Hyundai’s cooking up something interesting for 2027 – two brand-new hybrid SUVs that could shake things up quite a bit. We’re talking about a completely redesigned Creta and a fresh seven-seater that’ll give the XUV700 and Safari some serious competition.
The Creta Gets a Hybrid Heart (Finally!)
Look, the Creta’s been doing just fine without any electrification, thank you very much. It’s still selling like hotcakes – over 17,000 units last month alone. But Hyundai knows the writing’s on the wall. People want better fuel economy without giving up the convenience of petrol engines.
The third-generation Creta (they’re calling it SX3 internally) will probably be Hyundai’s first proper hybrid in India. Think of it as the current Creta but with a 1.5-litre petrol engine getting a helping hand from an electric motor. Not exactly rocket science, but it should deliver some impressive mileage figures.
The regular engine lineup isn’t going anywhere – you’ll still get the 115bhp naturally aspirated petrol, the punchy 160bhp turbo-petrol, and the trusty 116bhp diesel. But honestly, the hybrid’s going to be the one everyone talks about.
Design-wise? Hyundai’s keeping their cards close to their chest, but expect it to look quite different from what’s rolling out of showrooms today.
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A Bigger Fish in the Pond
Here’s where things get really interesting. Hyundai’s working on a proper seven-seater SUV (codenamed Ni1i – don’t ask us how to pronounce that) that’ll slot right between the Alcazar and Tucson.
This isn’t just a stretched Alcazar, mind you. We’re talking about a 4,680mm-long SUV based on the Tucson LWB that’s sold in China. It’s basically Hyundai’s answer to everyone asking “Where’s your XUV700 fighter?”
The seven-seater will roll out of Hyundai’s Talegaon plant with plans for around 50,000 units annually. That’s not exactly small numbers, so they’re clearly betting big on this one. And yes, it’ll get the same hybrid treatment as the new Creta.
Why Hyundai’s Going All-In on Hybrids
Simple math, really. Hybrid sales jumped 27% last year while EVs are still finding their feet in India. Plus, with Tata and Mahindra breathing down their necks, Hyundai needs something to differentiate itself.
“We are bringing in strong hybrids for sure,” says Hyundai Motor India COO Tarun Garg. That’s about as clear as corporate speak gets, which means they’re definitely serious about this.
This is all part of Hyundai’s massive 26-product offensive by 2030 – 20 ICE vehicles and 6 EVs. Sounds like they’re not putting all their eggs in the electric basket just yet.