Hyundai Creta Facelift Review: All Changes Over The Previous Version

Hyundai Creta Facelift Review: The changes are minimum, which means is it still worth the buy?

Despite being the best-selling SUV in its category with average monthly sales of 10,000 units, Hyundai went ahead and updated Creta to cement its leadership position. The face lift Creta comes with a host of changes and prices for the new range starts at Rs 9.60 lakh for base E variant and goes all the way up to Rs 15.65 lakh for top SX(O) version (ex-showroom, Delhi). We give you a low down of what all has changed on new Creta.

The most prominent change on the exteriors is the incorporation of the cascading grille which has replaced the three-slat unit of the earlier model. Headlamps now meet the grille at upper corners and top-line variant gets a silver skid plate up front. The housing for the fog lamp has been revised and the addition of LED DRLs looks quite cool. In the profile, the silhouette remains similar to outgoing model while top-end variants receive a 17-inch machine cut alloy wheels.

At the back, dual-tone rear bumper, faux diffuser, and revised tail lamps are among the major changes incorporated by Hyundai. The company has also added new one color schemes to Creta range – passion orange and marina blue. You can also order new Creta with dual-tone paint job with contrasting black roof.

There hasn’t been a comprehensive makeover as far as interiors are concerned with the overall layout of the older Creta has been carried over to the new model. Black and beige interiors are familiar though the top-variant has got all new black interiors with contrasting orange highlights. In fact, you can have these highlights in your variant too as Hyundai offers the interior pack for customizing options inside the cabin. Features and equipment is one area where this facelift has really added massive value for customer.

Hyundai Creta now comes equipped with dual front safety airbags, ABS with EBD, height adjustable driver seat, speed-sensing door lock, and front seat belts with pretensioner as a standard part of the equipment across the range. The feature on the top variants includes electric sunroof, projector headlamps, LED DRL’s, wireless phone charger, electrically adjustable driver seat, 7” touch screen infotainment system with navigation and smartphone compatibility (both Apple CarPlay and Android auto). Others feature continue to be on offer such as electric ORVM, fog lamps, height adjustable seat belts and more is on offer.

The top SX (O) variant has got an extra boost in terms of six safety airbags, hill assist control, VSM, and electronic stability control among others. Space continues to be adequate in the front and back and also offers a decent boot at 400 litres.

Hyundai has made no changes to the power train and transmission options with new Creta continues to feature 1.6-liter petrol and 1.6-liter diesel with an output of 121bhp/151Nm and 126bhp/260Nm respectively. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed manual and automatic transmission. You can also opt for a 1.4-liter diesel engine which is good for 89bhp and 220Nm and coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The Drive

Hyundai was kind enough to send us a car for the story and we like it just like any other in most aspects. Its very easy to drive because every control, even the stalks are fluid to use. Clutch, gearbox, steering is part of that list. Steering continues to be vague but light and precise for most duties. It doesn’t weigh up much on the highway either. Over the previous car there is almost negligible change that we couldn’t pick them up to notice, because it rides the same. Brakes are good with good pedal bite. Engine with us on test was the 1.6 litre diesel motor with an 6-speed manual gearbox.

Engine NVH levels are impressive as always and the engine loves to redline. It has just about enough low end power and mid-range and top-end power is good which makes just above average in terms of performance. The numbers may be higher, the kerb weight pulls the performance slightly down. Again, Hyundai has made some changes but they were not noticeable when it comes to performance or fuel economy which remains at 13-15 km/l in our overall driving condition which include thick city traffic and highway run.

The car is nimble in the city, there is just about enough agility in the corner along with decent poise. Push it hard like an enthusiastic driver and you will be disappointed with the lack of steering feedback and understeer. Overall, a great commuter, but nothing sporty is on offer.

Hyundai Creta Facelift Review, Verdict

In terms of price change, the new base E petrol variant of Creta is Rs 15,000 more expensive than the outgoing model while top-line petrol SX(O) costs Rs 57,000 more than before. The base diesel variant, on the other hand, is priced similar to the outgoing model though top diesel SX(O) has got costlier by Rs 44,000 than before. Apart from all of this, the Creta continues to be the best most authentic looking SUV in its segment with its square-body design and easy to drive nature and almost every possible feature available in the car making it a premium SUV with adequate practicality on offer, if not more.

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