Hyundai Creta has been one of the benchmarks in the compact SUVs category in India, setting one of the highest benchmarks that the competitors toil hard to follow.
Since its inception, this middleweight combatant has grown in stature from simply a stepping stone to a class leader).
The latest version simply refines an already winning formula with considered tweaks that keep the mic inline with changing consumer standards without losing sight of the features that made it popular.
Design Evolution: Strong but Divisive
The current Creta takes Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design language to an unusual level of daring. Up front, the unmistakable parametric grille is flanked by split headlamp clusters, for a three-tier lighting that provides instant recognition.
It’s a clear step away from traditional styling for the sake of a more unique design in the current sea of homogenity that permeates its segment.
“What’s interesting about the Creta’s design direction though, is the confidence it has in steering away from typical SUV design cues,” says automotive designer Vikram Menon.
“Instead of playing the safe card and using the tried-and-tested rugged ‘simple’ design direction, Hyundai has thrown something out there that is genuinely controversial and people react to – something that is always going to have a stronger emotional impact than generating a more ‘conservative’ interest.”
Floating roof effect is further accentuated in the side profile by contrasting color options in the higher trims and the rear continues this dynamic look with the horizontally positioned tail lamps linked by a light bar.
In terms of overall shape, it retains the old car’s traditional SUV silhouette with generous ground clearance (190mm), but adds some sportier bits to give the Creta a more present look on the road.
Cabin Comfort: Upmarket Ambitions
Once behind the wheel of the Creta, the cabin’s upmarket aspirations become immediately evident.
The dashboard is dominated by a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system which is mated to the digital instrument cluster resulting in a tech-heavy setting that matches the premium feel of the day.
The quality of materials is genuinely impressive – touch points such as the soft-padded surfaces on the dash and door inserts are offset against the piano-black and metallic highlights.
Seat comfort is still top class in the segment, with upmarket variants getting powered adjustment for the driver. Ventilated front seats will come in handy in India’s varying weather conditions, and rear seat comfort is good as well – legroom and recline are impressive, albeit offset slightly by the low roofline, which could be a hindrance to rear-seat headroom. The panoramic sunroof, standard in Hyundai’s thing of transportation, brings a monsoon of light to the interior and opens one’s passenger compartment up.
The Creta’s interior showcases Hyundai’s profound understanding of changing tastes in Indian consumers, says interior design consultant Priya Venkatesh.
“The premium is now basic and what used to be reserved for luxury segments is now the name of the game for mainstream segments.
And the Creta strikes that balance of these too-high expectations combined with sensible considerations, to be a genuinely nice place without going all impractical.
There are many useful touches throughout the cabin, including convenient storage — and even rear-seat comfort is impressive with adjustable headrests, a folding center armrest and separate air conditioning vents.
The capacity of 433 litres in the luggage compartment ensures practical utility, rear seats that split fold allow available space to be increased when carrying larger items.
Variety of powertrain options: There’s an option for everyone
The Creta’s powertrains further reflect Hyundai’s commitment to provide customers with the power of choice in a segment that is seeing much demand. The range includes:
1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol (115 PS/144 Nm), this can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT
115 PS/250 Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic
1.4-liter turbo-petrol (140 PS/242 Nm) with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
That variance gives customers a choice of emphasizing either fuel economy, performance, or how they like their car to feel on the road.
Petrol power comes in the form of a naturally aspirated unit, which offers accessible everyday performance and great refinement, while the diesel combines impressive punch with class-best fuel economy, which will look particularly appealing for high-mileage users.
The turbocharged petrol, which is built as the enthusiast option, delivers energetic performance that is quite rare for the segment.
Matched to a slick-dual clutch transmission, the driving experience is closer to some of the European premium offerings and means the Creta is one of the sportier options in its segment when the driver feels like it.
The powertrain strategy shows that Hyundai is not caving into the one-size-fits-all similar approach taken by rivals, according to auto writer Rajiv Sharma.
