While the exterior remains largely concealed, the partially exposed cabin gives us a fair idea of the changes Hyundai is planning for its best-selling SUV. The third-generation Creta, internally codenamed SX3, is expected to move to the K3 platform, shared with the latest Kia Seltos.
This should translate into a larger footprint and improved cabin space.2027 Hyundai Creta: New interior and featuresThe biggest change inside the upcoming Creta is the completely redesigned dashboard. It gets a large, vertically oriented central infotainment touchscreen, paired with a separate slim digital driver's display positioned higher on the dashboard.
The setup appears to be different from the integrated dual-screen arrangement found in several recent Hyundai models.The infotainment system could be Hyundai's Pleos Connect interface, which is expected to bring a more advanced software experience and an updated connected-car package. The SUV also gets a new steering wheel with an unconventional design and Hyundai's Morse Code-inspired 'H' logo.
Touch-sensitive controls and physical scroll wheels appear to be integrated into the steering wheel. The cabin follows a light-coloured theme, with off-white and black elements extending across the dashboard, seats and door panels.
The centre console gets a floating design, featuring two cupholders arranged longitudinally and an extended front armrest. A rotary control below the infotainment screen is also visible, although its exact function remains unclear.Hyundai appears to have paid considerable attention to rear-seat comfort as well.
The spy shots reveal a rear centre armrest with integrated cupholders, dedicated AC vents and what looks like improved legroom. Both front seats are expected to get electric adjustment, while the front passenger seat could also feature an electrically operated Boss Mode function.
This would allow rear occupants to adjust the co-driver's seat to free up additional legroom.Bigger size, new platform and hybrid powertrain The move to the K3 architecture should be among the most significant upgrades for the next-generation Creta. The platform also underpins the new Kia Seltos and is expected to give Hyundai greater scope to improve the SUV's dimensions, interior packaging and overall road presence.On the outside, earlier test sightings have hinted at a more upright design, featuring a boxier front grille, split headlamp arrangement, vertically positioned LED daytime running lights and a revised rear lighting signature.
Other expected additions include flush-fitting door handles, a 360-degree camera system and a centrally mounted radar sensor for advanced driver assistance systems.Feature additions could extend to ventilated front and rear seats, a panoramic camera system, Level 2 ADAS, blind-spot monitoring, reclining rear seats and an expanded telematics package. However, the final equipment list and the availability of these features across variants will only become clear closer to launch.Under the bonnet, Hyundai is expected to retain the existing 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines.
These currently produce 115bhp, 160bhp and 116bhp, respectively. The existing manual and automatic transmission options are also likely to continue.The bigger development, however, could be the introduction of a strong-hybrid petrol powertrain.
Expected to be developed around the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, the hybrid setup could help Hyundai take on the increasingly popular hybrid SUVs from Maruti Suzuki and Toyota. It could debut alongside the new Creta or arrive at a later stage.2027 Hyundai Creta launch timelineWith the Bayon now entering Hyundai's India portfolio, the Creta is expected to move further upmarket, potentially creating more room between the two SUVs.
The next-generation model is likely to command a premium over the current Creta.The new Creta is expected to arrive around mid-2027. Once launched, it will continue to compete with the Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Nissan Tekton, while the potential hybrid variant could broaden its appeal among buyers considering the Renault Duster, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Victoris and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine - Ends