Hyundai Creta

Such is the appeal of the Hyundai Creta that it's almost become the default choice for mid-size SUV buyers in India. A mid-life refresh in 2018 brought in a mildy revised front-end and also saw the addition of more features on the top-spec trims. The Hyundai Creta is available with a 128hp, 1.6-litre petrol, a 90hp, 1.4-litre diesel and a 123hp, 1.6-litre diesel engine. Buyers also have the option of an automatic transmission with the petrol and the larger capacity diesel engines. The all-new Creta will launch in early 2020.

Such is the appeal of the Hyundai Creta that it's almost become the default choice for mid-size SUV buyers in India. ...

Such is the appeal of the Hyundai Creta that it's almost become the default choice for mid-size SUV buyers in India. A mid-life refresh in 2018 brought in a mildy revised front-end and also saw the addition of more features on the top-spec trims. The Hyundai Creta is available with a 128hp, 1.6-litre petrol, a 90hp, 1.4-litre diesel and a 123hp, 1.6-litre diesel engine. Buyers also have the option of an automatic transmission with the petrol and the larger capacity diesel engines. The all-new Creta will launch in early 2020.

The Creta might have the upright proportions of a larger SUV but it is predominantly an urban car, and a good one at that. Drivers will like the view out, the light steering and the low-speed ride quality, which is also a strength. All three engines score well on refinement but the 1.4 diesel feels out of breath on the highway and the 1.6 petrol is unexciting. The 1.6 diesel, on the other hand, feels alert and is also satisfyingly punchy. Smooth-shifting manual gearboxes are standard and the torque converter automatics are also pleasant. Unfortunately, the Creta doesn't feel as well tied down at high speeds as it should, particularly the lighter petrol model.
There's a lot to like about the Creta's cabin. It's smartly laid-out, well finished and comfortable too. Rear seat space is impressive but the rising window line means occupants don't get an SUV-like view out.

The Creta might have the upright proportions of a larger SUV but it is predominantly an urban car, and a good one at ...

The Creta might have the upright proportions of a larger SUV but it is predominantly an urban car, and a good one at that. Drivers will like the view out, the light steering and the low-speed ride quality, which is also a strength. All three engines score well on refinement but the 1.4 diesel feels out of breath on the highway and the 1.6 petrol is unexciting. The 1.6 diesel, on the other hand, feels alert and is also satisfyingly punchy. Smooth-shifting manual gearboxes are standard and the torque converter automatics are also pleasant. Unfortunately, the Creta doesn't feel as well tied down at high speeds as it should, particularly the lighter petrol model.
There's a lot to like about the Creta's cabin. It's smartly laid-out, well finished and comfortable too. Rear seat space is impressive but the rising window line means occupants don't get an SUV-like view out.

The Hyundai Creta is available across a wide price band. However, it is the higher-spec – and hence pricier – versions that are the most tempting. The petrol-automatic is worth considering for low-usage buyers, though it's the diesel-automatic that is the best of the Cretas. The Creta diesel-automatic in SX trim is our pick of the range.

The Hyundai Creta is available across a wide price band. However, it is the higher-spec – and hence pricier – version...

The Hyundai Creta is available across a wide price band. However, it is the higher-spec – and hence pricier – versions that are the most tempting. The petrol-automatic is worth considering for low-usage buyers, though it's the diesel-automatic that is the best of the Cretas. The Creta diesel-automatic in SX trim is our pick of the range.