Creta, Hyundai says, is “simple and easy to remember,” and is derived from the Greek island of Crete, historically a “focal point for Greece’s global prowess in trade and culture.” Creta also “deliberately evokes welcome similarities with the term ‘creative,’ and draws on positive associations with the Mediterranean island of Crete, which is famed for combining a relaxed and tranquil environment with a vibrant, energetic approach to outdoor activities,” according to Hyundai. Yeah, that’s a bit much, but it sure beats a meaningless alphanumeric moniker.
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Hyundai showed a subcompact SUV concept called the Intrado (above) at the Geneva auto show last year, but based on the rendering Hyundai just released, the Crete would look less like that car than a smaller, yet more muscular expression of the handsome new Tucson. Still, if the hexagonal grill, scowling lights, blackout A-pillar, articulated fenders, and rising character line on the body side all become reality, the Creta should have plenty of personality, a boon in a segment of market that also includes the Nissan Juke, Mazda CX-3, and Jeep Renegade.
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The Creta will go on sale in India later this year, and that’s the only market Hyundai has confirmed thus far. Hyundai Motors America had no comment about the Crete’s U.S. prospects, but the Hyundai global press release characterized the Creta as “an influential global model” that will help reach customers “in new and established international markets.” We hope that includes us, because it looks pretty cool, and besides, if Hyundai didn’t sell it here, that’d just be crazy.
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