Despite Nitin Gadkari’s comments on diesel-powered vehicles in India, Hyundai is likely to proceed with the diesel-powered new Creta for the Indian market. Gadkari mentioned on Tuesday that the government would propose a 10% increase in GST for diesel vehicles. However, he retracted those statements this morning after creating turmoil in the industry.
The Creta facelift test mules have been spied on test near Chennai earlier, but the latest pictures come from South Korea. Shots reveal that the upcoming Creta facelift will feature a bigger, more imposing grille, while the LED DRLs could be inspired from the bigger Palisade. The headlamps will continue to be split units. In profile, you can see alloy wheels which are similar to those on the Creta SX variant. Just like most facelifts, expect tweaks to the rear bumper and the tail-lamp design as well.
Powering the Hyundai Creta facelift will be the same set of engines as the Kia Seltos in India. It will be powered by a 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. A 157 bhp 1.5-litre turbo petrol with a dual clutch automatic transmission will also be on the cards.
Apart from Hyundai, Tata Motors has also said that they will continue to produce diesel powered cars despite a hike in GST as long as there are customers willing to buy them.
In one of his recent statements, Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Electric Mobility, stated that Tata Motors will persist in manufacturing and selling diesel cars as long as there is demand in the market. Chandra believes that there is still significant demand for diesel cars, particularly in the premium SUV segment. However, this demand may diminish following the enforcement of BS-VII emission norms, which will make diesel engines, and consequently diesel cars, more expensive.
Tata Motors currently offers four diesel-powered models – Altroz, Nexon, Harrier, and Safari. Among these, the Altroz is the sole hatchback available in India with a diesel engine option. All other small car manufacturers – Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Honda, Renault, Nissan, and Volkswagen – have ceased offering diesel-powered hatchbacks.