Even with the slowdown in the automobile industry and tough market conditions, the second generation compact SUV bagged over 14,000 bookings even before the price announcement, 50 percent of it is for the new BS6 diesel variants. The other half is divided between the two petrol models, which for the first time, includes a turbo petrol unit. The new Creta has 14 models of 5 variants - - E, EX, S, SX, and SX (O) and will be available in 10 color options, including a couple of dual-tone paint schemes. The color options are Lava Orange, Polar White, Typhoon Silver, Red Mulberry, Titan Grey, Deep Forest, Galaxy Blue, Phantom Black, Polar White with Phantom Black and Lava Orange with Phantom Black.

The new Creta comes with two petrol and one diesel engines, the diesel option has the new 1.5-litre U2 CRDi oil burner that is BS6-compliant and tuned to make 113 bhp and 250 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic torque converter. The petrol options include a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre unit and a 1.4-litre GDi engine. While the former is tuned to produce 113 bhp and 144 Nm of torque, the turbo-petrol unit makes 138 bhp and 242 Nm of torque. The 1.5 units come with the option of a 6-speed manual and an iVT automatic transmission, the 1.4-litre GDi motor gets a 7-speed DCT as standard.

As predicted, the 2020 Creta looks much- more attractive than the predecessor model. The exterior has been completely refurbished and there are some impressive additions to the cabin. In the exterior there are new 3D cascading grille,  new trio-beam LED headlamps with boomerang-shaped LED DRLs and LED tail lamps. To top it up it also includes roof rails, a twin-tip exhaust, automatic ORVMs, and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.

The interior has also been upgraded with new features like 10.25-inch touch screen infotainment system, 7-inch instrument panel with digital display and a panoramic sunroof.  In addition features like wireless phone charger, front and rear USB charger, TPMS, cooled glove box, LED reading lamps and 2-step reclining rear seat and the Blue Link connectivity technology make the new Creta no less an option than its competition in the Indian market.

The 2020 Hyundai Creta is also a secure SUV as it comes with the standard safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, driver and passenger seatbelt reminder, and emergency stop signal. The higher trims get ESC (electronic stability control), VSM (vehicle stability management), hill start assist, rear camera with steering adaptive parking guidelines and burglar alarm. The top variant of the new Creta is equipped with  six airbags. It will also come with multiple driving modes, traction control with snow, mud and sand options.

Judging the current market conditions Hyundai Motor India launched the much-awaited 2020 Creta in the country for an introductory price of Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The top-spec variant of the new Creta has been priced at Rs 17.20 lakh (ex-showroom, India). (MT)

German passenger vehicle manufacturer Volkswagen has announced the introduction of the Tiguan R-Line in India. The SUV features R-themed design elements, updated aerodynamics and enhanced functionality.

The Tiguan R-Line includes LED Plus headlights, a horizontal LED strip at the rear and 19-inch Coventry alloy wheels with diamond-turned surfaces. The front design incorporates a glass-covered horizontal strip and radiator grille openings positioned towards the outer edges of the front bumper.

Inside, the SUV gets an updated cockpit layout with R-Line inserts on the front sport seats and an illuminated R logo on the dashboard. The cabin includes ambient lighting with 30 colour options for the dashboard and door trims. A panoramic sunroof is also part of the design. Other features include an illuminated moulding between headlamps, rear combination lamps and illuminated door handle recesses. Pedals are finished in brushed stainless steel and the vehicle is equipped with roof rails and chrome-trimmed air intakes.

The Tiguan R-Line is equipped with seats that feature a massage function and adjustable lumbar support. It also includes Air Care Climatronic (3-zone), Park Assist Plus with Park Distance Control and wireless charging for two smartphones.

TATA.ev, the electric vehicle subsidiary of Tata Motors, has launched its electric vehicle portfolio in Mauritius in collaboration with automobile distributor Allied Motors.

With this, the company’s popular EV offerings the Tiago.ev, Punch.ev and Nexon.ev will be available for customers in Mauritius.

Yash Khandelwal, Head International Business, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “We are thrilled to introduce our electric vehicle portfolio in Mauritius, marking our first international expansion beyond the SAARC region. With the government’s strong commitment to sustainable mobility, Mauritius holds strategic importance in our EV journey. As a pioneer of the EV revolution in India and a proven success in SAARC markets, Tata.ev is well-positioned to support the country’s transition to electric mobility. Our diverse range of EVs—spanning multiple body styles and battery options—combined with an unmatched ownership experience and the strong partnership of Allied Motors, sets the stage for a transformative shift in Mauritius’ automotive landscape.”

James Ngan, Managing Director, Allied Motors, Mauritius, said, “Our partnership with Tata.ev is a game-changer for Mauritius, bringing an exceptional range of electric vehicles to a country that is ready to embrace sustainable and innovative mobility solutions. The new Tata.ev portfolio offers a perfect combination of power, efficiency, and advanced technology, giving consumers access to world-class electric mobility. Backed by our extensive service and after-sales support, we assure customers of a seamless ownership experience. This is just the beginning, and we are excited about the positive impact these EVs will have in revolutionising Mauritius’ automotive landscape.”

Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country, has made strong headway in the country’s stock markets.

The carmaker which got listed on 22 October 2024, has now found its stock being included on NIFTY Next 50, NIFTY 100, NIFTY 500, S&P BSE 500 and other key capital market indices.

Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor India, said, “As a listed entity, we are elated to cross yet another important milestone. By becoming a part of prestigious Indian capital market indices such as the NIFTY Next 50 and S&P BSE 500, we have fortified HMIL’s standing in the Indian stock exchanges, reinforcing its market presence and credibility. As India grows, HMIL will continue to grow intrinsically with it, along with a constant focus on driving innovation, improving operational efficiencies, and making strategic investments that will strengthen our business outlook and contribute to the growth of the Indian economy.”

Interestingly, Hyundai Motor India’s debut on the stock exchange was also one of the largest Initial Public Offerings (IPO) in the country.

File photo: Hyundai Listing Ceremony

Maruti Suzuki India, the largest carmaker in the country, has announced a major investment of INR 74.1 billion towards a new under-construction plant with a capacity to produce 250,000 units per year.

This new facility will complement the company’s existing facility at Kharkoda plant, which went on stream in February 2025.

The new facility that is expected to go live by 2029 will expand the company’s manufacturing capabilities to 750,000 units per year. Maruti Suzuki India is optimistic that the demand for made-in-India passenger vehicles will continue both in the domestic as well as export markets.

The investment will be done through the company’s internal accruals.

Furthermore, Dr Tapan Sahoo, currently ED – Engineering will take on the additional responsibility of Digital Enterprise vertical.

On the other hand, the company announced that it has appointed Sunil Kakkar as an Director (Corporate Planning) for a period of three years till 31 March 2028.