2019 Hyundai Creta Test Drive Review

2019 Hyundai Creta: Introduction

Hyundai Motors India first launched the current generation Creta back in 2015. Back then, compact SUV market was at a relatively nascent stage and other manufacturers were also just beginning to test the waters. However, fast forward 3 years and almost to the day, Hyundai launched a refreshed version of the Creta. Coming under fire from not just its own class competitors but from segments in lower and higher tiers as well, the Creta is fighting back. To fend off rivals and keep its SUV crown intact, the new Hyundai Creta get more premium touches not just inside but a significant amount of change inside as well. Another important reason for the mid-life facelift is to keep the current-generation Creta relevant until an all-new, thoroughly modern generation of the Creta comes in to take its place by 2020.

2019 Hyundai Creta: Exterior Changes

The Hyundai Creta gets subtle changes all-around. However, the side that gets the most prominent changes and one we’ll start with is its front fascia. One look at the new Creta and you’ll notice that done is the old oddly-grinning grille is gone and made way for a new, more imposing cascading design. This not just lends a more premium look to the overall package but also follows closely to Hyundai’s international model designs as well. It gets a new progressive four-slat design as compared to drab three-slat of the outgoing model, all topped off by a chrome surround. The next thing you’ll notice is that the front grille gets a more chiselled front bumper and the fog lamp housing now get the LED daytime-running lights instead of the headlight assembly. Also playing the part in making th Creta look more of an SUV are the beefier skid plates at the front and back. Speaking of the rear, the only change you’ll find in this part of refreshed Creta is a new tail lamp design. Also different is the new 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheel design, which has been borrowed from the Creta Sport in International markets. As a side note, the Creta Sport also gets a blacked-out grille which could have been an option for our market. Yes, I know we love chrome and I know we have an addiction to it, but I still have hope for us. Apart from all the design changes, the new Hyundai Creta also brings with it more options for colour palettes. It now adds Passion Orange, Marina Blue, and Passion Orange with Phantom Black roof (dual tone) options to the mix, while Earth Brown and Mystic Blue have been discontinued. While counting down the number of changes carried out to the Creta’s exterior would not sound very significant on paper, the Creta definitely looks(from the front) like a different animal altogether. Much more menacing to feast your eyes on and something that demands respect when it shows up in your rear-view mirror.

2019 Hyundai Creta: Interior Changes

Just like the exterior changes to the facelifted Hyundai Creta, the changes to the interior might sound minimal on paper but step back and you’ll realise that everything has gone in to make the Hyundai Creta more practical and a better car to live with inside. As you first step inside, along with all the physical bits, you’ll notice that Hyundai has chosen to stick to the tried-and-test beige and black colour combination which was there in the outgoing version. However, customers opting for dual-tone versions of the Creta get a dual-tone Tangerine Orange colour pack for the cabin as well. This means what you get is an all-black dashboard with black seat fabric which get orange inserts and contrast stitching. Along with the seat, you’ll also find orange highlights stitched in on the gear knob, gaiter and steering wheel. In terms of goodies, Hyundai Motors chose to listen to what customers wanted, rather than do any sort of guess work. The result is minimal but impactful. The new versions of the Hyundai Creta now also feature an electric sunroof, cruise control, wireless charging, 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat and wireless smartphone charging. In addition to the tech updates, the touchscreen infotainment system has also been updated with an anti-glare screen, read and sounded alerts for the satellite navigation and even the multi-information display.  Another nifty addition is the wearable fitness tracker that Hyundai offers their customers with the top-end variants. Not just that, the band also function as a lifstyle key which allows users to leave the key fob in the car and allow them the enter the car if they're in the right proximity. This will be most appealing to adventure lovers around the country.

However, while the base version of the new Hyundai Creta do get subtle design changes, it is important to note that the added features mentioned above are reserved just for the Creta’s top-end SX(O) grade only. What is also a complete oversight on the part of Hyundai is the lack is the lack of any option of speccing ISOFIX child seat anchorage points and 60:40 split rear seats on any other models of the Creta other than the AT variant. Another niggle I have from a SUV at this price point is the missing automatic headlights and rain sensing wipers, which is now even available in cars in lower segments.

2019 Hyundai Creta: Performance & Handling

Just like the exterior changes to the facelifted Hyundai Creta, the changes to the interior might sound minimal on paper but step back and you’ll realise that everything has gone in to make the Hyundai Creta more practical and a better car to live with inside. As you first step inside, along with all the physical bits, you’ll notice that Hyundai has chosen to stick to the tried-and-test beige and black colour combination which was there in the outgoing version. However, customers opting for dual-tone versions of the Creta get a dual-tone Tangerine Orange colour pack for the cabin as well. This means what you get is an all-black dashboard with black seat fabric which get orange inserts and contrast stitching. Along with the seat, you’ll also find orange highlights stitched in on the gear knob, gaiter and steering wheel. In terms of goodies, Hyundai Motors chose to listen to what customers wanted, rather than do any sort of guess work. The result is minimal but impactful. The new versions of the Hyundai Creta now also feature an electric sunroof, cruise control, wireless charging, 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat and wireless smartphone charging. In addition to the tech updates, the touchscreen infotainment system has also been updated with an anti-glare screen, read and sounded alerts for the satellite navigation and even the multi-information display. 

However, while the base version of the new Hyundai Creta do get subtle design changes, it is important to note that the added features mentioned above are reserved just for the Creta’s top-end SX(O) grade only. What is also a complete oversight on the part of Hyundai is the lack is the lack of any option of speccing ISOFIX child seat anchorage points and 60:40 split rear seats on any other models of the Creta other than the AT variant. Another niggle I have from a SUV at this price point is the missing automatic headlights and rain sensing wipers, which is now even available in cars in lower segments.

2019 Hyundai Creta: Verdict

The Hyundai Creta quite simply isn’t the king of the Indian SUV world for no reason. It hits home in almost every aspect of a car’s buying needs. It looks good, look premium, feels premium, has loads of tech, is powerful, well-priced and so on. While Hyundai could have even continued with outgoing model till the all-new version comes out in 2020, they chose to update the Creta inside and out, with a whole host of new features to keep the excitement going for days. With prices starting at INR 9.44 lakh (ex-showroom) and going up to INR 15.03 lakh (ex-showroom), you really can’t go wrong if you choose to pick one up for you and the family.

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