Hyundai Creta 2024 Review: First Drive

The Hyundai Creta is a compact SUV, available in the Rs 12-22 lakh price range. The SUV is among the bestsellers among the competition, which includes the Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Honda Elevate, Citroen C3 AirCross and MG Astor. For a similar price, you could also consider sedan alternatives such as the Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Volkswagen Virtus, and Skoda Slavia. Also, if you want a larger SUV for similar money, and are willing to compromise on a few features, the mid-spec models of the Tata Harrier, MG Hector and Mahindra XUV700 can also be considered. 

Looks

Hyundai has updated the design of the Creta thoroughly. It bears no resemblance to the previous model, except when viewed from the side. 

The front profile now appears taller and wider, thanks to the new bonnet with stronger lines, the new lighting elements and the larger grille. Hyundai has used dark chrome instead of shiny chrome on the grille, which looks classy — especially paired with darker body colours. There are inverted L-shaped daytime running lamps up top, connected by a light bar that functions as the pilot lamp. Under the daytime running lamps, you’ll spot sequential turn indicators. 

Hyundai claims to have worked on complaints of poor headlight performance on the old model. There’s a large LED headlight unit on the bumper. There are claims of better and stronger lighting, and first observations about the headlights are positive. They seem a little more powerful than before. Here too, Hyundai has skipped out on fog lamps entirely. 

The side profile is instantly recognisable as a Creta, thanks to the silver trim above the windows. Hyundai has opted to keep the tyre size the same as before. However, the 17-inch alloy wheels on the top-end model now have a new design. 

From the rear, most would be happy to see that the controversial design has been changed to something that’s pleasing to most eyes. A large connected tail lamp is the centre of attention, and there are slim sequential indicators here too. Oddly, there’s a single central reverse lamp that’s placed quite low on the bumper. This can be a little hard to spot in malls or parking lots. 

Overall, the Creta is now less controversial than before. If you were not sure about the older Creta’s looks, this one most certainly will change your opinion. 

Interior

The updated dashboard design is yet another reason to favour the Creta. Hyundai has neatly sliced the dashboard into two sections. The lower section, including the glovebox, wireless charging compartment and gear lever area, remains unchanged. The upper section, however, has been redone entirely, for a more upmarket look. This has also enabled Hyundai to give a small storage space right above the glovebox. 

With the previous version, we did not like the interior quality, especially on top of the dashboard. This has been fixed with a smooth, almost rubber-like texture on the dashboard which feels nice to touch. The choice of colours is interesting — with off-white, grey and copper highlights. There’s a lot of piano/gloss black surfaces here, around the new AC vents and around the climate control console — all of which are prone to picking up a lot of scratches. 

Hyundai has chosen a muted grey-white theme for the upholstery which looks and feels premium. In terms of space, there’s nothing new to report. The front seats remain comfortable for six-footers and there’s ample adjustment in the tilt-telescopic steering and the 8-way powered driver’s seat for you to find a relaxed driving position. The prominent side bolsters will do their bit in reducing tiredness over long drives. 

At the rear, a six-footer can sit comfortably. There’s ample kneeroom, foot room, and headroom. Hyundai continues to use a flat seat base and seat back, which allows the Creta to accommodate a third occupant at the rear with a little more ease. Surprisingly, Hyundai still does not offer a central headrest. 

You get the option of reclining the rear seats for more comfort. Additionally, there’s a central armrest with cupholders, two type-C chargers, and a privacy curtain. 

Boot Space

At 433 litres, the boot space remains unchanged. This boot is shallow and wide. It is wiser to carry multiple small trolley bags instead of a single large ones. We could fit in a medium size and two cabin trolley bags with a little space left for a backpack. Alternatively, four cabin trolley bags will also fit comfortably in this boot. There’s 60:40 split functionality, in case you have to carry more luggage. 

Features

The features list of the Creta remains more or less identical. Highlights include: 

With the update, there are a few key additions: 

Safety

Hyundai claims to have made structural changes to the Creta. This includes higher use of advanced high strength and high strength steel in the body of the car. There are reinforcements made to critical areas too. Considering the Verna scored a full five stars in Global NCAP, we have high hopes from the updated Creta. 

All variants of the Creta get a host of safety features as standard. This includes:

The top-spec variants also get Level 2 ADAS functionality which functions with inputs from a front-facing camera, radar and rear radars as well. This opens up a variety of safety features.

Drive

Hyundai is offering three engine options with the Creta: a 1.5-litre petrol (with manual/CVT), 1.5-litre diesel (with manual/automatic), and a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (DCT only). 

1.5-litre Petrol

This engine is shared with the Verna, Seltos, and Carens. It’s well-established for its refinement, ease-of-driving, and fuel economy. If you intend to mostly commute in your Creta, and highway trips are going to be sparse, this engine is the one to pick. We would recommend the CVT version, since it makes driving that much easier. This engine is best suited for a relaxed driving style. Overtakes on the highway will require a little planning. 

You can expect a fuel economy of around 12-14 kmpl in the city, and between 16-18 kmpl on the highway. 

1.5-litre Turbo Petrol

The turbo-petrol has made a comeback in the new Creta. This is the energetic, enthusiast pick of the lot. The response of the engine, especially in Sport mode, is instant. It’s properly quick, and you will find yourself at the speed limit rather effortlessly. Pick this engine if you enjoy driving. Do bear in mind that this engine, especially paired with the DCT, isn’t particularly fuel efficient inside heavy city traffic. Do not be surprised if you average anywhere between 9-11kmpl. It will be more fuel efficient on the open highways, averaging between 15-17kmpl. 

1.5-litre Diesel

This engine is the true all-rounder in the lineup, offering the best balance. It’s smooth, powerful and fuel-efficient all at the same time. Even in the manual version, the clutch is light and predictable, making it easy to drive. Here too we would recommend the automatic. This engine is the one to pick if you foresee a lot of interstate driving. The advantage in terms of fuel efficiency will balance out the additional cost. 

You can expect the diesel engine to return 12-14 kmpl inside the city, and approximately 18-20 kmpl on the highway. 

Ride and Handling

The Creta continues to remain a comfortable vehicle to travel in. Hyundai has tuned the suspension well to absorb shocks from bad roads and undulations. At moderate speeds, there’s very little body movement even over rough surfaces. It’s only when the roads stop existing that the Creta shows some side-to-side movement at crawling speeds. Highway stability is acceptable. It remains composed at triple-digit speeds on smooth roads. 

The steering is light and quick. Apt for city use. There’s enough weight for highway journeys too. Through corners, the Creta remains neutral and predictable. There’s some expected body roll, but nothing that can cause you to be nervous. 

Verdict

The Creta remains a phenomenal family car. It’s well-built and finished, has ample space and has the right kind of features that one would expect from a vehicle of this size and price. 

The Hyundai Creta was never exceptional in one single aspect. It did a lot of things just right or a little more than right. With this update, the reasons to consider or reject the Creta have not changed, and despite the increase in price, the reasons to consider have simply become stronger.