The much-awaited India-spec Hyundai Creta facelift has recently been revealed, offering a refreshed design and updated features. Set for its official price reveal on January 16, this second-generation Creta has already undergone a facelift in international markets like Indonesia and Malaysia. Let's delve into the key differences between the India-spec version and its international version.
Front-end Design
The international variant showcases a front fascia inspired by the Tucson, boasting parametric jewel LED lighting. In contrast, the India-spec Creta takes on a boxier design for the grille and introduces new LED DRLs with inverted L-shaped lighting elements that span the width of the bonnet. Both versions sport vertically oriented LED headlights, but the Indian version has a more robust styling for the housing and front bumper.
Rear Profile
Hyundai has revamped the rear styling of the Creta facelift for India to harmonize with the new front design. It now features a connected LED tail lamp setup that mirrors the light signature of the new LED DRLs. Additionally, a chunky silver skid plate has been added to the new bumper. On the other hand, the updated Creta in other markets did not receive substantial changes to the rear, maintaining a semblance to the pre-facelift model.
Side Profile
The side profile of the Hyundai Creta remains largely unchanged with the facelift for any market. However, each region gets its distinct design for the alloy wheels, contributing to a touch of individuality.
Interior
The interior of the India-spec Creta facelift reflects a more comprehensive redesign compared to its international counterpart. It has dual 10.25-inch screens for the infotainment and driver’s display, introducing a new climate control panel on the updated dashboard that exudes a more premium feel. In contrast, the global variant retains the outgoing model’s dashboard layout with a 7-inch TFT for the instrument cluster. The lower central console design appears to remain consistent for both versions, while different markets offer a choice of cabin themes, either all-black or dual-tone with white upholstery.
Powertrains
One of the most market-dependent variations lies in the powertrain options. Some international markets feature the Creta with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, while others provide a choice between a 1-litre turbo-petrol and a 2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. In India, buyers can opt for three engine options: naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and diesel.
Launch and Rivals
The eagerly awaited facelifted Hyundai Creta is set to enter the Indian market on January 16, with an expected starting price of Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom). Positioned to compete with formidable rivals such as the Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Skoda Kushaq, Toyota Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, Honda Elevate, and Citroen C3 Aircross, the Creta facelift aims to solidify its standing in the highly competitive SUV segment.
In summary, while the international and India-spec versions share certain design elements, the India-spec Creta facelift stands out with its distinctive features, making it a noteworthy contender in the evolving SUV landscape.