Hyundai Creta makes for a great buy in the compact SUV segment

Opt for the top-spec trims, you get four additional airbags, Hill Start Assist and Vehicle Stability Management as well.

The Hyundai Creta was launched in 2015 in India and went on to become a blockbuster product for the Korean carmaker.

Indians gobbled up the compact SUV so much that from 2015 to the end of February 2018, 2,48,582 units were sold. The Korean carmaker has now launched the facelifted version of the Creta and this is a comprehensive update as there are plenty of feature additions to the vehicle.

In terms of exteriors, changes are more concentrated towards the front fascia.

You now get the Hyundai's signature cascade effect grille and a muscular dual-tone bumper with faux silver skid plate.

The projector headlights are slightly tweaked and do not house the LED DRLs anymore.

The LED DRLs have been moved near the fog lights and have an interesting shape to them.

Except for the new 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels with new design, the side profile remains identical to the pre-facelift Creta.

The rear profile too is largely identical to the previous model except for the shark-fin antenna and the silver skid plate.

While the cabin of the 2018 Hyundai Creta remains vastly identical to the pre-facelifted model, the carmaker has thrown in more goodies this time.

The 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel and the instrument console are identical to the previous car.

The 7-inch touchscreen AVN system too looks similar but gets a new software and features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink as well.

Apart from the automatic climate control, push-button start, ARKAMYS sound system, rear parking sensors with camera and rear AC vents, the facelifted Creta now gets an electric sunroof, 6-way power adjustable driver's seat, cruise control, wireless charger and a wearable band called Smart Key Band.

Both the front seats offer good comfort and support.

The rear has adequate legroom and head room but the under thigh support is still lacking for tall passengers. The 400-litres boot space is adequate enough to swallow a family's weekend luggage.

In terms of performance, the 2018 Hyundai Creta continues to be powered by the same 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engines.

There is also a 1.6-litre petrol engine on offer. The 1.4-litre oil-burner makes 90 PS of power and 220 Nm of twist while the 1.6-litre diesel mill churns out 128 PS and 260 Nm.

However, the company has slightly retuned the 1.6-litre diesel engine.

The 260 Nm of torque is dished out at 1500-3000 RPM as opposed to the previous car's 1900-2750 RPM.

It also claims that the diesel engine is 4% more fuel-efficient.

Having said that, the drivability has improved but there is some amount of lag in the lower revs.

Mid-range is where the engine shines as performance is punchy. While the clutch has a longer travel, the gearbox is slick shifting.

The 2018 Hyundai Creta rides and handles same as before as there are no changes to the suspension.

The suspension setup is on the softer side and the ride quality is supple at low speeds.

However, the SUV feels pitchy as speeds rise. While high-speed stability is good, the steering feel and feedback is a bit lacking.

It feels artificial and also disconnected to some extent and this has to be one of the very few gripes of the Creta.

That said, braking performance and the grip from the tyres is good.

In terms of safety, Hyundai is offering dual airbags and ABS with EBD as standard across all variants.

Opt for the top-spec trims, you get four additional airbags, Hill Start Assist and Vehicle Stability Management as well.

The Korean automaker's after sales service has been a satisfactory experience for most customers. It also has a vast sales and service network across the country.

With the addition of a host of premium and convenient features, the facelifted Hyundai Creta is a mature and well-packaged product and not just that, it justifies the premium price tag as well.

Nonetheless, there are some features still missing but placing that aside, the Creta makes for a great buy in the compact SUV segment.