Hyundai has aggressively gutted the variant list for its most popular SUV, the Creta. By stripping away the mid-range SX Tech and SX(O) trims, the brand has effectively eliminated the “sweet spot” for many consumers, forcing them to either settle for lower features or overspend on high-end models. This regressive strategy is further compounded by the death of the S and E manual variants and the complete removal of several ‘King’ and Knight special editions. Most frustratingly, the decision to restrict Level 2 ADAS technology exclusively to the top-tier King variants feels like a blatant cash grab, making life-saving safety technology a luxury that many can no longer afford.
The i20 N Line has also seen its accessibility severely compromised. By axing the N6 DCT variant, Hyundai has essentially issued an ultimatum to buyers: pay a massive premium for the top-spec N8 trim or lose the convenience of the dual-clutch transmission entirely. To add insult to injury, the remaining N6 variant has been stripped of its dual-tone exterior options, leaving the entry-level N Line looking drab and offering far less personality than before. This move significantly narrows the path for budget-conscious drivers who wanted a sporty automatic, making the brand’s performance wing feel increasingly elitist and out of reach. None of this is a blow to enthusiast Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq are enthusiast choice and Virtus and Slavia are being preferred over i20.
