The subcompact crossover segment is such a tightly contested category, and Hyundai wants its contender to remain up to date.

Hyundai India has given us our first look at the heavily refreshed Creta crossover. The model received major changes to its look both inside and out, as well as a few key updates to its features.

Starting with the exterior, the refreshed Creta is sporting the new “Sensuous Sportiness” design language of Hyundai. While the current Creta we have in the Philippines looks like a baby Tucson because of its grille, the updated model’s heavily redesigned front fascia adopts a boxier shape reminiscent of the larger Palisade.

The model also receives quad-beam LED headlights, while the LED DRLs that used to flank the grille now extend towards the entire width of the front end.

Meanwhile, the rear end looks completely different. Hyundai made a complete redesign of the tailgate, the rear bumpers, and the taillights that now feature a full-width LED “Horizon” light bar.

Inside, the Hyundai Creta has undergone significant changes, particularly with the dashboard. The crossover now has an integrated infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster, while the A/C controls appear to have been changed from having physical knobs and buttons to a full touch panel.

For the Indian market, the refreshed Hyundai Creta is being offered with three engine options – a 1.5-liter, naturally aspirated MPi gasoline paired to an IVT or a 6-speed manual, a 1.5-liter GDI turbo mated to a 7-speed DCT and a 1.5-liter CRDi turbodiesel with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed auto.

We’re yet to see if the 1.5 gas turbo and 1.5 turbodiesel engine option will make its way to the ASEAN region. In Indonesia where Hyundai Motor Philippines sources out the Creta, the crossover is being made with only the 1.5-liter naturally aspirated Smartstream G engine.

The heavily refreshed Hyundai Creta will make its global debut in India on January 16.