Opinion: Creta class

Hyundai’s class-defining Creta SUV has been with us for a decade, and what a journey it's been. From around 40,000 units sold in 2015 to an incredible 1,86,000 in 2024, it’s been a staggering success. To put that into perspective – that’s 510 cars a day. Wild, isn’t it? Imagine one and a half football fields jam-packed with Hyundai Cretas every single day.

So, what made the Creta soar up the sales charts like a homesick angel? It wasn’t the pioneer of the monocoque SUV format – that honour goes to Renault's Logan-based Duster. And let’s be fair, the Duster was a big hit. Solid build, it had a superb suspension (a straight 12 out of10), and a diesel engine that absolutely smashed it. It even had SUV character in spades, and that’s despite it being built on a monocoque chassis.

However, the Creta brought something extra to the table. It felt like an SUV too, but what it also had was a level of sophistication – inside and out – that made it feel car-like to drive.

On the equipment front, the Creta ticked every box.

Light and effortless from behind the wheel, it rode well at low speeds and came with a punchy and smooth 1.6 common rail diesel engine that could even be had with an automatic transmission. And, as ever, Hyundai’s feature list ticked every box. Automatic headlamps, push-button start, climate control, rear-view camera, rear AC vents, steering-mounted controls, Bluetooth telephony and faux leather upholstery.

Still remember a long chat with one of Hyundai’s senior managers at the time. He was sure the SUV would be a hit – his confidence bolstered by something very simple; every person who walked into the showroom gave the Creta a good, long, appreciative look. Hyundai nailed the design too. Upright, square proportions, a tipped-forward stance, prominent front wheel arches, and a distinctive ‘X’ incorporated into the chin. Based on the Chinese market iX25, the headlamps and tail-lights aren’t perfect, but it has aged gracefully.

First-gen Creta set the template for the midsize SUV segment.

Hyundai later added turbo-petrol engines, twin-clutch gearboxes, dual screens, a large panoramic sunroof, cooled seats and ADAS. Hyundai was clever to keep updating the Creta and maintain that freshness. And the range expanded too – the three-row Alcazar, the sporty N Line and even an EV, all helping widen appeal.

But it was the gen one Creta that set the trend, elevated Hyundai’s stature and defined the class, setting the benchmark. That was obvious right from the start. Even a short 10-minute drive was enough to see its potential. Still remember writing, “if first impressions are anything to go by, this is as good as it gets.” Probably why we still call the most hotly contested SUV category in India – the one where all the money is going – the Creta class.