Hyundai Creta: No one believed it, but it became a leader

When the Hyundai Creta it was launched in Brazil at the end of 2016, many frowned upon 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 the Creta overcame initial criticisms and evolved over the years, adapting to consumer trends and preferences, culminating in a remarkable market success.

First impressions and the aesthetic controversy

The Hyundai Creta hit the market with a look that quickly became the subject of debates. 

Initially, its design was considered by many to be unconventional and even controversial, especially the front that featured bold lines 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 on Brazilian streets, its presence began to be more accepted. 

Hyundai, noticing the criticism, acted quickly. 

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 redesigned front that harmonized better with the expectations of the Brazilian market. 

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

The controversial design and its versions

The Hyundai Creta has undergone significant evolution in its design across generations, reflecting Hyundai's response to criticism and public preferences. 

The first generation was marked by a high front and a prominent grille, which was uncommon 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 featured a completely revamped front, characterized by a large front grille that integrated the headlights in a futuristic manner. 

The grade, with a cascading pattern that has become a visual signature of Hyundai, was flanked by split headlights that gave the vehicle a more modern and aggressive look. 

In addition, 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.

The public's 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 as consumers began to see the vehicle in person on the streets and at dealerships.

The impact on initial sales was notable.. 

Despite the initial criticism of the design, the Creta continued to perform well, indicating that many consumers were willing to prioritize functionality and brand 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.