Hyundai Motor India Limited debuted the Creta
compact SUV in July 2015 as an immediate response to growing young customers
opting towards buying big five-seaters instead of compact hatchbacks and
sedans. While meeting the latest trend, Hyundai also enjoyed export benefits
from Creta as a dual-jackpot with large volumes of shipping to South Africa,
Latin America, Australia, Asia Pacific, Middle East and some African markets.
The success of Hyundai Creta can be related with the
fact that it’s currently the bestselling model in the Indian UV segment barring
Maruti Vitara Brezza. With the latest generation Hyundai Verna making huge
strides in sales, the revised Creta will look to consolidate its position at
the top of SUV charts in its segment.
Hyundai showcased the facelifted Creta at the 2016
Sao Paulo Motor Show with styling updates and it has triggered a mid-life
update for India. With the launch happened officially today, an all-new
generation is also tipped for arrival by 2021. The price for the entry-level
1.6 E Petrol is at Rs. 9,43,908 while it goes all the way up to Rs. 15,03,934
lakh (both prices ex-showroom, New Delhi) for the 1.6 SX (O) top-spec variant.
The new Hyundai Creta is powered by the regular
three engine choices. A 1.6-litre CRDi VGT diesel engine delivers 121 bhp and
265 Nm of torque and comes paired to a six-speed manual or a six-speed
automatic transmission alongside a 1.4-litre CRDi diesel rated at 89 bhp and
224 Nm of torque. The sole petrol engine available is a 122 bhp producing
1.6-litre Dual VTVT engine linked to a six-speed manual transmission. It pumps
out 154 Nm torque at 4,850 rpm. In the process of expanding the lineup, the
Korean brand added an automatic transmission to the petrol engine last year and
it is continued. The ARAI efficiency figures of the 1.6 petrol, 1.4 diesel and
1.6 diesel MT and AT are 15.29 km/l, 21.38 km/l, 19.67 km/l and 17.01 km/l
respectively.
The 2018 Hyundai Creta Facelift measures 4,270 mm in
length, 1,780 mm in width, 1,627 mm in height and features a wheelbase of 2,590
mm and 402 litres of bootspace. The ground clearance stands at 190 mm while the
fuel tank can hold a rated maximum of 60 litres. All these dimensions are as
identical to the outgoing model.
The colour palette for the five-seat compact SUV
contains Polar White, Phantom Black, Mystic Blue, Red Passion, Sleek Silver,
Pearl Beige and Stardust options. The new dual-tone choices are Marina Blue and
Passion Orange along with new Dual Tone Passion Orange and Black.
The interior of the new Creta looks premium and
upmarket with not much change compared to the outgoing model. It features a
multifunction steering wheel with mounted controls, stylish instrument cluster
and a centre console housing a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system on
the high level grades.
The touchscreen infotainment system is flanked by
dual AC vents on both sides which sport vertical slats and are positioned on
either side of the dashboard as well. The base E trim now gets driver’s seat
height adjust and a front sliding armrest as standard. Additionally, the
top-end SX (O) gains powered sunroof, wireless charging support, cruise
control, six-way adjustable powered driver’s seat, a smart key band and six
airbags.
Other main features are 17-inch alloy wheels, AVN
infotainment system with an IPS display, projector headlamps and cruise
control. Emphasising safety, the Creta is offered with ABS and EBD as standard
while mid variants get dual front airbags as side and curtain airbags, VSM
(Vehicle Stability Management) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) are
limited to the top-end SX trim. it is also sold with new Tangerine Orange
interior theme. The facelifted Creta competes against Renault Duster, Nissan
Terrano, Mahindra XUV500, Tata Hexa, Renault Captur and the likes.