Hyundai kicks off production of new Creta at Chennai plant
The first made-in-India production-ready new Creta has rolled off the production line at the Sriperumbudur plant at Hyundai Motor India in Tamil Nadu. Ahead of the official launch of the midsize SUV on March 17, 2020.
The factory has upgraded by Hyundai Motor India in preparation. For the launch of the second generation Creta. Additions include a group of robots to install the variants. So, the roof segment which gets the large panoramic roof. The factory at Chennai is now stamping 17 new body panels for the new Creta.
In principle, if Hyundai installs only the mid-size SUV on the three assembly lines of Plant 1. The carmaker will produce 330,000 units per year. The company has also been using 3D scanning technology. So, this ensures the parameters like panel gaps stay within specified tolerances. Particularly for the next-gen mid-size SUV.
In order to increase structural rigidity and keep weight to a minimum. Hyundai has raised the high-strength steel content to 74.3% with the bare shell weighing below 300 kg.
The new pioneer in the segment, the Kia Seltos, and second-gen Hyundai Creta – like the frame and underpinnings – share a lot under the skin and also the three engine options.
The Seltos, however, comes with a total of six engine gearbox choices, while the Hyundai Creta gets five – the 115hp, 1.5-liter gasoline unit with a 6-speed manual and CVT gearbox options. A 115hp, 1.5-liter diesel mill. With a 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options.
A 140hp, 1.4-liter turbo-petrol engine with a dual-clutch 7-speed automatic gearbox. Ironically, the ARAI mileage estimates in Crete are a touch higher than those of the Seltos.
Its five engine-gearbox models compatible its BS-VI and five versions on offer. Hyundai expects the all-new Crete will be able to regain the Kia Seltos SUV selling title. To do so, Hyundai’s ensured that the new Creta follows the benchmark in terms of features and safety package.