Hyundai Creta: Nobody had faith, but it became a leader

When the Hyundai creta was launched in Brazil at the end of 2016, many turned up their noses at its design and questioned its potential for success. 

Contrary to expectations, this compact SUV not only won the hearts of Brazilians, but also established itself as the sales leader in its category. 

We will show you how Creta overcame initial criticism and evolved over the years, adapting to consumer trends and preferences, culminating in surprising market success.

First impressions and the aesthetic controversy

The Hyundai Creta arrived on the market with a look that quickly became the subject of debate. 

Initially, its design was considered by many to be unconventional and even controversial, especially the front, which featured bold features and an aesthetic that divided opinions. 

Images of the model circulated on the internet even before its official launch in Brazil, and the reaction was not unanimous: while some admired its boldness, others thought it was “ugly as hell”.

As the Creta was introduced onto Brazilian streets, its presence began to be more accepted. 

Hyundai, realizing the criticism, was quick to act. 

In 2021, the second generation of the Creta was introduced with a series of modifications that softened some of the most criticized aspects, bringing a remodeled front that better harmonized with the expectations of the Brazilian market. 

This update, part of a broader facelift, reflected the brand's new global identity, adopting lines reminiscent of other successful Hyundai models, such as the Santa Cruz pickup truck.

The controversial design and its versions

The Hyundai Creta has undergone a significant evolution in its design over the generations, reflecting Hyundai's response to criticism and public tastes. 

The first generation was marked by a high front end and a prominent grille that was not common at the time, resulting in divided opinions. 

However, it was the second generation, launched in 2021, that really shook up the market with an even more radical design.

In this second generation, the Creta presented a completely redesigned front end, characterized by a large front grille that integrated the headlights in a futuristic way. 

The grille, with a cascading pattern that became a Hyundai visual signature, was flanked by split headlights that gave the vehicle a more modern and aggressive appearance. 

Additionally, the fog lights were positioned to complement the bold design, while the rear also received updates to align with the brand's new aesthetic language.

Public reaction to these changes was initially mixed. 

While some consumers appreciated the innovative and distinctive design, others still preferred the more conservative lines of other models available on the market. 

However, over time, acceptance grew, especially when consumers began to see the vehicle in person on the streets and in dealerships.

The impact on initial sales was notable. 

Despite initial criticism of the design, the Creta continued to perform well, indicating that many consumers were willing to place functionality and the brand's reputation over aesthetic controversy. 

This demonstrated that although design can be a critical factor, the purchasing decision often encompasses a broader assessment of the vehicle's qualities.