Hyundai Creta

Hyundai has launched the facelifted Creta SUV at Rs 9.44 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Available in five trims, three engine options and a choice of two transmissions, the top-spec SX (O) MT diesel carries a price tag of Rs 15.04 lakh.

Compared to the outgoing model, the refreshed Creta differentiates itself by getting a larger, chrome-lined hexagonal grille, a thick new front bumper with separate housings for the front fog lamps, a new black chin and a slightly tweaked rear bumper. The facelift also gets the option of a dual-tone exterior finish, along with its list of monotone finishes. Single-tone options include white, orange, black, silver blue and red, while the dual-tone options are white with black, and orange with black.

There aren’t many differences on the inside of the new SUV, with the outgoing model’s dashboard design remaining unchanged. However, Hyundai has upgraded the level of kit on each variant, and even the base E trim – which came with safety features like dual-front airbags and ABS – now gets its standard kit updated with driver’s seat height adjust and a front sliding armrest. In addition to features like 17-inch alloy wheels, projector headlamps, cruise control and the AVN infotainment system with an IPS display, the top-spec SX (O) also comes with a powered sunroof, six-way adjustable powered driver’s seat, a smart key band, wireless charging support and six airbags.

Mechanically, nothing has changed, with the previously available 90hp, 1.4-litre diesel; 123hp, 1.6-litre petrol; and the 128hp, 1.6-litre diesel engines doing duty under the hood. As before, the 1.4 diesel is mated only to a six-speed manual while the 1.6-litre engines get the option of a six-speed torque-converter automatic as well. However, the automatic is not available on the top-spec SX (O) trim, which means buyers of the automatic versions will have to make do without features like the sunroof and wireless charging.

The refreshed Hyundai Creta’s rivals remain the same, and consist of the Renault Captur (Rs 9.99-14.07 lakh), Maruti S-cross (Rs 8.62-11.33 lakh) and even the likes of the seven-seat Honda BR-V (Rs 9.21-13.39 lakh).