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The Hyundai Creta stands as a testament to Hyundai’s triumph in the Indian automotive landscape, following in the impactful footsteps of the iconic Santro. While the Santro set the stage with its affordability and reliability, the Creta entered the scene, capturing a distinct market segment with its audacious design, expansive interiors, and robust performance. Swiftly ascending to the summit of the compact SUV market, the Creta etched its name as a household favourite, embodying Hyundai’s unwavering dedication to understanding and surpassing the expectations of Indian car enthusiasts. Now, the baton passes to the all-new Creta, poised to navigate the delicate balance of honouring its predecessor’s legacy while steering Hyundai into an even more promising chapter of India’s automotive future. With a commitment to heightened features, cutting-edge technology, and an exhilarating driving experience, the new Creta aspires not only to carry forward the torch of past triumphs but to spark a fresh era of driving enthusiasm for Hyundai in India.

Now an extraordinary journey to uncover the allure of the highly anticipated Hyundai Creta, our initiation into this automotive adventure took an unexpected turn. Unlike the usual airport-to-hotel transit, we found ourselves handed the keys to the all-new Creta right upon landing. With directions leading us to our hotel nearly 70 km away, this unconventional start set the stage for an immersive and experiential introduction to Hyundai’s latest masterpiece.

Before we hit the open highway, our first stop was the legendary Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur. Here, against the backdrop of this architectural marvel, we seized the opportunity to capture the Creta in its full glory. This iconic location served as the perfect canvas to showcase the striking design elements that make the new Creta an instant head-turner. As we prepare to delve into the driving experience, let’s take a moment to appreciate the design philosophy that sets the new Hyundai Creta apart, blending contemporary aesthetics with timeless appeal. Let’s look at all the design details for the new Hyundai Creta.

The 2024 Hyundai Creta undergoes a notable visual evolution, with a focal point on its revamped front fascia. The most striking change is witnessed in the redesigned grille, adorned with a captivating parametric jewel theme. Flanking this centrepiece are novel horizon LED positioning lamps and DRLs, harmoniously complemented by vertically stacked twin-LED projector headlights. The front profile gains a robust demeanor, courtesy of a reprofiled bumper that seamlessly integrates a faux skid plate. The side profile maintains a familiar appeal, accentuated by newly crafted 5-spoke dual-tone alloy wheels. Turning to the rear, the Creta reveals a redesigned tailgate hosting connected tail lights featuring distinctive H-shaped LED elements. A muscular bash plate also appears in the fresh rear bumper design.

The 2024 Creta is set to make a statement in an array of captivating colours, presenting seven options. This palette includes six mono-tone choices—Robust Emerald Pearl (new), Fiery Red, Ranger Khaki, Abyss Black, Atlas White, and Titan Grey—along with the option of Atlas White with a Black Roof for those seeking a striking dual-tone combination. We had the Abyss Black on test and stood out against the desert backdrop of Rajasthan.

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The interior of the new Hyundai Creta undergoes a substantial transformation, presenting a refreshed ambience with its new upholstery shades and a redesigned dashboard layout. At the centre of attention is the twin-screen setup, where the 10.25-inch HD infotainment display takes pride. The intuitive interface supports seamless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, delivering an enhanced user experience.

Drawing influence from the larger Alcazar, the Creta’s cabin strikes a balance between sophistication and practicality. The choice of materials and colour schemes contributes to an overall feeling of openness and premium comfort. Notably, the cooled ventilated seats add a touch of luxury, catering to the demands of diverse climates. Hyundai‘s commitment to cutting-edge technology is evident through features like the advanced BlueLink connectivity system, a high-quality Bose premium sound system with eight speakers, and the pre-installed Jio Saavn app, offering an extensive array of entertainment options.

The emphasis on practicality extends to the spacious boot, providing ample room for luggage during extended journeys. Hyundai continues to uphold its reputation for superior build quality, positioning the Creta as a benchmark in the segment. Rear seat comfort, a consistent strength of the Creta, ensures that passengers enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable ride. With these enhancements, the new Hyundai Creta emerges as a well-rounded and compelling choice, combining modern technology with practical features for an elevated driving experience.

Hyundai maintains the engine lineup of the current Creta, offering two well-established options—a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit and a 1.5-litre CRDi diesel unit. The former generates a robust 114 bhp and 14.68 kgm of peak torque, while the latter delivers an equally commendable 114 bhp and 25.49 kgm of torque.

A noteworthy addition to Creta‘s arsenal is the introduction of a 1.5-litre Kappa turbocharged petrol engine, elevating performance with 158 bhp and 25.79 kgm of peak torque. The transmission choices for drivers are diverse, encompassing a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic, a CVT automatic, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and a six-speed clutchless manual.

During our test drive, we had the opportunity to experience the Creta equipped with the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. The power delivery of this engine proved to be a seamless match for the Creta, especially on the expansive, arrow-straight roads of Rajasthan. Surprisingly, the fuel efficiency didn’t compromise on our spirited drive, with the indicated figures showcasing an impressive 14 kpl in the city and 17 kpl on the highway. For those prioritizing fuel economy, the diesel engine option boasts a claimed average of 21 kpl, further expanding Creta’s appeal as a versatile and efficient choice in its segment.

The ride and handling prowess of the new Hyundai Creta truly shines as it effortlessly glides over the smooth tarmac that Rajasthan presents, offering a seamless and comfortable driving experience. While the majority of our journey embraced the well-maintained roads of the region, Creta’s capabilities truly came to the forefront when we encountered a couple of rough patches. The Creta‘s suspension and chassis dynamics demonstrated their mettle, ensuring that navigating these uneven terrains was a breeze. The car’s ability to tackle rough roads with poise and stability further underscores its versatility, making it a reliable companion for diverse driving conditions. Whether cruising on highways or navigating through challenging terrains, the Hyundai Creta excels in providing a balanced and enjoyable ride.

The new Hyundai Creta leads in safety, boasting cutting-edge driver aids for comprehensive protection. With features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, cruise control with stop-and-go, and Lane Keep Assist, the Creta ensures a secure drive. Hill-hold control simplifies inclines, and six airbags stand ready for unexpected situations. Hyundai has also said they have used advanced high-strength steel and strengthened the Creta, we will have to wait and see how it will fare in the Bharat-NCAP tests.

The new Hyundai Creta emerges as a formidable contender, seamlessly blending style, performance, and safety. With a striking design overhaul, advanced features, and enhanced technology, it propels Hyundai’s legacy in the compact SUV arena. The robust safety suite, cutting-edge driver aids, and versatile engine options contribute to its all-rounded appeal. Hyundai continues to showcase its understanding of the Indian market, providing a car that not only meets but exceeds expectations. With the new Creta, Hyundai once again proves its prowess in delivering vehicles that resonate with the diverse needs of Indian car buyers. Positioned to defend its segment leadership, the Creta stands tall against its competition, setting a benchmark yet to be matched. For those seeking a perfect balance of style, substance, and performance, the new Hyundai Creta is a compelling choice in the ever-competitive SUV landscape. As we end our review, it’s clear – the Hyundai Creta 2024 has made an impact on us; it’s a testament to thoughtful design and innovation. With a starting price of just Rs 10.99 lakh, it redefines driving and makes a compelling case for affordability and excellence.