The latest Hyundai Creta updates - what has changed and how?

The second generation of the popular crossover Hyundai Creta, which entered the Russian market this year, is already presented in dealerships. And for many owners of first-generation cars, this is by no means an idle question: why is the new car better than its predecessor? Is it worth it to run to a car dealership to place an order or not to rush with a replacement?
Let's try to make an unusual comparison and look at the new Creta not against the background of competitors, but by putting it next to the car it replaced. It is clear that such a comparison is not entirely fair, because the new model must obviously be better than the old one. If not in everything, then in most respects. But how much better it is, we'll see.

Appearance

The very first glance at the novelty makes you raise your eyebrows in bewilderment - but were we really waiting for THIS?



Yes, the previous Crete was never known as a beauty. But the machine was fine, proportional, without frankly repulsive decisions in appearance. And what inspired the Hyundai designers this time? Why should this puffy face be sympathetic? How did it happen that this plump was born at the same time as the new Sonata, Elantra and Tussan? Yes, those too can not be said to be handsome, but they are united by a common idea. And "Cretu" as if bitten by bees. And mostly in the back.



But, if you recover from the first shock and decide to come closer?

Interior, ergonomics and comfort

But no, not all Hyundai designers are prone to risky experiments! Those who have painted the interior of the car clearly have more traditional values.



Steering wheel from Sonata, multimedia with a diagonal of 8 or 10 inches, partially digital dashboard in more expensive versions. It's definitely cozy in here!



In addition, the ergonomics of the new Creta is better than its predecessor. The seats and steering column are more adjustable, and in rich trim levels, the driver's seat has electric drives.
However, the quality of materials fell victim to the struggle for attractive prices. The plastic is hard everywhere - with the exception of the armrests trimmed with "young dermantin leather".
Compared to the first generation machine, the new one has noticeably improved sound insulation. The cabin is objectively quieter in all driving modes, there are fewer vibrations.



Boot space has increased from 402 to 433 liters, according to manufacturers, partly due to the fact that the dimensions of the new car have grown by 30 cm compared to the previous generation. We saw, of course, more trunks, but for this class the value is very worthy.

Power plants

The main good news for the owners of the new Crete is that they did not change engines and transmissions. Engineers, in the struggle between technical novelty and proven reliability, have relied on the latter. And for our conditions, this is rather a plus. 1,6 and 2,0 liter engines with 123 hp. and 150 hp respectively, a 6-speed manual gearbox or "automatic" with the same number of steps, front or all-wheel drive. In total, the buyer is offered six options - a two-liter engine is aggregated exclusively with automatic transmission. And rightly so, because a 123-horsepower 1,6 engine paired with an automatic transmission would turn the Creta into a vegetable.

By the way, an interesting detail. Cars with a two-liter engine that rolled off the assembly line in the first months had ... a different engine! Due to the lack of chips for control units, instead of the originally intended power unit, an engine from Sonata and Tussana was installed. Yes, the same two liters of working volume, the same 150 hp, but these are different engines! "Sonatovsky" is more modern, but less studied, which means that surprises are possible.

Packages

That's where the new "Kreta" wins back for bullying designers! In terms of equipment, it puts on the blades not only its predecessor, but also most of the competitors in the class. Compared to the first generation machine, the buyer is additionally offered:

• ✅ Lane retention system
  
• ✅ Blind zone control system
  
• ✅ Adaptive cruise-control
  
• ✅ Auto braking system
  
• ✅ Driver monitoring system
  
• ✅ Dashboard with a 7-inch screen, the content and appearance of which the driver can vary according to his preference
  
• ✅ 10-inch touch-screen monitor on the central panel
  
• ✅ Panoramic sunroof
  
• ✅ Bluelink® and Mobikey telematics systems
  

Special mention should be made of the last positions in this list. The new "Kreta" became the first Hyundai car produced in Russia, which can be ordered with a glass roof.



Previously, the company did not have such competence. Representatives of the plant proudly emphasize this.
Bluelink® and Mobikey telematics systems are the envy of many competing car owners, even in the higher class.
Bluelink® is a Hyundai branded app that can be ordered on expensive Creta versions. With it, the owner gets access to a lot of information and opportunities through his smartphone.



For example, being away from the car (not necessarily within sight, even from another continent!) You can start the engine, turn on the heating or air conditioning, heat everything that is heated, see the fuel supply, load the route into navigation. You can also get an image from the all-round cameras and understand what is happening around the car. It remains only to teach yourself to go for bread ...
Mobikey is a simpler program and is designed to be installed on the basic versions of Kreta. Its functionality is not as rich as that of Bluelink®, but the neighbors in the parking lot will still be jealous. It is noteworthy that Mobikey is not a Hyundai proprietary development. The application was created by a third-party company, and a Russian one. That is, this option is available (at least for now) only for cars manufactured in Russia.

On the go

Despite the fact that the power units remained unchanged, the suspension of the new "Kreta" has undergone refinement.
The smoothness of the ride has improved, including due to the increased wheelbase. The machine has learned to pass road joints and recessed hatches without poking, there is less buildup. In habits there are even certain hints of nobility!



The suspension is tuned mainly to the urban mood, but it does not give up on light off-road. Heavy off-road, of course, is contraindicated for her. A primer before giving, it is possible under a layer of snow - this is a reasonable maximum, which should not be exceeded.
Handling Hyundai is not reckless, but reliable. Including, thanks to the abundance of insurance electronics. Which, by the way, is set up very well!

Prices

Now about the main and most sad. "Kreta" has become more expensive. (Someone surprised?)
Depending on the level of equipment, the price list looks like this:

• ✅ 1.6 MT 2WD from 1 to 199 rubles
• ✅ 1.6 AT 2WD from 1 to 264 rubles
• ✅ 1.6 MT 4WD from 1 to 350 rubles
• ✅ 1.6 AT 4WD from 1 to 490 rubles
• ✅ 2.0 AT 2WD from 1 to 470 rubles
• ✅ 2.0 AT 4WD from 1 to 655 rubles
  

And these are prices without additional options and "dealer greed tax". Unfortunately, in our reality, it is almost impossible to buy a car for the specified amount. Dealers everywhere "fasten" to the price from 200 to 500 thousand rubles, justifying the rise in price with additional options such as floor mats, crankcase protection, tinting and other trifles, which can be purchased at third-party centers much cheaper. We will not argue that everyone does this, but the practice, unfortunately, is very common.

Summing up

The second generation of "Kreta" in terms of its consumer qualities, of course, is head and shoulders above the previous one. And in comparison with competitors, the car is not lost. Yes, the price tags have grown, well, who has it differently now? In addition, the increase in cost, against the backdrop of the splendor of the new options, does not look extortionate.
And, if the previous Creta could become the best-selling crossover in our market, the new one could well repeat this success. If it wasn't for looks...