A No-nonsense Purchase

The global automotive market is dominated by just one body style — SUVs. And it’s no different in the Indian market. Buyers are smitten, and carmakers are constantly trying to one-up each other by offering the best value-for-money product. To incorporate the best from other body styles into the perfect SUV, Hyundai created the Creta, with the Creta name now bigger than the segment itself. It nestles the thought “All the car I need,” and thus, sells in huge numbers. The Hyundai Creta is now on sale in yet another facelifted avatar. But is it still a strong contender in the segment? Let’s find out.

Hyundai Creta Pros and Cons 

Hyundai Creta Exterior Design 

The Hyundai Creta’s design has been hit-or-miss since the model’s second generation was launched. With a mid-cycle refresh, the styling has taken an approach that will appeal to many, and in its current form, the Hyundai Creta is set for its debut in a sci-fi movie with its RoboCop-like face.

The radiator grille is humongous and neatly incorporates LED DRLs. While advocating lightbars is against this writer’s conscience, Hyundai has incorporated it well in the new Creta. Squared-off headlamps sit lower down and the already bold front fascia with the chunky scuff plate looks even better in Abyss Black — in our opinion the best colour.

The side profile makes the Creta look hefty with a negative offset for the wheel arches, and silver trim running across the C-pillar. The rear is designed in cohesion with the front, and the Hyundai Creta is well-equipped to take on its rivals for a few more years.

Hyundai Creta Interiors  

Step inside the Hyundai Creta, and it will give you a German vibe with its design. The dashboard houses a large panoramic glass panel that houses two 10.25-inch screens. The dash layout is clean with everything in just the right place. Multiple colours are used on the inside to uplift the ambience but the overall theme remains on the lighter side to help the cabin feel airy and spacious.

Practicality hasn’t taken a back seat with plenty of storage spaces, and the interior is every bit upmarket, however, the plastic quality could’ve been slightly better. 

Hyundai Creta Comfort 

The Hyundai Creta’s suspension is tweaked to offer a comfortable ride, and has enough compression to absorb bumps and potholes. The rebound is also set up perfectly, and isn’t so strong that the cabin feels jarred. This progressive suspension setup comprises McPherson struts with coil springs at the front and a twist beam setup on the rear. 

Elevating the Creta’s comfort quotient are its rather plush seats. The front seats are electronically adjustable and offer ventilation functionality, a boon in our extreme summers. The rear bench gets dedicated mobile charging ports, sunblinds, and a centre armrest. To add more light on the inside and some numbers to the sales tally, the Creta gets a large panoramic sunroof. And, it is voice-controlled!

Hyundai Creta Performance and Handling

There are a total of three 1.5-litre engine options catering to different buyers and use cases  – a naturally aspirated petrol, turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel. Transmission choices include a 6-speed MT, 6-speed iMT, 6-speed AT, IVT, and 7-speed DCT. In simple words, there’s a Hyundai Creta for everyone.

The NA petrol motor is good for city dwellers with 113.43 bhp of peak power and 144 Nm of torque. The motor is refined and offers a sedate driving experience. Next up, the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol motor — the maddest of all. It produces a segment-best power output of 157.8 bhp and 253 Nm of max torque. The diesel engine is tuned to produce 114 bhp and 250 Nm.

The Creta also comes with three driving and terrain modes. Furthermore, it gets steering-mounted paddle shifters. Despite respectable power figures, the feedback from the steering wheel given its chunky tyres and SUV stance is not engaging. Still, quick sprints will not disappoint with the turbo-petrol-DCT configuration.

Hyundai Creta Key specifications 

Hyundai Creta Safety Features

With the introduction of the facelifted Hyundai Creta, the South Korean automaker has improved the build of the SUV with increased use of advanced high-strength steel. The Creta now comes equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, parking sensors, and seat belt reminders, along with other safety features as standard. Also, it now gets the option of Level-2 ADAS, which adds adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and more to the list. Overall, the Hyundai Creta is a safe car, and it is even anticipated to receive a 5-star crash test rating soon, following in the footsteps of the new-gen Hyundai Verna.

Hyundai Creta Technology and Infotainment

Hyundai has always set the bar high when it comes to packing its cars with features and does not disappoint with the facelifted Creta. This time around, a panoramic glass panel is used to house two 10.25-inch displays, for the infotainment unit and instrument cluster. Yes, the instrument cluster is an all-digital unit. The Hyundai Creta gets an 8-speaker Bose sound system that can put a smile on your face with its output. Other amenities include a wireless phone charger, cooled glovebox, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and more. 

Is the Hyundai Creta for You?

In the C-segment SUV business, the Hyundai Creta is a no-nonsense purchase. With a dozen variants on offer, there is a Hyundai Creta for everyone. Why should you consider buying one? The answer is simple — it ticks nearly all the right boxes and caters to exactly what most Indian car buyers are looking for. To top it all, it’s a Hyundai, which is known for its reliable cars and excellent after-sales experience.