2021 Hyundai Creta: How Does The New Creta Win The Compact SUV Segment Again?

2021 Hyundai Creta Introduction

Hyundai Creta is the most successful model in Hyundai’s range in the Indian market. Ever since its debut, the Creta has been the segment-leading vehicle of the segment, setting the benchmark for the compact SUV space. In recent years, with the growing popularity of the SUV segment, the car market has witnessed a line of new models to enter this specific section. These fresh and competitive rivals have posed a new challenge for the South Korean carmaker to keep the appeal of the Creta and step up the game.

For that reason, earlier this year, Hyundai has introduced the facelift version of the Creta with comprehensive updates. Thanks to these significant enhancements, the Hyundai Creta is able to strengthen its position in the market and level up its game.

In the following part, we will look into the different aspects of the all-new Hyundai Creta 2021 to figure out how the new-gen model has changed in order to capture the market sentiments.

2021 Hyundai Creta Exterior

For the new-gen Hyundai Creta, the design team of Hyundai has gone a long way in order to enhance the look of this familiar SUV. Even though pre-update Hyundai Creta’s strong and SUV-oriented design easily got approved by the Indian audience, it was considered quite outdated and dull, especially when compared to other newer competitors in the market. Thanks to the latest aesthetic updates, the Creta now looks absolutely outstanding.

Front

On the front end, the Creta gets a new predominant hexagonal grille with chrome inserts. It receives a fresh design for the headlights and DRLs with LED treatments. Moreover, in line with Hyundai’s international design language, the Creta continues to foster the split setting for the headlights. Hyundai Creta misses out on the LED foglights and gets halogen bulbs only.

Side

On the side profile, Hyundai Creta sports a set of 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, complimenting Creta’s quirky styling. On select variants, the wheels will come with dual-tone and diamond-cut design. The sloping roofline and flared wheel arches also accentuate the sportiness of the new-gen Creta. Overall, the side profile of the Creta keeps a clean design but still manages to strike differences compared to the older-gen model. Hyundai also offers optional contrasting roof on select trims.

Rear

Hyundai takes one step further with the new rear design. The rear end of the Creta features sharp lines and bold creases, making it look bulk and muscular. On the other hands, the black strip connecting sleek taillights and CRETA chrome lettering create an elegant look for the new-gen model.

2021 Hyundai Creta Dimension

The new-gen Hyundai Creta has seen considerable growth in size. Compared to the previous model, the new Creta is 30 mm longer and 10 mm wider. But as far as the height is concerned, the new-gen model actually gets shorter by 30 mm. The wheelbase of this SUV also sees an increase of 20 mm.

Hyundai Creta Interior

Unlike the unique and sporty design presented on the outside, the interior of the Hyundai Creta tells a different story with a clean and clutter-free design. On the centre console, the Creta gets a simple and conventional dashboard highlighted by the V-shaped centre console. At the centre of the dashboard sits a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. It comes with futuristic instrumentation with TDT display where the drivers can read details regarding speed, trip, and tyre pressure. The display sits between the analogue tachometer and fuel gauge.

There are also some significant enhancements in terms of interior quality. However, there is still room for improvement. It would have done better with a better finish for the speaker grille and better plastic quality for the climate control system and gear selector. In addition, the faux stitching on the dashboard makes the interior feel a bit cheap for a car of this segment.

There are two colour schemes for the interior. The Turbo variants get an all-black cabin while the dual-tone beige-and-black interior comes as standard for the diesel version.

Seating Capacity

The cabin of the Hyundai Creta can hold up to five occupants. Thanks to the dimensional growth, the Creta has seen a noticeable improvement in terms of space. The front passengers will feel the utmost pleasure with supportive cushioning and ample space of the front seats. The driver seat is provided with 8-way powered driver seat, allowing the driver to conveniently find an ideal driving position. However, the biggest disappointment is the missing of telescopic adjust steering wheel which many will not expect to be absent on a car of this price range.

