Hyundai Creta facelift spied undisguised ahead of the official launch

Hyundai is set to launch the Creta facelift in India soon. The crossover has been spotted on many occasions and a product presentation was leaked online as well a few days ago. The Korean crossover has started arriving at the dealership already. These are images of the undisguised Creta facelift spied at a dealer’s yard prior to the official launch.

The facelift primarily involves visual updates to make the Creta appear more upmarket. This includes tweaked projector headlamps with LED DRLs and a front grille that gets Hyundai’s signature ‘Cascading’ style finished in chrome. The dual-tone bumpers get contrasting skid plates as well. The car will ride on dual-tone 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels which look very attractive in the pictures. Apart from that, new LED lights around the fog lamps add to the crossover's style appeal. A new bumper design  at the rear with revised tailgate, newly designed taillights and reflectors is also to be expected. 

On the inside, the fabric upholstery is all new and the air-con vents will now get a contrasting metallic finish. In the dual-tone models, the contrasting interiors will be colour coordinated. Hyundai will also offer a “Smart Key Band” which was revealed in the leaked presentation. Other features include a six-way electric driver’s seat, electric sunroof in addition to cruise control and wireless charging system. However, the newly added features will be limited to the top-spec SX (O) trim. The updated Creta will be available in five trims – E, E+, S, SX and SX (O). The exterior paint scheme will get seven colour options – Polar White, Sleek Silver, Phantom Black, Stardust, Fiery Red, Passion Orange and Marina Blue. It will also be offered in two dual-tone schemes as well. 

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Bentley Flying Spur PHEV to use Panamera hybrid powertrain

Insurance database information shows that a recently spotted development car, caught on camera in London by Autocar reader Chris Thomson, is using the 2.9-litre V6 engine that’s also used by the Porsche saloon, rather than the 3.0-litre unit used in other hybrid models from the Volkswagen Group, such as the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid.

The test car's hybrid system is evident due to the fitment of two fuel filler caps, one of which has been taped over.

Bentley refrained from commenting on the car when asked why a lower-capacity engine is to be used in the Flying Spur PHEV, but Autocar understands the 2.9-litre version has been chosen because it can provide a higher maximum power output.

This is because it features a larger crankshaft (which shortens the engine’s stroke) than the 3.0-litre engine. The Flying Spur PHEV is therefore expected to be launched with at least 456bhp and 516lb ft – the outputs of the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. The Porsche is due in a higher state of tune at a later date, suggesting the pricier Flying Spur might be offered from the off with more power.

The Flying Spur PHEV is expected to have an all-electric range of around 30 miles. This will be an essential feature if it is to comply with ever-stricter global emissions regulations, particularly in China.

The plug-in hybrid will be part of the next-generation Flying Spur range, which, as scooped by Autocar recently, will be launched next year with a more distinctive design to more clearly carve out its own identity among its range-mates.

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