Quick drive impressions of the updated Creta
Hyundai has given the second-generation Creta a mid-life facelift, incorporating noteworthy changes into its design, interior, and powertrains. We sampled the top-spec nat-asp petrol Creta to find out what’s changed and what’s not…
Table of Contents
Design
When the second-generation Creta debuted in 2020, it was a shock to the space. The styling was bold and a little too unconventional for a compact SUV. The 2024 facelift has redrawn the same into something more mature, balanced, and likable.
Up front, there’s a bigger, new-age Hyundai parametric grille and a completely new lighting setup. The split setup includes LED daytime running lights, sequential turn signal lamps, and a full-width light bar. The all-LED headlamps are now squared off and sit lower on the bumper, and there are new scuff plates as well. All in all, the refreshed Creta has a more boxy, masculine front end.
The side profile seems to be unchanged at large. The roofline, body lines, and overall silhouette are the same as the car it replaces. The alloy wheels feature fresh designs. It rides on 17-inch wheels and not 18 inchers! These are shod with 215/60 Apollo rubber.
The tail end has been extensively reworked. It now looks more sculpted and gets connected LED tail lamps, a new rear bumper with an integrated skid plate, and a fresh-looking tailgate. The reversing lamp now sits on the bumper.
The design of the facelifted Creta makes it look wider than its predecessor. However, going by the actual vehicle dimensions, it is the overall length that has had an increase. It has gone up by 30mm on the facelift, with no change in the wheelbase.
| Length | 4,330 mm |
| Width | 1,790 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,610 mm |
ALSO READ: 2023 Hyundai Verna Review- 1.5 MPi (Petrol-CVT)
Interior And Features
The cabin gets a new design, and is finished in a Grey- Black colourway. It is a step up from the previous car. However, a Beige or Tan color theme could have added an air of richness to this.
The SUV gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (although not wireless) along with connected car tech and Jio Saavn integration. Further, the infotainment system gets a regular USB port, instead of a C-type point. This brings us to the realization that the new Creta’s infotainment unit probably has the same hardware architecture as that of the previous car!
The familiar Bose audio system has been retained. The infotainment screen is neatly integrated into what looks like an extremely wide single-piece panel that also houses the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The display quality and readability of the digital console are great. However, there are multiple type-C charging points inside the cabin.
The new Creta has features like a wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, a motorized driver seat, 360 camera, air purifier, electric parking brake, panoramic sunroof etc.
The front seats are comfortable enough, though not overly supportive of the shoulders. Outside visibility is good, too. The rear seat lacks a headrest for the mid-passenger.
Despite the slight revision in length, the boot capacity has had no change on the new Creta. It still stands at 433 liters. There is further 60:40 split rear seats for added flexibility.
ALSO READ: Hyundai Exter Review: India’s Best Micro SUV?
2024 Hyundai Creta Specifications
The new Creta is being offered with the choice of three engines- 1.5 NA petrol, 1.5 diesel, and 1.5 turbocharged petrol. It is with the facelift that Hyundai’s new 1.5 TGDi makes its way to Creta.
We sampled the 1.5 NA petrol mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. It churns out 115 PS and 144 Nm. The MPi engine feels refined and the cabin has good insulation as well.
| Engine | 1.5L MPi Petrol |
| Transmission | 6 speed manual |
| Power | 115 hp |
| Torque | 144 Nm |
Ride And Handling
The facelift continues to be an easy-to-use SUV. Its large glasshouse provides excellent all-round visibility, while the steering feels effortless. The 4.3m size makes it easy to drive on India’s chaotic roads and narrow streets.
The ride is comfortable, with just a pinch of firmness at slow speeds. Hyundai has wisely chosen not to upsize to larger 18-inch wheels, doing which would have hurt bump-soaking. The new car rides with confidence at higher speeds. It feels predictable on most surfaces.
The braking performance is likable and suffices for most speed situations, thanks to the four disc brakes and safety tech. However, we would appreciate some more pedal feel…
ALSO READ: 2022 Hyundai Tucson Review After 700 Kilometers
Safety?
The Creta 2024 has been upgraded to improve crash protection. The standard safety features include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, front & rear disc brakes, tyre pressure monitor, and ISOFIX Child seat mounts. Top-spec variants offer Level 2 ADAS.
While it hasn’t been tested yet, we expect the new Creta facelift to score well, if not a five-star rating at Bharat NCAP crash tests.
Level 2 ADAS On Creta 2024
One of the biggest talking points here is the level 2 ADAS suite that the top variants of Creta are equipped with. The features here include lane keep assist (LST), adaptive cruise control (CCT), auto emergency braking (AEB), and more. These performed well in most scenarios. Also likable is the Smart Cruise.
Price And Variants
The new Creta facelift is priced in the range Rs 10.99- 19.99 lakh, ex-showroom, at the time of writing this article. There are a total of 19 variants to choose from, and forgivable price premiums. In short, the hot-selling ‘Hyundai SUV’ has juiced up its appeal with the facelift.
Vehicle courtesy: Popular Hyundai, Kochi | 81379 86469
