia Seltos and Carens–and is likely to face the axe here as well in the future.
Spirited performance no more?
Although the option of a turbocharged petrol engine has been deleted from the Creta lineup, the carmaker might bring a new turbocharged petrol motor in its place. Certain media reports state that Hyundai might offer Creta a new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol mill which is set to make its debut in the new generation Hyundai Verna soon.
This new 1.5-litre four-cylinder GDi direct-injection gasoline motor is rumoured to crank out 158 bhp and 253 Nm of peak torque. The engine will be offered with the option of a seven-speed DCT automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox. It is most likely to be introduced when Creta receives a mid-life makeover later this year. When launched, it will make Creta the most powerful SUV in its segment.
Currently, Creta is being offered with two engine options–a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit and a 1.5-litre diesel unit. The former generates 114 bhp and 144 Nm of peak torque whereas the latter pushes out 114 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. Both engines have been made in sync with new RDE norms and are also compatible with E20 fuel.
A six-speed manual gearbox is standard for both engine options. An optional CVT automatic gearbox and a six-speed automatic gearbox are available in the petrol and diesel motors, respectively.
New-gen Verna on cards
As mentioned earlier, Hyundai will be launching a new generation model of Verna soon. The company recently teased the upcoming sedan on social media and also announced the opening of its bookings. Prospective buyers can book the mid-size executive sedan at a token amount of Rs 25,000 at any Hyundai showroom or via the company’s website.
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The new Verna is expected to be larger and better equipped than its predecessor and hence, will be a more formidable rival to sedans like Honda City, Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Taigun.
(Images courtesy: Hyundai)
Edited by Affirunisa Kankudti