In the bustling automotive landscape of India, where SUVs reign supreme, the Hyundai Creta has long been a frontrunner.
With its 2024 facelift, Hyundai has not just updated this popular model; they’ve reimagined it, pushing the boundaries of what consumers can expect from a compact SUV.
Let’s delve into what makes the new Hyundai Creta a game-changer in its segment.
A Bold New Face
The 2024 Hyundai Creta greets the world with a completely revamped front fascia. Gone are the days of the polarizing design that split opinions.
The new Creta sports a commanding presence with its upright hood and a striking new radiator grille.
The headlight setup has been totally reworked, featuring a bold, bonnet-width LED DRL strip with an inverted L-shaped signature.
This lighting arrangement, coupled with updated squared housings for the main headlights, gives the Creta a modern and tech-forward appearance.
The SUV’s profile retains its muscular stance but introduces a new set of alloy wheels that add to its sporty character.
At the rear, connected LED tail lamps mirror the front’s inverted L-shaped element, creating a cohesive design language.
The rear bumper has also been tweaked, featuring a larger, more prominent skid plate finished in silver, echoing the front’s rugged appeal.
Hyundai offers the new Creta in six mono-tone color options, including a fresh Robust Emerald Pearl, alongside classics like Fiery Red and Atlas White.
For those seeking a more distinctive look, a dual-tone option with Atlas White and a Black Roof is available.
A Cabin Reimagined
Step inside the 2024 Creta, and you’re greeted by a interior that’s a class apart.
The dashboard has undergone a complete overhaul, now featuring dual integrated 10.25-inch screens – one for the infotainment system and another serving as a digital driver’s display.
This seamless integration of screens not only looks premium but also enhances the user experience significantly.
The upper portion of the passenger-side dashboard now sports a piano black panel housing the side AC vent, while beneath it, a new open storage space with ambient lighting adds both functionality and flair.
The climate control panel has been redesigned with touch controls, adding to the cabin’s high-tech feel.
Hyundai hasn’t just focused on looks; comfort and convenience have received equal attention.
The Creta comes equipped with ventilated front seats, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with natural light.
For audiophiles, the 8-speaker Bose sound system promises an immersive listening experience.
Performance that Packs a Punch
Under the hood, the 2024 Creta offers a trio of powertrains to suit various driving preferences.
The headline-grabber is the new 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine, churning out a robust 160 PS and 253 Nm of torque.
This powerplant comes mated to a sophisticated 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), promising quick shifts and spirited performance.
For those who prefer a more conventional setup, the tried-and-tested 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine continues to be offered.
It produces 115 PS and 144 Nm of torque and can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT, catering to both enthusiasts and those who prefer a relaxed driving experience.
Diesel aficionados haven’t been forgotten. The 1.5-liter diesel engine, known for its efficiency and pulling power, remains in the lineup
. It generates 116 PS and 250 Nm of torque and can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
This diverse range of powertrains ensures that there’s a Creta for every type of driver, from the fuel-efficiency conscious to the performance enthusiast.
Safety: A Top Priority
Hyundai has significantly upped the ante in terms of safety with the 2024 Creta.
The SUV now boasts over 70 advanced safety features, including six airbags as standard across all variants.
This commitment to safety is further underscored by the introduction of Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), a first in its segment.
The ADAS suite includes features like Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control, among others.
These systems work in tandem to provide an additional layer of safety, assisting the driver in various scenarios and potentially preventing accidents.
Other safety features include all-wheel disc brakes, a 360-degree camera system, and Electronic Stability Control.
The Creta’s body structure has also been engineered to provide better protection in the event of a collision.
Tech-Savvy Features
The 2024 Creta is a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to staying at the forefront of automotive technology.
The SUV comes equipped with the latest iteration of Hyundai’s BlueLink connected car technology.
This system allows users to control various vehicle functions remotely through a smartphone app or even through voice commands via Amazon Alexa.
The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.
A wireless phone charger is also available, eliminating the need for cables in the cabin.
One of the standout features is the integration of over-the-air (OTA) updates.
This allows Hyundai to push software updates to the vehicle, potentially adding new features or improving existing ones without the need for a dealership visit.
Variants and Pricing
The 2024 Hyundai Creta is offered in seven variants: E, EX, S, S(O), SX, SX Tech, and SX(O).
Prices start at Rs. 10.99 lakh for the base E variant and go up to Rs. 20.14 lakh for the top-end SX(O) variant (all prices ex-showroom, New Delhi).
Hyundai has also introduced a Knight edition of the Creta, based on the mid-spec S(O) and top-spec SX(O) variants.
This special edition features all-black styling elements on the exterior and an all-black interior theme, appealing to those who prefer a more aggressive, sporty look.
The Competition
The compact SUV segment in India is fiercely competitive, and the 2024 Creta faces stiff competition from rivals like the Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, and Honda Elevate.
However, with its comprehensive update, the Creta seems well-equipped to maintain its position as one of the segment leaders.
Driving Experience
Early reviews of the 2024 Creta suggest that Hyundai has managed to refine the driving experience further.
The new turbo-petrol engine, in particular, has been praised for its peppy performance and smooth power delivery.
The DCT gearbox complements this engine well, offering quick shifts and enhancing the overall driving dynamics.
The ride quality, a strong point of the previous generation, has been further improved.
The suspension setup strikes a good balance between comfort and handling, soaking up road imperfections while still providing confident cornering abilities.
NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels have also seen an improvement, with better insulation making the cabin a quieter place to be, especially at highway speeds.
Fuel Efficiency
While official ARAI figures are yet to be released, the Creta is expected to deliver competitive fuel efficiency numbers.
The naturally aspirated petrol and diesel engines, in particular, should continue to offer excellent fuel economy, a crucial factor for many Indian buyers.
Hyundai Creta SUV
The 2024 Hyundai Creta represents a significant leap forward in the compact SUV segment.
It combines striking design, advanced technology, robust performance, and enhanced safety features in a package that’s hard to overlook.
Hyundai has clearly listened to customer feedback and market trends, addressing the few shortcomings of the previous model while building on its strengths.
With its wide range of variants and powertrains, the new Creta caters to a broad spectrum of buyers, from those seeking a feature-packed family SUV to enthusiasts looking for a sprightly urban runabout.
The introduction of ADAS features and the new turbo-petrol engine option particularly stand out, giving the Creta a distinct edge in its segment.
As the Indian automotive market continues to evolve, with a growing emphasis on safety, technology, and performance, the 2024 Hyundai Creta seems well-positioned to not just keep pace but set new benchmarks.
It’s a testament to Hyundai’s understanding of the Indian market and its commitment to delivering products that resonate with the diverse needs of Indian consumers.
The Creta has always been more than just another SUV; it’s been a trendsetter.
With this latest iteration, Hyundai has ensured that the Creta not only retains its crown but raises the bar for what consumers can expect from a compact SUV.
As it hits the roads across India, the 2024 Hyundai Creta is poised to write the next chapter in its success story, continuing to capture the hearts and driveways of Indian car buyers.