2018 Hyundai Creta Facelift: Review

Since its launch roughly three years ago, the Creta has managed to capture the imagination of Indian buyers like no other crossover before it. At times, it has even outsold all its rivals put together

We finally have our hands on the new, facelifted Hyundai Creta, one of the most awaited model updates of 2018. Prices for the top-spec variant have gone north slightly and some variants have received some new features while some haven’t. Hyundai has also added one of the most popular features, a sunroof, to the top-spec automatic and manual variants. There have been some hits and some misses as well so read on to find out if the new Hyundai Creta is significant enough to continue its undisputed reign.

Exterior

The most noticeable change to the 2018 Hyundai Creta has to be the new family grill. It now sports the broader chrome accent around it that merge into the headlamps at the top corners. The headlamps are also an all-new design even though they fit in the exact same recesses. The DRLs have now shifted down to the mildly re-designed front bumper and sit just on the inside of the fog lamps. When viewed from the side the only change is a new set of 17-inch five-spoke machine-cut alloys wheels that are quite nice, and the roof rails that now sit flush with the roof. At the rear the changes are also quite subtle with redesigned tail light units and a rear bumper that no longer joins up to the body in a straight line, with beefier plastic cladding on the outer edges. Hyundai could’ve used the facelift to add some more flair to the design, by incorporating LED elements in the headlamps or taillamps. Sadly, that’s not the case this time round.

Interior

Not too much has changed on the interior of the Creta as well. That said, the design still looks appealing and feels like the most upmarket in this segment. The addition of the sunroof allows you to let in more light, brightening up the dark interiors, and this is one positive of the new feature.

As far as space is concerned the Creta continues to be fairly spacious for a family. The seats are wide and supportive and though the steering is only adjustable for tilt, there’s enough adjustment in the driver’s seat for you to find a comfortable position.

The rear shoulder room, at 1250mm, is reasonable but in comparison the S-Cross’ rear bench is 100mm more spacious at 1350mm. The Dual Tone petrol and diesel cars will also get orange interior accents that will help break up the monotony of the dark-coloured interiors.

Technology

The Hyundai Creta has received a few small but significant changes to its creature comforts packaging. New updates include cruise control, sunroof, six-way adjustable powered driver seat, wireless charging and an auto-dimming IRVM. ISOFIX child seats have only been added to the SX AT petrol and diesel models, which is odd as most manufacturers tend to offer this feature as standard when it is present on the options list. Some of the features that we had on our wishlist for the new Creta, like ventilated seats, auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers, are missing from the list of new features.

Performance

Hyundai hasn’t changed too much in the engine except for a tune-up that has reportedly improved fuel efficiency by 4 per cent, to 20.5kmpl (19.67kmpl for the old car). When it comes to the performance of the 1.6-litre diesel engine it’s still the most powerful in the class with 128PS@4000rpm and 260Nm @1500-3000rpm and so there was little need for Hyundai to change it.

In town the engine is happy to potter around in 2nd or 3rd gear with enough power to smoothly accelerate away if needed. On the highway you want to try to keep the engine spinning around the 2000rpm mark where it’s happiest at, and there is still ample power to make a quick overtaking manoeuvre when necessary.

Acceleration

0-100kmph - 10.83 seconds

30-80kmph (3rd) - 7.93 seconds

40-100kmph (4th) - 13.58 seconds

Ride and Handling

Since there have been no mechanical changes to the Creta, it displays fairly similar driving dynamics. In town the suspension does a reasonable job of isolating occupants from small and medium bumps. For large speed breakers there’s more than enough suspension travel to take them without any fuss or crashing noise. That said, over sharp bumps like level changes, expansion gaps and potholes, you can tell that the suspension is set slightly on the firm side as some of the bumps makes it through the cabin, accompanied by some complaints from the suspension.

The steering and clutch are light and typically Hyundai so driving around town is an effortless affair. However, one might need some time to get used to the clutch action. It’s light but lacks feeling so you can't quite tell when it’s starting to bite.

Braking

100-0kmph - 43.43 metres

80-0kmph - 26.75 metres

The brakes are firm and progressive and managed to haul the tall car down from speed fairly effectively but the pedal feels a little squishy - and that’s the only complaint.

Safety

Dual airbags and ABS with EBD are standard across the range while the SX(O) variants gets six airbags. Electronic stability control, vehicle stability management control and hill start assist control are only available in the SX(O). ISOFIX child seat mounts are only available in the SX AT petrol and diesel variant cars.

Variants

There are six variants of the Hyundai Creta, starting with the E, the E+, S, SX, SX (Dual Tone) and the SX(O). 6-speed conventional automatic transmissions are available in the S & SX diesel and the SX petrol.

Verdict

On the whole, the 2018 Hyundai Creta facelift lands right in a middle ground when compared to other model updates. There have been cars with less changes made and there certainly have been cars that have seen far more significant changes to their models during an update. Hyundai have added a reasonable amount of changes both in terms of looks and features even though we would have liked a few more. And that’s understandable - if it not broken then you don’t fix it.

The SX(O) diesel has been priced at Rs 15.03 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi), which is an increase of Rs 51,000 compared to the model it replaces. And that‘s a fair price increase for a sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, cruise control and auto-dimming IRVM. And while it’s not all that we wanted, it’s certainly a worth update to keep the Creta on the very top of buyers’ lists.