Hyundai Creta

Hyundai Creta exterior 

The Creta has great proportions, with a chunky, square-shaped front end, thick creases over the wheel arches and broad shoulders. The 17-inch alloys are an interesting but unexciting design. The flat nose of the car is home to a big grille and lighting is via a three-part C-shaped LED DRL pattern. The LED tail lamps mirror the headlamps, with their C-shaped design. The design is quirky at best and fussy at worst.

Hyundai Creta Interior 

Inside, you’re welcomed by a clean and simple dashboard design, with a rather elegant V-shaped flowing centre console. While the plastic quality itself is pretty good for the class, it lacks soft-touch materials like many rivals offer. The front seats are supportive, and very well cushioned. The rear bench is large, comfortable and supportive. Rear window blinds are also present, and the decent headroom is somewhat eaten into by the frame of the sunroof.

Hyundai Creta features and safety 

The Creta is loaded with features like wireless phone charging, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a powered driver’s seat, TPMS, an air purifier and auto climate control. Additionally, there are ventilated front seats, a Bose audio system and a full-length panoramic sunroof. There is a slick 10.25-inch touchscreen that sits flush with the centre console. The safety suite includes six airbags, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, traction and stability control, and disc brakes at all four corners.

Hyundai Creta engine, gearbox and performance

There are two engine options, petrol and diesel that are available with both manual and automatic transmission options. Paddle shifters are also offered, which let you take the reins of the powertrain and use it to the fullest. The engine is pretty refined, although it does get a little boomy when you rev hard. In most scenarios, however, you won’t really feel the need to do so, thanks to a peppy low end and a strong mid-range.

Hyundai Creta ride and handling

The Creta feels like an altogether larger and more solidly put-together vehicle from behind the wheel. The suspension errs on the softer side but offers superb stability at high speeds. The softer setup allows it to tackle smaller road imperfections really well. All the controls are light and the steering requires little effort, which is great for low-speed manoeuvrability. The light steering feel comes at the expense of feedback and there’s a bit of torque steer, too, when you whack open the throttle.

Hyundai Creta price and verdict

Hyundai has played to its strengths, foregoing things like driving dynamics for greater comfort and an even longer equipment list. They’ve given the Creta a price of Rs 10.87 lakh to Rs 19.20 lakh, which still points to pretty good value. The Creta offers class-leading features –most of all the cooled seats and panoramic sunroof – which Indian buyers just seem to love and are willing to pay a premium for.