2024 Hyundai Creta Facelift Review

The Creta, now in its second generation, gets a facelift and there’s more that it has to offer now.

The Creta is an SUV that needs no introduction. Hyundai might say it was the car that started the Compact SUV ‘revolution’ in India, but we all know that the Renault Duster might have created a case for this segment to gain popularity in India. There’s no doubt though that when it was launched in 2015, the Creta, immediately set benchmarks and was the one to beat in the segment. After having sold over 9 lakh units since 2015, the Creta, now in its second generation, gets a facelift and there’s more that it has to offer now.

Hyundai Creta Facelift: Design

Before you say this is a new-generation model. Let me just stop you right there! It’s not. It’s a facelift. But a well-rounded update that grabs your attention. It’s modern, sophisticated and stunning to look at. And we are so glad it does not look like a mini Tucson. The design tweaks are very India-specific. There are a few familiar design cues seen on Hyundai models internationally. The nose is even more upright than before and gets a decent mix of chrome, brushed aluminium, a piano-black finish and LED lighting. Speaking of LED lights, it gets four inverted L-shaped daytime running lamps on the corners, along with an LED light bar that’s placed above the wide grille.

At the rear, the LED light bar setup and tail-lamp design resemble the ones upfront, which helps to keep design elements uniform. The rear bumper is new as well and so is the tailgate design. There aren’t many changes seen on the profile save for all-new alloy wheel designs which again enhance the stance of the compact SUV.

While the rest of the dimensions remain the same, it’s only the length that has gone up by 30 mm and that’s solely because of the enhancements to the front and rear bumpers. It looks fantastic and you’d turn your head for a second glance to look at it.

Hyundai Creta Facelift: Interior

The cabin oozes the same charm. Hyundai has completely revamped the interior of the SUV – it gets an all-new dashboard with the highlight being the twin, 10.25-inch connected infotainment screens. This is the same unit found on the Kia Seltos, and it offers improved functionality and a better user experience. The seats received an update too and now are well bolstered, offering well under-thigh and lumbar support. The clean design and the curving infotainment system add to the pizzazz the cabin offers.

Having said all of this, the dimensions haven’t changed and so is there space at the back and so the wheelbase is the same and so, there’s decent knee room at the back and good enough head and shoulder room as well. Overall then, the space is familiar and not much has changed.

Hyundai Creta Facelift: Diesel Engine Performance

Hyundai continues to provide 2 petrol and 1 diesel option with the Creta and that means the customer gets the choice. I first drove the diesel extensively and the 1.5-litre engine gets 115 bhp and the 250 Nm of torque kicks in early, but anything below 1500 rpm and the experience is dulled. The 6-speed automatic on this one is a torque converter and there’s good enough pull above 1500 rpm. It’s got a strong mid-range and that gives you the confidence to push the car.

There is a Sport mode too, which gives you a sporty experience. But when you switch it to Sport mode by using the gear lever and then change the gears via the paddle shifters, the Creta shifts into ‘Normal’ mode automatically. But I didn’t face that problem when I used the dial to change to Sport mode, so this was a bit surprising.

Hyundai Creta Facelift: Petrol Performance

The Creta now also gets a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and this is not the first time we’ve driven a Hyundai with one because this is the same powertrain that packs in a punch on the Verna.

Given that the Creta is a bigger car, how does it perform? Well, make no mistake, it is very effective. The turbo kicks in early and the experience is enhanced because you get into the groove of driving it a certain way. It is power-packed, no doubt as there is 158 bhp to deal with. The torque is 253 Nm, and it’s available through the rev band which makes it even more effective. There’s no doubt it impresses and though expensive, it is the pick of the lot for an enthusiast.

Hyundai Creta Facelift: Fuel Economy

The diesel manual returns fuel economy figures of 21.8 kmpl, while the automatic I drove provides 19.1 kmpl. The turbo petrol surprisingly proves to be more economical compared to the naturally aspirated one returning 18.4 kmpl. The Creta also gets traction modes for Snow, Mud and Sand. But this one is not an off-roader because it still is a front-wheel drive car.

Hyundai Creta Facelift: Ride and Handling

The Creta has always been a comfortable car to be in, but this one is more so. Hyundai India has just got the balance right and it’s amazing how well, this one feels on the road. It creases all the undulations on the road with ease and even the deeper potholes are dealt with poise, so much so, that it does not affect the occupants inside. The steering has good balance – light and sporty – but not lifeless.

Turn into a corner and the Creta will give you the confidence to do it again and again. But it’s the ADAS tech that keeps on disturbing you. It overrides your inputs and tries to keep the Creta in the lane. This becomes a bit irritating. So yes, it’s not all great to have a level 2 ADAS-equipped machine, which constantly interferes with your driving. Expect some egos tussles.

Hyundai Creta Facelift: Safety

But at the end of the day, the Level 2 ADAS tech is all about keeping the occupants safe and so it does its job perfectly well. Even on roads, where there weren’t markings, which is the case many a time in India, it still managed to control the car well.

The front camera and radar and rear radar, really do the job effectively. You also get a 360-degree camera as well which you can zoom in or out of. Hyundai, with the Creta, has upped the safety game and has made significant updates to enhance the structural strength of the SUV. There are weight gains but Hyundai is being tight-lipped about it.

We won’t be surprised if Hyundai guns for its second 5-star safety-rated car with the Creta.

Hyundai Creta Facelift: Rivals

The Creta’s rivals remain unchanged but there have been improvements made on the Seltos, Harrier, Astor and even the Taigun. But the Creta stands out amongst all of them with what it offers.

Hyundai Creta Facelift: Price and Verdict

The Creta is priced between Rs. 11-20 lakh (ex-showroom India) and there are a ton of variants and options to choose from. The Creta facelift, is a car that has yet again managed to set the benchmark in the segment. Is it unbeatable in that segment then? Well, for now, yes! Because it has everything going its way and then some!