Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta has been a top-selling compact SUV in India time and again, and for good reason. It’s one of the few models that offer a complete package, catering to the needs of different individuals with its well-sorted variants and multiple powertrain options, while keeping the core things such as space, comfort and features right. But with the segment evolving with the introduction of hybrids like the Maruti Grand Vitara and new bodystyles like SUV-coupes, does the Hyundai Creta still stand out?

• The Creta joined the bandwagon of connected lighting elements with its sleek daylight running lamps (DRLs) and LED taillights. It even gets the sequential dynamic turn indicator functionality.

• It gets multiple wheel sizes with 16-inch alloys for the lower variants and 17-inch alloys for the higher ones. The N Line avatar further sports the option of an even bigger 18-inch alloy.

• Overall styling is a blend of modern and rugged elements with squared-out styling cues and chunky cladding. The styling is definitely more conventional and a lot more palatable for the masses compared to the previous iteration of the Creta.

• For people wanting a sports SUV-like look, there’s the option of the Creta N Line. Personally, I find the N Line version rather appealing, especially considering the minor premium it carries. It gets sportier bumpers, larger alloys and a WRC-inspired roof mounted spoiler.

• 8-way powered driver seat with tilt and telescopic steering wheel offers plenty of adjustability. 

• I am 5’8 and had no issues in setting a comfortable position. However, despite the seat in its lowest setting, I wasn’t able to get a sporty driving position. 

Passenger comfort

• The cushioning of the Creta’s seats is balanced, offering good comfort on both short and long journeys. The front seats offer good support as well, while the experience of the rear seats is one of its biggest highlights.

• Average-sized adults won’t have any complaints with the second row. Knee room is plenty, while head and underthigh support are adequate. Despite the front seat being in its lowest position, there’s even decent space to stretch your feet ahead. Only above-average adults with a height of 6ft or above will find the headroom to be restricted.

• I really appreciate the adjustable recline, sun shades and neck pillows that further add to the comfort factor of the Creta’s rear seats.

• There’s no central headrest for the rear passengers, but despite that omission, three people can be seated comfortably for short city journeys.

Storage options

• The Creta’s cabin has never disappointed me in terms of storage spaces. All four doors get 1-litre bottle pockets, and there are two cup holders in the central console for the front passengers. The dashboard gets an open space that can be used to store a phone or keys, while the wireless charging pad can also be used as a space to tuck away a wallet if required. There’s a spacious glovebox that’s cooled as well, and a small storage space beneath the central armrest.

• There are seatback pockets for the rear passengers along with a small phone tray underneath the rear AC vents.

• Creta’s 433-litres boot space isn’t the highest in the segment, but with some planning, it can store multiple small or medium sized suitcases along with a couple of duffle bags. There's a 60:40 split in the rear seats, which can be folded away to store bigger luggage.

Features

Safety

• The Creta gets plenty of electronic aids as standard along with 6 airbags. 

• Higher variants also get Level-2 autonomous driving assistance system (ADAS), which have been tuned fairly well for Indian conditions. It gets features like autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind spot detection.

• Creta’s 360-degree surround view camera along with its front and rear parking sensors is something I really appreciate. I found it to be really useful in tight parking spaces.

Convenience

• There’s no scarcity of convenience features in the Creta’s bag. The list includes keyless entry, push button start/stop, dual-zone climate control, 8-way powered driver seat, auto folding outside rear view mirrors (ORVMs), and ventilated seats. 

• It even gets a nice entertainment package with dual digital 10.25-inch screens, ambient lighting and a 8-speaker Bose Sound System. However, I missed wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in the higher variants.

• For charging, the Creta offers a USB (type-A) and a type-C port along with a 12 V socket for the front passengers. The rear passengers get two type-C ports. There’s a wireless charging pad for the front passengers as well, but that doesn’t offer fast charging. 

Hyundai emphasises structural changes with increased use of advanced high-strength steel in the Creta's body. Standard safety features across all variants include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill start assist, vehicle stability control, ISOFIX child seat mounts, tyre pressure monitoring system, and rear disc brakes. Top-spec variants also boast Level 2 ADAS functionality, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, auto emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert/safe exit warning, and blind spot detection.

