Hyundai reveals 2017 Creta and Creta pick-up concept at Sao Paulo

Hyundai has revealed an updated Creta SUV along with a new Creta-based pick-up truck concept called the Creta STC at the Sao Paulo auto show 2016 in Brazil.

While it isn't confirmed yet, the styling changes on the 2017 Creta model could preview those likely to be seen on the Creta facelift that will head to India in the next couple of years.

The most notable changes to the SUV are up front where it gets tweaked headlamps with LED daytime-running lamps, a larger, more prominent three-slat grille and a revised front bumper with horizontal fog lamps and a faux skid plate. Changes to the rear, however, are less noticeable but it does get a revised bumper and tweaked tail-lamps.

The cabin is more or less unchanged and gets minor cosmetic changes. The infotainment system, however, gets the addition of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Powering the car shown at the auto show is a choice of flex-fuel engines – a 130hp 1.6-litre unit offered with a choice of a manual and automatic gearbox or a larger 166hp 2.0-litre unit offered with an automatic gearbox as standard.

In India, the Creta has been very successful for Hyundai. It quickly rose to become the bestseller in the small SUV segment and took secured its place as the best in the segment. Hyundai has also begun work on the next-gen SUV which is expected to debut in 2021 and will offer a seven-seat variant as well – something currently only offered by the Honda BR-V.

Creta pick-up concept

Hyundai showed interest in the pick-up segment with the new Creta-based pick-up truck concept. The concept sits longer and wider than the SUV on which it is based, and has a wheelbase that is stretched by 210mm.

In terms of looks, the Creta STC follows a similar front-end design as the production Creta, but with more conceptual touches such as an aggressive bumper with tow hooks, a faux skid plate and sleek all-LED headlamps. At the rear, the STC features sleek LED tail-lamps and an aggressive bumper with integrated tailpipes.

The concept showcases a space cab body style with reverse opening rear doors and neatly integrated door handles. Completing the concept’s overall looks are 21-inch alloy wheels.

The concept was jointly developed by the Hyundai Design Centre in Korea and the automaker’s local arm in Brazil, and previews a model that will rival the Renault Duster Oroch that's on sale in the South American markets.

While there are no official details about the engine options, the Creta STC is likely to use the same engines that were showcased on the production-spec SUV revealed alongside it.