Should this cheap small SUV come to Australia? 2024 Hyundai Creta revealed with big changes, but could it be a Kia Seltos, Mitsubishi ASX rival Down Under?

It's the cheap SUV that could be an affordable alternative to the Kona, but will the freshly revealed Hyundai Creta come to Australia?

The small SUV has been a staple in emerging markets like India for a number of years now, but its chances for an Australian launch are low.

A Hyundai Australia spokesperson said the redesigned Creta is a no for Down Under.

Essentially a major mid-life facelift for the second-generation Creta that surfaced in 2019, the new model will go on sale in India this month and other markets soon.

The new version ushers in a massive visual change for the Creta, which, until now, featured divisive exterior design elements.

The new version adopts a more squared-off, almost rugged look, with LED split headlights and interesting tail-lights that are more in keeping with the current crop of retro Hyundais.

The interior gets big changes too with integrated digital instrument cluster and multimedia screens like many other current Hyundai models, new leatherette seats, ambient lighting and more premium materials.

Under the bonnet, the Creta will continue to be offered with a choice of three 1.5-litre engines - a petrol, turbo-petrol and a diesel - with a choice of either a six-speed manual, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), seven-speed dual clutch or six-speed torque converter auto, depending on the engine.

The updated Creta also introduces 19 new driver assistance features, while also offering six airbags.

Last year Hyundai India sold just over 157,000 examples of the Creta, making it the seventh most popular car in the country. In fact, given it followed five Maruti Suzuki models and a Tata, it was the first non-Indian branded car in the top sales ladder.

In Australia the Venue is Hyundai's most affordable SUV, starting at $22,000 before on-road costs. The freshly launched second-generation Kona is pricier than the old one and now kicks off from $32,000.