“With several manufacturers rationalizing their engine options, the Creta has still retained meaningful choices that cater to the varied needs of the Indian market, from a cost-conscious first time SUV buyer to the passionate perfectionist who seeks and expects an engaging driving experience.”
Integration with technology: linked and convenient
Maybe the Creta is the most serious advance of all, over its forerunner, in its holistic tech nanny offering?
BlueLink, the connected car platform features more than 60 Connected Car features including Remote Engine Start/Stop, Climate Control, Realtime Location tracking, Geofence, Speed Alert, Towing, Clutch lock, Tyre Pressure and much more.
This system communicates with a smartphone through applications so that connection is both comfortable and continued beyond the vehicle.
The infotainment system is compatible with wire1ess Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a Bose premium audio system with 8 speakers provides with high quality sound that is rare in this price range.
Voice rec is getting better with each subsequent software update and now allows for natural language command of many vehicle functions not just basic navigation and media.
Driver aids include an extensive surround-view camera system, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert – tech that until not long ago was available only on much pricier cars.
These systems contribute increase safety and everyday convenience in difficult urban driving situations in particular.
“Integration” goes beyond just the inclusion of a feature to building an ecosystem, explains connected vehicle expert Amit Patel.
“Unlike other automakers that build individual systems that are easily isolated, Hyundai is developing a connected ecosystem that is more than the sum of individual parts – they work in concert to bring you a rapidly evolving vehicle owner experience.”
Behind the Wheel: Comfort with a Touch of Spunk
It’s aimed very much at the heart of the market, the Ecosport and others like it, and the onus on the Creta is to be relaxing and refined, yet not to be entirely devoid of entertainment.
The suspension has been tuned with our roads in mind and soaks up unevenness without breaking a sweat, yet manages to retain enough body control for a bit of enthusiastic driving.
The steering has progressive weighting that keeps maneuverability at low speed but adds stability at high speeds, though enthusiasts may want more road feel.
It’s significantly quieter than before, in which NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels are vastly improved due to enhanced insulation with the cabin clearly tranquil, regardless of how rough the tarmac is or how high the velocities are.
“The defining trait of the Creta in terms of its driving character is versatility,” says Sanjay Kumar who specialises in vehicle dynamics.
“It accomplishes to be quite the comfortable, plush machine when day-to-day commuting and enough precision and body control when driven with a bit more zeal.
That width of ability makes for a vehicle that will satisfy primary motorists for 99% of the time when they want isolation and a beach cruise then a car that excites when the road becomes more engaging.”
The different drive modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport) change the throttle and steering sensitivity, so you can drive it the way you would want to, or need to.
On higher models, the Terrain modes optimise traction control and power delivery for more difficult surfaces, so you can go further without the additional complexity – not to mention extra cost of, a full four-wheel-drive system.
Market Position and Legacy – Hyundai Creta new facelift
The Creta continuing to flourish despite mounting competition says a lot about the manner in which Hyundai India plans, develops and executes its products.
The model has continuously set the standard for a market in which, instead of reacting to market trends, the brand consistently has anticipated them.”
It has had an impact that goes beyond sales to influence what consumers expect from the whole category. A number of features and technologies that debuted on the venue have since gone on to become category norms, with competitors now having had to step up and offer those features or risk being shown up.
“Creta’s remarkable domination of the Indian auto has turned to show, what an astute model development and in-depth consumer understanding can do,” notes automotive market analyst Amrita Patel.
“Instead of concentrating on specs that only exist on a piece of paper, or going head to head on pricing alone, Hyundai has invested in creating a product that people can genuinely love, and benefits customers every day.”
In a segment that will grow over the years with new players and newer technologies, for the Creta to remain but Hyundai’s desire to pursue revolutionary than evolutionary just be another new member, outclass its rivals.
Going by the history, the model will very much continue to raise the benchmark and more than that, follow others, which will further solidify its status as being one of the most important vehicles on the Indian auto map.