With a storage space of 433 litres, the Creta’s boot space isn’t the segment-best, though it can still gobble up quite the luggage with some proper planning. You have a wide loading bay, but because the boot floor is high, you don’t get adequate area to stack items one on top of another. Use multiple small or medium sized suitcases here and you’ll still have space for a duffle bag or two. 

So four people’s weekend getaway worth of luggage isn’t an issue and you can store additional items by folding the 60:40 rear seats. They fit flush with the floor so you can store some long items as well.

• The Creta is one of the few in its segment to offer a choice between three 1.5-litre engine options, each paired with different transmissions. The options include a naturally aspirated petrol, a turbo-petrol and a diesel unit. 

City performance

• The NA petrol engine of the Creta is a smooth and refined unit, best suited for city driving. Paired with a CVT transmission, the drive experience is really smooth when driven in a relaxed manner.

• The diesel engine of the Creta offers an effortless drive in the city. It has plenty of torque to build speeds from lower RPMs. With the manual, you don’t need to downshift frequently. The torque convertor automatic is very smooth, offering quick shifts. 

• The turbo-petrol engine offers an exciting drive. Overtakes in the city are easy, and the DCT is smooth for the most part, and quick and snappy when needed. 

Highway performance

• The Creta’s petrol engine cruises comfortably at speeds of 100kmph. However, it takes its own sweet time getting there. So overtakes will need planning at higher speeds, especially if you’re travelling with family and/or luggage.

• The turbo-petrol engine feels at home on the highway. Hitting triple digit speeds is easy with its punchy performance and even overtakes at those higher speeds doesn’t take much effort.

• The diesel’s performance is adequate for relaxed highway driving. It won’t feel exciting, but gets the job done. 

• There are three drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) to choose from, which effectively change the throttle response and gearbox tuning. Eco is the most relaxed mode, while Sport feels more urgent with quicker acceleration.

• I found the paddle shifters (automatic versions only) to be very convenient when I wanted manual control over the gear shifts.

Mileage

• The petrol and turbo petrol engines of the Creta won’t impress you with their mileage. The former returns 10-12kmpl in the city and 14-16kmpl on the highway, while the latter has a fuel efficiency of around 9kmpl within city limits. Diesel will be the most efficient of the lot, with an expected efficiency of around 13kmpl and 18kmpl in the city and highway, respectively.

• I would pick a diesel-automatic combination out of all that’s available since it offers the best balance of performance and fuel economy. 

Suspension & Ride quality

• The Creta’s suspension works silently and keeps occupants comfortable on most potholes or rough roads. 

• It’s only over the deeper or sharper speedbreakers where you’ll feel the surface and some movement inside the cabin.

• What I found to be even more impressive were its manners on the highway, where it remains stable and planted over undulations or expansion joints. But if the surface isn’t smooth, there’s constant up/down movement inside which can cause slight discomfort on longer journeys.

Handling & Braking

• The Creta, despite being a comfortable family SUV, impresses dynamically too. It feels stable around a high speed corner and I really had a good time driving this car in the ghats and mountain roads.

• Strong braking performance with a 100-0kmph stopping distance of 38.12 metres. 

• The steering is easy to use in the city, doesn’t feel heavy. On the highway, it gives you confidence while making a high speed lane change.

If I was in the market for a comfortable, spacious and feature-loaded SUV for my family, the Creta would definitely be on the shortlist. It’s more feature-loaded and safer than ever before, while still delivering on its comfort and ease of drivability aspect. There’s no real compromise on any front and its all-round package makes it a benchmark in the segment.

Other cars to consider instead of the Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos

Reasons to consider

• Sharper styling

• Better value in lower variants

Reasons to ignore

• Slightly less comfortable ride 

• Less family focused

Toyota Hyryder/Maruti Grand Vitara

Reasons to consider

• Much more fuel efficient (Hybrid)

• Better ride quality

Reasons to ignore

• Not as refined and powerful 

• Less premium cabin experience 

Honda Elevate

Reasons to consider

• Slightly better ride comfort

• Bigger boot space

• Top variant undercuts massively

Reasons to ignore

• No turbo-petrol or diesel option

• Misses out on a few features

Volkswagen Taigun/Skoda Kushaq

Reasons to consider

• Feels more enthusiast-oriented

Reasons to ignore

• Better as a 4-seater 

• No diesel or NA petrol option