Introduction

The Creta is a compact SUV from Hyundai and comes across as a good looking, well-proportioned and feature packed vehicle with a variety of trim options that includes three engines and two transmissions. The Trims available are Base, S, S Plus, SX, SX Plus and SX Optional.  The Petrol 1.6-litre comes in Base, SX and SX Plus trims, the 1.4-Diesel comes in Base, S, S Plus and the 1.6-Litre diesel come in SX, SX Plus, SX Auto and SX optional trims. The Creta is a feature packed SUV and the top of the line SX(O) variant gets features like 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Touch screen infotainment with Navigation, Push start button, Climate control, Rear AC vents, Rear parking sensors with camera, 17-inch alloy wheels, Leather seats and steering wheel and Follow me home headlamps.

 Design

The Creta is based on the  Fluidic 2.0 design language of Hyundai and it largely resembles its bigger SUV sibling Santa Fe. The front features a hexagonal three slat grille, wrap around headlamps with projectors and LEDs, the vertically mounted fog lamps to add an SUV character. From the side its blackened A-pillar and a tapering window line towards the rear git it a distinctive look. The door handles are chrome plated and the roof rails and body claddings are typical of an SUV. The Creta comes with 16-inch alloys in the top three variants, with an option of 17-inch rims in the top of the line SX(O) trim. The rear has wrap around tail lamps that are split at the tail gate. The boot has a prominent chrome sill aboove the number plate duct.

The Creta is available in seven colour options – Polar White, Sleek Silver, Mystic Blue, Red Passion, Pearl Beige, Stardust and Phantom Black.

Interior

The interior quality, fit and finish are amongst the best in the segment with soft touch material used. The dashboard layout is uncluttered with two tone Black-Beige colour theme on the dashboard. This theme also extends to the door trims to giving it continuity. The centre of the dash has a touch screen infotainment system with Navigation. There is  also a push start button, automatic climate control with rear AC vents. The space inside well managed and feels adequate with generous legroom at the rear. There is also enough space to store water bottles and knick-knacks. Good quality seat fabrics feel premium and there is a option of leather seats with leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob that enhance the premium experience.

Engine and Performance

The Hyundai Creta comes with three  engine options –  1.6 litre petrol delivering a power of 121bhp@6400rpm, 1.4 litre diesel with a power of 88bhp@4000rpm and 1.6 litre diesel with a power 126bhp@4000 rpm. A six-speed manual transmission is mated to all these engines and there is also a six-speed automatic available in the 1.6 diesel only. The Creta is currently the only diesel automatic SUV available in its segment. The automatic is best suited for city driving in bumper to bumper traffic and has the economy of a diesel. The ride quality is supple as the suspension setup is integrated with ‘Hydro Rebound Stoppers’, the function of which is to stop jerks to pass on through the shock absorbers into the body. Driving over broken roads and ditches is fine without much bother. The NVH levels are also well controlled with minimal engine and wind noise entering inside the cabin. Creta uses sound deadener coating alongwith anti-vibration pads on the floor of the SUV. Steering has enough weight and does not feel very light.

Mileage

The 1.6 gives around 15 km/l and the 1.4 diesel and 1.6 disel return a fuel efficiency around 20-22 km/l. The 1.6 diesel automatic has a mileage of around 14-15km/l.

Safety and Security

The Creta has ABS with EBD as standard across all variants and also an immobiliser. It also has twin airbags from the S plus variant onwards alongwith reverse parking sensors and camera. The top of the line SX(O) variant gets six airbags alongwith Electronic stability control, vehicle stability management and hill start assist

Pros

• Sleek looks
• High Ground clearance
• Interior space
• Interior fit and finish
• Feature laden
• Engine performance
• Automatic in Diesel

Cons

• Steering feedback
• Automatic does not come in SX(O) variant