The new Hyundai Creta packs value
The compact SUV segment is jam-packed with offerings from a wide array of contenders. This segment is competitive and in order to maintain an edge, manufacturers need to keep their products updated in terms of design, technology and safety. Hyundai has just updated its popular Creta and we have the details.
The latest Hyundai Creta sports fresh, new exterior styling, particularly the very attractive front grille and lights design which makes a dramatic first impression. The daytime running lights of the Executive derivative are incorporated into the parametric jewel pattern grille – as with the new Hyundai Tucson – and makes the Creta almost appear like a smaller sibling of the Tucson.
Viewed from the side, the new Creta’s styling upgrade includes an attractive silver inset that runs from the A-pillar to the C-pillar. New 17-inch alloy wheels, with different styling for the Premium and Executive variants respectively, complete the picture. At the rear, a new design has also been applied to the tailgate with the Creta model name in bold chrome letters underneath the company’s logo.
On the inside, the styling of the new Creta is clean, sometimes minimalistic. The cabin is spacious, also for rear passengers, who benefit from added comfort in the form of a centre armrest with cup holders that fold out of the backrest for the middle seat in the rear bench. The driver seat’s height can be adjusted, and with the telescopic and height adjustment of the steering it creates a comfortable driving position.
The infotainment system is neatly placed and offers niceties such as Apple Carplay and Android Auto links wirelessly to one’s smartphone in the new Creta, and the Executive version offers wireless phone charging as standard equipment. Apart from the infotainment USB connection in the centre console, the new Creta has an extra 12V power socket, as well as a USB charging socket and storage place in a very useful console for the rear passengers. This console also contains rear air vents for the Creta’s manual air conditioner.
The Creta is powered by a naturally aspirated 1,5-litre engine that delivers 84kW 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 applied advanced valve timing to improve efficiency.
Engineers have enhanced the underpinnings as well. The McPherson strut front suspension and coupled torsion beam axle for the rear wheels have been tuned to give the Creta an even more solid, surefooted feeling on various road surfaces than before.
Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) have also received attention through increased body rigidity along safety-critical structures with the expanded use of industrial-strength adhesives that augment spot welds. Specially designed engine mounts and intake and exhaust manifolds also play key roles in reducing NVH levels and lowering specifically acceleration noise.
Overall the updated Creta remains a decent compact SUV with many good qualities. While not the most enthusiastic when it comes to performance, the Creta is economical and filled with a host of niceties that make it a viable option within the segment.
