Hyundai Motor India has expanded its N Line series with the recent launch of the Creta N Line, marking the fourth addition to the performance-oriented lineup. Price starts from Rs. 16.82 lakhs (ex-showroom), the Creta N Line aims to rival models like the Kia Seltos GT Line and X Line variants.
Since 2021, Hyundai has been introducing N Line models annually, starting with the i20 N Line, followed by the Venue N Line in 2022 and the facelifted i20 N Line in 2023. However, despite speculation, there are currently no plans for a Verna N .Line, as confirmed by Tarun Garg, COO, Hyundai Motor India.
Garg emphasized that market dynamics play a crucial role in decision-making, pointing out that the market share of sedans has declined to 8 percent. Citing January 2024 sales figures, the Verna continues to lead the mid-size sedan segment with 2,172 units, followed by the Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia with 1,879 and 1,242 units respectively.
The debate between investing in hybrids or adopting electric vehicles is ongoing. Hyundai, a global player in hybrid technology, is currently focusing on all-electric vehicles in the Indian market due to favorable FAME II subsidies. Garg said the company’s strategies are aligned with government policies and for now, the emphasis remains on BEVs.
Although Hyundai offers a range of hybrids globally, Garg highlighted that the Indian strategy is in line with the market trend, where both Mahindra and Tata are investing heavily in battery electric vehicles. He mentioned, “We have no plans to bring in hybrids because India’s strategy is more focused on BEVs. For the global market, Hyundai has hybrid technology and vehicles, but BEVs are the way forward here.” Garg also mentioned plans to localize batteries, aiming to reduce costs and facilitate the introduction of more BEVs in the future.