Since the (very) recent launch of the updated 1,5-litre Hyundai Creta, social media has been quite alive with comments on how much better it looks with the new grille design versus the outgoing version – with some expressing how much they hated the ‘ugly’ older one.
I did not dislike the outgoing model but did find the comments stream interesting. The new style grille design, adopted by Hyundai, was first introduced with the Venue. While it raised some eyebrows, the version attached to the Staria drew plenty of comments about spaceships and other less complimentary observations.
Now on the Creta, it garners praise – so acceptance must be a progressive process!
However, whatever your feelings about the previous version, it is hard to deny the updated Creta does look a lot more sophisticated, poised and slim. Downright handsome.
A look at the revised Creta
The revised compact SUV has also been trimmed to three derivatives, losing the diesel engine option. They are all powered by the 1,5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine in combination with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).
The parametric grille up front has the daytime running lights fitted as standard on the Executive model incorporated into the design as on the recently launched Tucson – the Creta looking much like a smaller version of that mid-size SUV.
The Executive comes dressed up with LED headlights that sit below the outer edge of the grille.
The new tailgate has the Creta model name in bold chrome letters underneath the company’s logo.
The styling upgrade includes a silver inset stretching from the A-pillar to the C-pillar and new 17-inch alloy wheels, with different styling for the Premium and Executive variants.
Comfortably positioned in the faux leather driver’s seat, the Creta gives an impression of spaciousness inside – the 4 315 mm length, 1 790 mm width and 1 630 height are well utilised.
Pricewise it plays host to competitors like the Peugeot 2008 1.2T Allure, Opel Mokka 1.2T Elegance and Fiat 500X 1.4T Connect. It is longer and higher than all three but marginally narrower than the Fiat. Even so, the rear seat leg, shoulder and headroom accommodate adult passengers easily – the rear now has a centre armrest with built-in cup holders.
Comfort and convenience features
The multifunction steering wheel has remote control buttons for the infotainment system, trip computer and cruise control, and a wireless charging pad is among the convenience features.
Apart from the infotainment USB connection in the centre console, the new Creta has an extra 12V power socket, a USB charging socket and storage place in a console for the rear passengers. This console also contains rear air vents for Creta’s manual air-conditioner.
Also, standards are rear park assist sensors and camera, and an electronic park brake that replaces the previous version’s lever to free up space in the centre console.
Engine, performance and power
Out on the road, what is immediately apparent is the rapid throttle response from the normally aspirated 1 97 cc engine that delivers 84 kW peak power at 6 300 r/min and 144 Nm maximum torque at 4 500 r/min. Hyundai has equipped the 1,5-litre petrol engine with two injectors per cylinder and applies advanced valve timing, called Middle Position Lock CVVT, to improve efficiency.
The Intelligent Variable Transmission, which uses a chain belt and pulley system with an increased gear ratio span, keeps the engine and gearbox operating at optimum torque levels. The IVT also offers a six-speed manual transmission option.
It is undoubtedly one of the better CVT-style gearboxes on offer. It finds the appropriate ratio swiftly, efficiently and with far less of the ‘whine’ associated with these transmissions than on some opposition products.
It is by no means a street racer, even with the rapid response and, among its peers, fairly lumbers from rest to 100 km/h in 11,8 seconds compared to the late nines on offer from those worthies. The maximum speed is 170 km/h, also a little down in comparison.
Fuel consumption, at 6,3 l/100 km, is on a par with its sandbox friends. Only the Peugeot has a larger load volume – the Hyundai offering 416 litres expanding to 1 384 litres.
Design dimensions and powertrain
The McPherson strut front suspension and coupled torsion beam axle (CTBA) for the rear wheels are tuned to give the Creta an even more solid, confident feeling on both road surfaces than before and the CTBA, which includes trailing arms and carriers on which the rear wheels are mounted, offers improved compliance characteristics.
With a 20 cm ground clearance, the Creta can venture off tarred roads onto the gravel, helped by the 60-profile tyres on 17-inch rims.
In town, on the highway and lesser roads, the Creta remains stable and sure-footed, although pressing it hard into corners produces some body roll and a fair degree of understeer.
Safety features
On the safety front, it offers front and side crash bags for the driver and front passenger curtain bags for rear passengers. ISOFIX child seat attachments on the outer rear seats are standard, as well as 3-point inertia reel safety belts with pre-tensioners for the front seats. The outer rear seats also have 3-point inertia reel safety belts.
Warranty, service and maintenance
All Cretas sell with a 7-year / 200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a 4-year / 60 000 km service plan and roadside assistance for a 7-year period or 150 000 km.
