Should you buy a Hyundai Creta N Line? Pros and Cons explained

The Hyundai Creta N Line is designed for customers seeking a sporty midsize SUV that emphasises performance and driving experience. The Hyundai SUV gets cosmetic upgrades over the standard Creta and comes only with the turbo-petrol engine mated to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT transmission. With our comprehensive list of pros and cons, we help you decide whether to buy one. 

Feature-rich cabin and space

A long list of features and ample space provide a good balance of performance and comfort 

Hyundai has always been known for bringing feature-packed products to the segment, and it’s no surprise with the Creta N Line as well. The model comes with twin 10.25-inch infotainment and digital displays, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Bose speaker system, a panoramic sunroof, connected car tech, ventilated seats, Level 2 ADAS, and much more.

Moreover, its interior gets the N Line treatment, with N Line-themed leather upholstery, and we especially like the high-quality N Line-themed steering wheel and gear lever. Just like the standard Creta, the N Line is spacious, especially at the back, with a reclining backrest, sunshades and soft neck pillows. 

Turbo-petrol DCT performance

The DCT automatic feels much nicer to drive than the manual

Powering the Creta N Line is the same 160hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine as the standard Creta, Alcazar, Verna, and the Kia Seltos and Carens Clavis. In the N Line, this engine is available with the option of a manual transmission, a setup that the standard Creta misses out on. The turbo-petrol engine is punchy, and the performance is really potent for its class. 

We got the opportunity to drive both transmission options in our Creta N Line review. We found the DCT to be a lot more complete to drive with; the turbo-petrol DCT combo goes really well, and the shifts feel more seamless. The DCT also gets additional features like drive and traction modes, which actually make a difference to the overall experience by altering throttle response and adjusting steering weight, respectively. The DCT even has paddleshifters for manual control.

Justifies its premium over the standard Creta 

Packs a lot more than just mere badging 

The N10 turbo-petrol DCT costs around Rs 45,000 more than the standard Creta SX(O) turbo-petrol DCT, but the extra money feels worth it. The Creta N Line has a slightly different look at the front end, exclusive colours, sportier exterior parts, N Line-themed leather upholstery, metal pedals and N Line treatment for the interior, justifying the premium it commands.

Fit and finish in certain areas 

Hard plastics in some areas of the cabin

The cabin’s design, layout and N Line treatment are likeable, but the fit and finish can be improved. While some of the materials are high-quality, certain hard plastics leave something to be desired. In fact, some rival SUVs come with soft-touch leatherette on the dashboard and door trims, which the Creta N Line misses out on. 

Handling not engaging enough 

Not much of a difference in handling over the standard Creta 

While Hyundai claims to have made changes to the Creta N Line’s suspension damping and steering tuning, in our experience, the difference wasn’t significant in the way we’d seen between the i20 and its N Line counterpart. The body tends to roll around the corners, and we feel the steering could do with more heft and feedback. 

Also read: 

Hyundai Creta N Line review: Sporty intentions

Hyundai Creta N Line long term review, 15,000 km report