2018 Hyundai Creta Facelift Review
Car Tested: 2018 Hyundai Creta Facelift; Road Test No. 955
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 10.98 – Rs. 18.10 lakhs
The Hyundai Creta has become a better package and a stronger contender now
The Hyundai Creta was first launched in 2015 and over the years Hyundai has given it minor updates which definitely did boost the sales of the compact SUV. Three years post the initial launch, the Korean carmaker has finally given the Creta a comprehensive update. We say comprehensive because the 2018 Creta now gets a host of new features too.
Motor Quest: The Hyundai Creta was first showcased in a concept form at Auto China in Beijing in April 2014 and a year later, the compact SUV was launched in India. The vehicle went on to become the darling of the Indian masses. From inception till end-February 2018, Hyundai has sold 2,48,582 units of the Creta in India.
Most of the changes are in the front, the rear gets mild changes
Exteriors – The Hyundai Creta gets a mid-life makeover and in its latest avatar comes across as a more handsome-looking car. Changes are more concentrated towards the front and as a result, you now get the signature cascade effect grille that looks more imposing. The projector headlight setup gets subtle tweaks as well and they no more house the LED DRLs. The lower part of the front bumper gets a faux silver skid plate that adds to the SUV appeal. The fog lamps are a size down now and the LED DRLs have been positioned near them. At the sides, nothing much has changed save for the new 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels which have a new design. The rear looks identical to the pre-facelifted car except for the shark-fin antenna and the silver skid plate. The compact SUV is now available in two new colours – Passion Orange and Marina Blue.
The Creta now gets a longer list of features
Interiors – The interiors of the 2018 Hyundai Creta remain vastly unchanged. The dual-tone dashboard houses an identical 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel and an instrument cluster with a MID display. The 7-inch touchscreen AVN system now gets a new software and features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. The facelifted Hyundai Creta gets a host of new features like an electric sunroof, 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, wireless charger, cruise control and a wearable fitness band called Smart Key Band. The wearable band controls a host of functions as well apart from acting as a key during your fitness routines. Other features on offer are steering mounted audio controls, automatic climate control, push-button start, ARKAMYS sound system, rear parking sensors with camera and rear AC vents. The seat comfort and the space on offer at the rear remain identical to the previous model.
The engine options remain the same but have been retuned for better drivability
Performance – The 2018 Hyundai Creta facelift doesn’t get many mechanical changes but the 1.6-litre diesel engine gets a tweak in terms of torque delivery. So the peak torque now comes in at a wider band. The pre-facelifted had a torque output of 260 Nm at 1900-2750 RPM while the facelifted model produces the same 260 Nm at 1500-3000 RPM. While driveability has improved, there is some amount of turbo lag and the vehicle gets going once the turbo spools up. The mid-range is punchy and very strong.
There is slight improvement on the fuel efficiency front as well
Improvement in the mileage (in both petrol and diesel) is very miniscule
The petrol variant now boasts of 3% better fuel efficiency (meanwhile, diesel gets 4% better fuel efficiency than before). The 1.6 petrol’s performance is same as before, there is a good low-end but mid-range doesn’t feel that punchy. Performance is linear but the motor doesn’t spin faster. The gearbox is slick shifting although the clutch has a longer travel.
Ride quality at low speeds is quite comfortable
Driving Dynamics – No changes have been made to the suspension either, so the 2018 Hyundai Creta rides and handles the same as before. The ride is supple at low speeds and since the suspension is on the softer side, the car feels pitchy as speeds rise. Nonetheless, the high speed stability is quite good and the steering weighs up well offering okayish feedback but feels artificial and disconnected to some extent. Braking performance is superb and the vehicle stops without any drama.
The Hyundai Creta has a ton of safety features on offer
Safety and After Sales Service – Dual airbags and ABS with EBD are offered as standard across the range of the 2018 Hyundai Creta. However, the top-spec trim gets four additional airbags, Hill Start Assist and Vehicle Stability Management as well. Hyundai has a vast sales and service network across the country and the quality of service also has been great.
The Creta facelift is a more attractive package
Verdict – The 2018 Hyundai Creta gets more equipment and the minor tweaks, especially the diamond-cut alloy wheels and the new grille make it look more premium and bold. The Creta has always been a very good package and that has reflected in its sales and with this updated version, we expect the sales to shoot up even further because a good car has become better.
The much awaited sunroof is finally being offered with the Creta
What’s Cool
* Looks have improved with the updated exteriors
* Sunroof and a host of new features
* Diesel engine is a gem
* Spacious interiors
What’s Not So Cool
* No ventilated seats still
* Feels a bit pricey
Alternatives: Renault Captur, Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano, Mahindra XUV500
Don’t you think the Audi inspired grille look cool on the Creta?
Further Reading –
Hyundai Creta Long Term Review – First Report
Hyundai Creta Long Term Review – Initial Report
Hyundai Creta Review
Hyundai Creta Video Review
Hyundai Creta Petrol Automatic Review
Hyundai Creta vs Renault Duster
Hyundai Creta vs Renault Duster – Video
Hyundai Creta vs Renault Duster vs Mahindra XUV500
Hyundai Creta vs Renault Duster vs Mahindra XUV500 – Video
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