Is the 2020 Creta Poised to be Hyundai's First 7-Seater Small SUV?

Venue, Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade—currently, Hyundai is offering no less than 5 SUVs priced and positioned fairly close to each other. Now, there’s the question of the second-generation Creta to consider as well.

Considered as the Kona’s predecessor locally, the i20 Sport Cross then the Creta sold in fairly few numbers before distributor Hyundai Asia Resources swapped it out for the Kona a few years later. In other countries though, the Creta (aka ix25) sold in good numbers, and as proof Hyundai came up with the second-generation 2020 model.

With its dimensions set at (LxWxH, in mm): 4,300 x 1,790 x 1,620, the 2020 Creta aka ix25 is bigger than the recently-launched Venue global model. Curiously, it’s also longer (+ 135 mm) and taller (+ 70 mm) than the Kona, and even sports a 10 mm longer wheelbase (2,610 mm versus 2,600 mm).

Hyundai says the design is inspired by the all-new Sonata’s “Sensuous Sportiness”, but there’s also no mistaking its resemblance to the Palisade down to the split-LED headlights seemingly joined together by the LED daytime running lights. The rear also echoes the very same split-lamp design and vertical surfaces.

Inside, the show car has a minimalist cabin with a large portrait-style tablet interface. This infotainment system has been made to “merge” with the floor console giving it a high-tech look. It also boasts of a compact steering wheel and horizontal air vents.

No powertrain configuration has been announced, but it’s likely to borrow the Hyundai Accent’s range of gasoline and diesel engines.

Now, here’s the most interesting bit.

Despite its compact footprint, various Indian automotive websites say that the second-generation Creta will be made available with 7 seats. Unless they’ve come up with some sort of packaging miracle, the third row will prove to be more than just emergency jump seats. That said, if these reports are true,it could spell trouble for the likes of the Toyota Rush and Honda BR-V.

Having a 7-seater configuration also increases the likelihood of seeing the all-new Creta in the Philippines once more. If the 2020 Creta would really spout three rows of seats, this could mean that Hyundai Asia Resources would have access to the most complete SUV line-up in the country. The Venue will go against the EcoSport, Vitara, and Juke (below 2.0-liter sub-compacts), the Kona against the HR-V and Mazda CX-3 (2.0-liter sub-compacts), the Tucson against the Forester and CR-V (compact crossovers), the Santa Fe against the 7-seater PPVs, the Palisade against the premium 7-seater crossovers, and now, the Creta against the Rush and BR-V.