Hyundai Creta SX3 spied testing: Bigger SUV, hybrid power and design changes expected

Hyundai Creta SX3 spy shots from Europe reveal a sharper front fascia, split headlamps, and a larger grille ahead of its official unveiling.

Pragya Singha Roy
Published7 Sep 2026, 11:58 AM IST
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Showing Hyundai CRETA Electric.
Showing Hyundai CRETA Electric.(Hyundai)

As competition intensifies in India's mid-size SUV segment, Hyundai is preparing the next-generation Creta for the Indian market. The new model, codenamed SX3, has been spotted undergoing testing in Europe with significantly lighter camouflage. The latest spy images offer a clearer look at the upcoming SUV's design and styling changes.

The next-generation Creta is expected to be slightly larger and more technologically advanced. It could also get a strong hybrid powertrain while retaining the petrol and diesel engine options offered with the current model. Hyundai is likely to launch the new Creta in India in the first half of 2027.

Next-gen Hyundai Creta gets sharper design

The newest spy shots reveal a revamped front fascia featuring design elements which seem to be inspired by Hyundai's world-class design ideas. The SUV gets slim LED daytime running lights, a split headlamp system and a larger grille.

Side profile with sharper shoulder lines, wider-looking wheel arches and a more pronounced roofline. The SUV is expected to be nearly 4.5 metres long. At the rear, the prototype appears to feature connected LED tail lamps and a redesigned tailgate and bumper.

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Strong Hybrid expected for the first time

It is believed the next-generation Creta will also be powered by Hyundai's 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. The key addition will likely be a strong hybrid.

The hybrid is rumoured to be based on a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol powerplant, an electric motor, and a battery pack. The system will likely remain front-wheel-drive, and fuel consumption is projected to improve to over 25 kmpl. Final specifications are yet to be confirmed by Hyundai.

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New cabin and Pleos software

The new Creta is expected to feature a revamped cabin and Hyundai's updated Pleo touchscreen infotainment system software. The system is expected to update over-the-air and enable voice assistance via AI.

The SUV will also likely have an enhanced Level 2 ADAS package, featuring improvements to camera- and radar-based sensing technology. These features are subject to change nearer the India launch.

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India launch and expected price

The upcoming Hyundai Creta in India is expected to hit the market before the start of 2027, possibly at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2027, and would be available for sale in the first half of the year.

The price range is expected to be between ₹11.50 lakh and ₹21.50 lakh (ex-showroom). It will go head-to-head with cars like the Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Tata Sierra when it goes on sale next year. The company has yet to officially confirm the launch date, pricing or full details.

About the Author

Pragya is a Technology reporter with over four years of experience in digital media and content writing. She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and has covered a wide range of stories spanning space, smartphones, gadgets, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and the ways technology is transforming everyday life. She focuses on breaking down complex technology and science developments into clear, engaging, and reader-friendly stories, with a keen interest in emerging trends and their real-world impact. Before joining her current newsroom, Pragya worked with News9Live, where she covered the technology beat extensively, reporting on smartphones, consumer technology, AI, space and science, while also contributing to video and visual content. Her experience includes breaking news, explainers, SEO-driven stories, product coverage, interviews, unboxing videos and live event reporting. She has also covered major technology and AI events, giving her experience in both newsroom and on-ground reporting. Beyond journalism, Pragya is an avid gamer and a passionate reader of fiction. She enjoys exploring immersive worlds through games and books, with a particular interest in stories that offer new perspectives, ideas, and experiences.

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