India-bound 2018 Hyundai Creta spotted in China; likely to be launched early next year

Hyundai's subcompact crossover SUV Creta is set to get a makeover in India in 2018. And ahead of its official unveiling, the Asia-spec facelift version has also been spotted undisguised in China.

Also read: Brazilian-spec Hyundai Creta facelift may not be launched in India

The India-bound Creta facelift is similar to the Brazilian-spec model launched last year. There were rumours that the Brazilian spec will enter India later this year as a facelift version. Hyundai ix25 is the name of Creta in China and the new version does not get major exterior changes.

According to leaked images of autohome.com.cn, the new version comes with a large and more angular grille up front. The new grille looks similar to the one in new Audi Q7. While the three slat inlay of the grille is unchanged, the gap between slats has been increased.

The new front bumper is also more muscular and the vertical fog lamp unit has made way for a horizontal unit. At the rear, the tail lamp inserts have been reworked. The rear bumper is also sportier now with black accents and compliments the overall look of the car.

Though no pictures of the interior are available, it is safe to assume that minor tweaks will be part of the new package. The 2018 Creta is expected to be powered by the same three engines of the current models -- 1.6 VTVT petrol, 1.4 CRDi diesel and 1.6 CRDi diesel.

One of the engines is rumoured to get mild-hybrid system similar to Maruti Suzuki's SHVS mild-hybrid system. Hyundai has also announced AMT transmission to its cars from 2018. The new Creta may become the first Hyundai model in India to get AMT gearbox.

Source: autohome.com.cn