Hyundai Creta facelift to get mild-hybrid tech in India; launch in 2017

It looks like South Korean auto major Hyundai is going the Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra way in India. If the emerging reports are anything to go by, Hyundai is planning to introduce the mild hybrid technology in its upcoming models in India.

A report of Autocar India claims that the mild-hybrid system of Hyundai is likely to debut in the next-gen Verna and Creta facelift SUV, which are due for launch in 2017. While little else is known about the upcoming mild-hybrid technology, the report suggests that Hyundai's hybrid technology will be similar to the technology in Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra models. The Hybrid and electric cars in India will benefit from the central government's FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric- vehicles) scheme, which offers incentives on electric and hybrid vehicles up to Rs 1.38 lakh.

Hyundai unveiled the facelifted version of its popular SUV, the Creta, at the Sao Paulo International Motor Show that started on November 8. The Creta facelift is expected to come to the market in 2017 and is likely to continue with the same three engines sold with the current models -- 1.6 VTVT petrol, 1.4 CRDi diesel and 1.6 CRDi diesel.

Talking of the changes in the facelifted avatar of the Creta, while the rear and side profiles of the SUV remain largely untouched, it now gets reworked face with larger radiator grille with chrome-finish and horizontally placed fog lamps. Inside the cabin, the Creta facelift features engine start/stop button, keyless entry, rear parking sensors and automatic aircon. It gets an infotainment system with 7-inch display with integrated GPS, MP3 Player, player photos and videos, USB and auxiliary, Bluetooth connection with audio streaming, access to phonebook and call history.