Young and dynamic

Young and dynamic

Hyundai has launched a refreshed Creta. Retaining its basic shape, the compact SUV gets a new grille that is bigger and bolder than that of the model prior. Extending way down into the front bumper, the grille makes the Creta look younger and dynamic.

The head lamps may look the same but have been tweaked to include projector lamps and LED daytime running lights. The fog lamps too get LED daytime light surrounds. The redesigned fog lamps go well with the other visual elements and add to the young and dynamic stance of the compact SUV. 

The bigger skid plate at the front (the rear skid plate has also increased in size) draws attention. Walk over, and the only change the sides reflect are the wheels. The 17-ich alloys are new and help enhance the SUV’s looks. At the rear, the tail lamps have been tweaked. 

The new Autolink app 
Available in new colours, of which one is a bright orange, the Creta, on the inside, hasn’t changed much. Those familiar with the earlier model will find the cabin of the new Creta similar. The materials flaunt good quality and the standards of fit and finish are good too. The rear seats continue to present a relatively low seating position. Robbing the rear occupants from getting a good view is the high window line. 

The top-spec version of the Creta now features an electric sunroof. Costlier approximately by Rs 50,000 over the top-spec model it replaces, the compact SUV also features a powered driver’s seat, cruise control, wireless phone charging and a smart key band that enables to operate the central locking system without the use of the key fob. The band also doubles up as a fitness band as it counts the steps taken, and the calories burnt. 

The Autolink app the Creta presents is new and enables monitoring of driving patterns, to check vehicle fitness, to get roadside assistance, and to make a service request.

Steel spare wheel
The revised instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system points at an upgraded software and makes it user friendly. The system comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. ABS and dual front airbags are standard, and the top-spec Creta gets side airbags as well as ESC as standard fitment. 
Instead of an alloy spare wheel, the Creta now comes with a steel spare wheel. 

Better acceleration

The 126bhp 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine runs as quietly as in the model before. Producing peak torque a bit lower down the band means there is an improvement in the vehicle’s ability to accelerate. Some turbo lag is noticeable, but post 1800rpm, the compact SUV pulls clean and strong. This positively affects drive-ability. The strong mid-range supports good drive-ability as well, and makes overtaking manoeuvres easy to accomplish. If the good mid-range throw of the engine makes it easy to drive the Creta in the city, it also makes it glide on the highway. 

Soft suspension

If the wider torque band makes it possible to shift into higher gear at fairly low revs, the six-speed gearbox supports precise and light shifts. Though having a long travel, the clutch is light to operate. Claimed to be five per cent more efficient than the one before, the 1.6 turbo-diesel unit impresses with its refinement ability. 

The suspension of the Creta continues to be on the soft side. Low speed ride quality is good. Surface irregularities are well taken care of except for the big ones, which manage to filter into the cabin to a certain extent. The light steering makes it easy to drive the vehicle.  

Verdict

The Creta, like the one before, feels soft and not as composed as the Duster or the Captur. Leave for the soft feel, the Creta has everything going for it. 

Even more feature rich as far as the top-spec versions are concerned (auto transmission versions continue to be lower-spec in terms of features), the compact SUV, considering the cost increase of Rs 50,000 approximately, makes a value buy. 

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