On the rear row, the rear passengers are provided with a decent shoulder room and knee room. Interestingly, the reduction of height will not get in the way and impact the headroom. In fact, the Hyundai has removed the seat base on the rear row, increasing the headroom and improving the under-thigh support. The panoramic sunroof also lends a hand to make the interior appear airier. There is also an adjustable two-step backrest for the rear bench.

Another bonus point for Hyundai Creta is the provision of sufficient storage space. The cupholder located behind the gear level can fit cups of different sizes. There is also huge storage space on the door pockets and glovebox. Hyundai Creta’s 433-litre boot space offers enough space for loading luggage and stuff. The 60:40 split-folding rear seat is also available.

Safety features

In terms of safety, the standard variant comes with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors. The rear parking camera is available from the S variant upwards. The top-spec Hyundai Creta is loaded with a wide range of features, including six airbags, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management control, hill start assist control (HAC), ISOFIX child seat mounts and disc brake.

Comfort features

As mentioned above, Hyundai Creta gets a large 10.25-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity and a TDT display for the instrument cluster. The new-gen Creta also comes with the electronic parking brake, ventilated front seats, paddle shifters for the automatic version. Seeing the increasing concern for air quality, especially in big cities, Hyundai has offered air purifier for the cabin of the Hyundai Creta, which will help to keep the cabin dust-free. Other features highlights of Hyundai Creta includes a smart panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver seats, and wireless charging. 

Hyundai has always known for being the pioneer in the market when it comes to technology. Apparently, the new version of its key product will get various connectivity car techs. The in-house developed Blue Link system is available with features like car tracking and geo-fencing. On the manual variants, the owner can even start the engine remotely using the connectivity system.

2021 Hyundai Creta Engines

Hyundai Creta shares the same powertrain options with the Kia Seltos. It gets two petrol and one diesel engines. The petrol engine options are a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated and 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine. While the former is capable of making 140PS/242Nm, the later can is good for a maximum power of 115PS and a top torque of 144Nm. The only diesel engine can churn out 115 PS and 250 Nm. About the transmission option, the 1.5-litre petrol and diesel variants are offered with a 6-speed manual transmission. For each engine, Hyundai offers a different automatic choice. The 1.5-litre petrol engine is mated to a CVT gearbox, while the diesel unit gets a CTV as an optional choice. The 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine is available with 7-speed DCT gearbox. The wide range of powertrains will ensure that all customers will get what they want.

2021 Hyundai Creta Fuel Efficiency 

With the 1.5-litre petrol engine, Hyundai Creta is claimed to deliver a mileage of 16.8 kmpl and 17.1 kmpl for the manual and CVT variants, respectively. The turbo petrol-DCT powertrain offers a mileage of 16.8 kmpl. The diesel version is the most fuel-efficient with a mileage of 21.4kmpl and 18.3kmpl for the manual and automatic gearbox respectively.

2021 Hyundai Creta Price

At launch, Hyundai Creta was available at the introductory price of Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 17.20 lakh. At this price range, the Hyundai Creta will come at its direct rival, Kia Seltos which is priced from Rs 9.89 lakh to Rs 17.45 lakh. Check out the full prices of the Hyundai Creta in the table below:

2021 Hyundai Creta Colour

Customers will be offered with up to 10 colour exterior options when buying the Hyundai Creta:

• Galaxy Blue Metallic

• Typhoon Silver

• Red Mulberry

• Phantom Black

• Lava Orange Dual Tone

• Polar White Dual Tone

• Deep Forest

• Polar White

• Titan Gray Metallic

• Lava Orange

2021 Hyundai Creta Verdict

2021 Hyundai Creta is an all-rounder and impressive compact SUV. It can offer basically everything that a customer is looking for in an SUV: spacious interior, great comfort, a long list of features, driveability, and powerful performance. After receiving the new-generation update, the Hyundai Creta even takes things to a new level with an even better experience. It is no doubt that Hyundai Creta will continue to be the segment-leading vehicle in the compact SUV segment.