Hyundai offers first glimpse at Creta

HYUNDAI has taken another step closer to the burgeoning compact-SUV market, revealing the first sketches of its forthcoming Creta baby crossover.

Just two renderings of the car were released with no accompanying detail, but the vehicle bears a distinct likeness to the China-only ix25 that was unveiled in concept form just over a year ago.

Without the necessary safety features to satisfy the stricter standards of other nations, the ix25 will not be the compact SUV that the company needs in its international portfolio, but the Creta could be an aesthetically similar vehicle packing more safety kit.

Just as Mazda borrowed the Mazda2 interior for its closely-related CX-3, Hyundai appears to be lifting the cabin for the Creta from its European-spec i20 compact hatchback that is still not locked in for an Australian release.

Its simple copper-coloured dashboard flows through to matching door trims, while a chunky three-spoke steering wheel frames a traditional two-gauge cluster.

The South Korean car-maker says the vehicle will have a “premium look” and “bold and glamorous” styling, and wears a grille not unlike that of the Veloster sporty three-door hatchback.

An official release goes on to explain the Creta's slender and hidden A-pillar creates an “open and airy cabin.”Its massive five-spoke wheels are unlikely to make it past the earliest concept modeling stages, but sharp side flashes, aggressive twin-lens headlights and contrasting wheel-arches and skirts are possible retentions.

Hyundai has not indicated when the production version might break cover or when it is expected to go on sale, but it will not be a moment too soon with the likes of Mazda's CX-3, the Honda HR-V and Holden Trax gaining momentum in the Australian market.