GaadiWaadi –
Maruti Grand Vitara Hybrid and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid to get strong competition from South Korean brands, Hyundai and Kia, likely in 2027 in India
While Kia has confirmed plans to launch a Seltos Hybrid in India, Hyundai is likely to follow suit with a Creta Hybrid. Both new hybrid SUVs would serve customers prioritising fuel economy but looking for a more future-proof and eco-friendly option compared to diesel.
Between the Kia Seltos Hybrid and Hyundai Creta Hybrid, the former will be the first to arrive in showrooms. However, both models are expected to feature the same powertrain, with heavily localised components to keep the costs in check. A 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine is likely to be paired with an electric motor, also located on the front axle.
The K3 platform underpinning the all-new Kia Seltos and the next-gen Hyundai Creta does support an e-AWD drivetrain layout, in which an additional electric motor is used to power the rear wheels to ensure stability in low-grip driving conditions. In fact, Kia has confirmed plans to offer a Seltos e-AWD in the U.S. However, India may only get both models with a front-wheel drive setup to ensure competitive pricing. Kia and Hyundai could be targeting a rating of around 25 km/l for their respective hybrid SUVs.
The next-gen Hyundai Creta, including its hybrid variant, will be inspired by the Hyundai Crater concept and be much bigger in size compared to the current ICE model. It will likely measure around 4.5 metres in length, 1.8 metres in width, and 1.6 metres in height, and have a wheelbase of approximately 2.7 metres. The significant upsizing will ensure there’s enough room left for the upcoming next-gen Hyundai Bayon in the line-up.
Hyundai will likely offer the next-gen Creta and its hybrid variant with features such as a 9.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a power tailgate, a power driver’s seat with power lumbar support and a memory function, a 64-colour ambient lighting system, over 20 advanced driver assistance systems, and six airbags.
The Creta Hybrid should also include a vehicle-to-load (V2L) bi-directional charging function, and the same is expected in Kia’s Seltos Hybrid as well, along with a long list of carried-over features from the ICE donor. The Kia Seltos Hybrid could go on sale in India in early 2027 while the Hyundai Creta Hybrid may arrive sometime in mid-2027.
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