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Hyundai Creta continues to dominate mid-size SUV segment despite entry of new models
10/17/20233 min read
The Hyundai Creta has maintained its dominance in the mid-size SUV segment in India since its launch in July 2015. This is evident from the fact that it continues to be the top-selling vehicle in its category, even in the face of competition from newer models like the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Kia Seltos.
As of now, the mid-size SUV segment is primarily driven by three key models: the Creta, the Grand Vitara, and the Seltos. The second-generation Creta was introduced in India in March 2020, and it has consistently performed well in terms of sales. The Grand Vitara, on the other hand, entered the Indian market in September 2022, and while it has made an impact, it hasn't yet surpassed the Creta in sales. The Seltos has been in the market since August 2019, and although it has been a significant player in the segment, it recently received a facelift in July 2023 to stay competitive.
When comparing the sales volumes of these three models from October 2022 to September 2023, the Creta leads by a substantial margin. During this period, the Creta saw 158,583 units being dispatched for domestic wholesale, while the Grand Vitara and Seltos followed with 106,284 units and 95,944 units, respectively. This data demonstrates the enduring popularity of the Hyundai Creta in the mid-size SUV segment in India.
Domestic wholesale dispatches
The Hyundai Creta has maintained its top position in the mid-size SUV segment in India even after the updated Seltos was introduced in July 2023. The competition for the second position in this segment has mainly revolved around the Grand Vitara and the Seltos.
While there are other mid-size SUV options available in the market, such as the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, and MG Astor, these models lag significantly behind the top three contenders, selling fewer than 5,000 units per month.
Puneet Gupta, the S&P Global Mobility Director, highlighted the Creta's enduring dominance, stating that it benefits from being the first choice that comes to mind when thinking of a mid-size SUV in India, which has helped it maintain its leadership position in the segment.
Hyundai Motor India has sold nearly 950,000 units of the Creta in the domestic market since its introduction eight years ago. The strong dealership network and aggressive approach of Hyundai in sales and service contribute to its success.
According to Gupta, the Creta will continue to be a key model in the mid-size SUV segment, and there are expectations that Hyundai may introduce the Creta EV, which could further stimulate interest in the segment.
Industry experts have praised the Creta for its efficient engines, spacious cabin, and an array of features, especially on the dashboard. They also note that the Creta is known for its reliability, low ownership costs, and high resale value.
The current Creta is priced between Rs 10.87 lakh and Rs 19.20 lakh (ex-showroom) and is available with two engine options: a 1.5-litre MPi petrol (115PS/144Nm) and a 1.5-litre U2 CRDi diesel (116PS/250Nm). The petrol variant can be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or an IVT, while the diesel variant offers 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission options.
Dealers have reported waiting periods for the Creta, with petrol variants having a wait time of two to eight weeks and diesel variants facing longer waiting periods of 12 to 20 weeks.
New Creta in 2024
Furthermore, there are plans to launch a new Creta in 2024, which is expected to be a facelift version of the vehicle. This move may strengthen the Creta's brand name in India, according to sector experts.