2016 Hyundai Creta 1.6 petrol AT review, test drive

What is it?

With the gap between diesel and petrol costs narrowing by the day, there’s a sharp swing in demand back to petrol-powered cars. And to cash in on this trend, Hyundai wants to make its petrol fleet even more attractive, which is why the Korean maker has launched the Creta 1.6 petrol with a six-speed automatic transmission. This variant also plugs the last gap in the wide Creta range and is aimed at urban dwellers with short commutes for which a diesel car doesn’t make sense.

Priced at nearly Rs 2 lakh cheaper than its diesel sibling, the petrol auto makes a strong case for itself. Available only in the SX+ variant, like the diesel, it misses on some features from the top-spec SX(O) version like side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control, hill start assist, leather seats etc. But, put the two automatics together, and it’s hard to make out the difference, until you press the start button.

What’s it like inside?

As mentioned earlier, the petrol auto is available only in the SX+ trim and though some of the goodies are missing, the cabin quality with the two-tone dashboard though, is still top notch and the buttons and knobs feel well built and long lasting. At the rear, the familiar story continues as the Creta has a wide rear bench which comfortably seats three abreast. The middle passenger too can go on for long hours as there is no centre tunnel getting in the way. Also, the rear AC vents don’t protrude giving the middle passenger vital extra inches for more legroom. Cabin insulation is good too and once you shut the doors you feel nicely isolated from the traffic.