Hyundai Creta Road Test Review

Out of multiple cars we’ve driven, Hyundai Creta was literally among the best. We drove it in city traffic, open highways and over broken roads and we can say “It simply doesn’t give up”. The reason it still deserves a crown is because of being a benchmark in the midsize SUV space for years. The engine offered, transmission, space and features all contribute towards its popularity.

Our test mostly focused on the 1.5 litre turbo petrol with the DCT, though we also spent time in the naturally aspirated petrol and the diesel. Although the car is available in the price bracket of Rs. 10.91 Lakh - Rs. 20.46 lakh, ex-showroom, it’s always good to choose a balanced option. Here’s the real question. Does it feel worth it once you start driving?

Our Creta road test review answers the question.

Design and First Impressions

From the looks outside, the first feeling comes is Creta’s perception is smart without trying too hard. And you can feel that right away from its sheer size. Nice rear profile with a “round and out” design. Also a full width tail lamp is given which makes it easy to recognize at night.

From the front, the connected LED light bar and the upright grille give it real road presence. Meanwhile, the side profile stays clean, with 17 inch alloy wheels on the higher trims. Interestingly, the design has aged well. You will spot several Cretas at any traffic signal, yet it still turns a few heads.

Cabin and Features

As we step inside, it feels like Creta is a step above most rivals. The dual 10.25 inch screens are placed under one glass panel which genuinely look sharp. Also, the touchscreen responds quickly and the digital driver display stays clear in bright sunlight.

Additionally, the higher trims get ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof and a Bose sound system. Rear seat space is good. Thigh support is decent and the backrest angle is comfortable, so three adults can sit for short trips. The 433 litre boot is enough for a family weekend. So, overall it is the best option for short to mid-range travels.

Here’s the catch. Some plastics on the lower dashboard and door pads feel ordinary for the price.

Engine and Gearbox Options

The Creta offers a 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.5 litre turbo petrol and a 1.5 litre diesel. Here is how they line up:

• 1.5 litre petrol: 115 PS and 144 Nm with a 6 speed manual or a CVT.
• 1.5 litre turbo petrol: 160 PS and 253 Nm with a 7 speed DCT.
• 1.5 litre diesel: 116 PS and 250 Nm with a 6 speed manual or a 6 speed torque converter automatic.

Each engine has a clear personality. The turbo petrol is the exciting one while the diesel is the calm and torquey one. The naturally aspirated petrol sits in the middle as the easy everyday choice.

City Driving

This is where the Creta needs to prove itself. A good spec sheet is easy to build, but a good car has to feel right on the road.

In the city, the Creta is easy to live with. The steering is light at low speeds and the high seating position gives a clear view over the bonnet. Parking is simple too, especially with the 360 degree camera on the higher trims.

The turbo petrol pulls cleanly from low revs, so you rarely need to hunt for gears. The DCT is smooth once you are moving. However, in slow stop and go traffic it can feel slightly hesitant when you creep forward. The CVT in the naturally aspirated petrol is smoother in this situation and a better pick for heavy traffic.

The diesel deserves a mention here. It pulls from low revs without any fuss, which suits drivers who do not like shifting often.

Highway Driving

Take it out on the highway and the Creta feels settled. The turbo petrol is the star here. Overtaking needs very little planning because the DCT drops gears quickly and the engine pulls hard through the mid range. Triple digit speeds feel relaxed and the car stays steady.

Meanwhile, the diesel is a calm long distance cruiser. It sounds a bit more audible when pushed hard but never feels strained. The naturally aspirated petrol is fine for cruising but needs more planning for quick overtakes, especially with a full car.

Cabin insulation is good overall. Interestingly, we noticed only a little wind noise around the mirrors at higher speeds. The adaptive cruise control worked well on open stretches. The lane keep assist, on the other hand, felt a bit intrusive on roads with faded markings.

Ride Quality

The Creta leans towards comfort and we liked that. It absorbs most potholes quietly and the cabin stays calm over uneven patches. Rear passengers are not thrown around, which matters for a family car.

The catch is sharp edges at low speeds. Sudden bumps and expansion joints send a mild thud into the cabin. On the N Line the ride is firmer, so buyers who want a plusher feel should stay with the regular trims.

Handling

The Creta is not a sharp enthusiast machine, but it feels completely stable on the road. Body roll stays nicely under control for a tall SUV. Turn into a bend and the vehicle simply follows your lead without any drama.

The steering offers selectable modes with the heavier option adding confidence at higher speeds. However, road feedback remains fairly muted. Meanwhile, the turbo petrol engine feels significantly more energetic through corners compared to other options. If you want a punchier setup, the N Line variant brings stiffer suspension tuning into the mix.

Braking and Safety

The brakes feel progressive with a good initial bite. Stopping from higher speeds felt controlled and the pedal did not feel spongy. Additionally, the Creta comes with 6 airbags as standard along with electronic stability control. The higher trims add Level 2 ADAS, which includes features like forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking.

Fuel Efficiency

On paper, the Creta delivers 17.4 to 21.8 kmpl depending on the engine and gearbox. The diesel sits at the better end of that range. Real world figures will be lower, particularly with the turbo petrol in city use. The 50 litre tank gives a good range between fill ups, so long trips need fewer stops.

Our Verdict

The Creta is not the cheapest or the fastest in its class. Yet it does the important things right. It rides well and has a comfortable cabin. It also gives you a strong choice of engines.

Our pick depends on how you drive. The turbo petrol DCT is the most exciting. The diesel suits heavy highway users. The naturally aspirated petrol with the CVT is the sensible choice for city commutes.

Also Check: Renault Triber 1.0L Turbo-Petrol First Drive Review