Hyundai Creta :review

CRETATHE PERFECT SUV

my view:-
design- 4/5
interior- 4/5
overall -3.5/5

                                                 hii.......eVERYONE toDAy I AM GOING TO SHOW A BRAND NEW suv FROM HYUNDAI  WHICH IS SUCCESFULL TO STILL CUSTOMERS HEART AND THERE ARE 10,000+ PRE BOOKING OF THIS SUV IN INDIA

            -::COMPETITION::--

XUV 500
DUSTER
ECOSPORT
SCORPIO

DESIGN:

Fluidic Sculpture 2.0Simplified design boasts refined details and
graphics on a modern body with a unique radiator
grille and projector headlamps. The aim is not only
beauty, but confidence

                                                The Creta features the new nature inspired Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design that has also been the design language seen on other modern Hyundais. In fact look at it head on and you will be reminded of the Santa Fe. This alone gets the SUV some extra brownie points – note the similarity with the front hexagonal grille and the sharp well defined headlamps of the more premium Santa Fe. The headlamps also feature projector and day light running lamps and will be offered only in the top variants. Vertical inserts in the bumper house the fog lamps adding to the aggressive character. The A-pillar is blacked out and merges with the roof quite sharply. The window line runs upward and the entire side is flatter and less curvy than other Hyundai cars. The shoulder line however adds a lot of character, is well defined and runs parallel to the window line all the way to the tail lamps.

                                                 The fact that it’s longer than 4 metres is obvious when viewed from the side. It’s a proportionate design and the overall stance is quite dynamic. Side/ lower cladding and roof rails are typical of an SUV and these are offered in the Creta. The headlamps and tail lamps wrap-around well and are visible from the side. The top variants feature large 17-inch wheels that feature a striking five-spoke split design. The other variants will get a 16-inch wheel while the base model gets hub caps. The base variant gets a matte black grille, body coloured pillars and door handles. It won’t even get roof rails.

                                               The rear end is smart too and goes well with the overall design. The split rear lamps look striking. LED lamps aren’t offered but the LED-effect (seen in the i20) is present. The tailgate isn’t loud and left uncluttered since the number plate is housed in between the upper tailgate section and the bumper. The top variant though gets a chrome number plate garnish that stands out more than required. The boot features a lower loading lip compared to its rivals. The bumper also features reflectors and other mock inserts to go with the SUV character. We noticed a few inconsistent panel gaps especially where the side cladding meets the doors. Overall, the design isn’t loud like the Hyundais we are used to seeing but is actually modern and yet easy on the eye. It’s a good looking SUV and has the potential to appeal to a wide audience.

interior

                                          

                                                    Step inside the Creta and you will be impressed with the design, quality of materials used, features and most importantly space. The design is appealing, very SUV and car like at the same time. The dashboard also uses an edgy approach. The centre section is finished in beige while the rest of the interior is all-black. The centre screen is prominent since it’s a large touchscreen unit. The air vents in the centre are vertically placed for better air flow. There are two 12V sockets provided (we expected to see three), one up front and one for the rear passengers. The door grab handles are like the ones seen in premium SUVs. We also noticed that a few parts have been lifted from the i20. This is a good thing since the hatchback scores high on quality. The steering wheel too uses the same controls seen in the Elite i20, however, the wheel design is similar to the older generation Hyundai i20 but still looks contemporary.

                                                The interior is built well and features best in class quality and materials. There’s a lot of storage spaces too – bottle holders on all doors and cup holders on the centre console. There are various other storage options too near the gear lever and in the door as well as the centre armrest. Missing however is a storage box on the top section of the dash.

                                                     The seats are comfortable and there’s good support too. The driving position is car like but the seat height can be adjusted quite a bit for a more commanding position and view. At the back, the seats could offer more support. There is decent knee-room and ample headroom but accommodating three adults is a bit of a squeeze. The smaller rear window and the dark interior, however, makes it feel slightly claustrophobic. There is a rear armrest too that also features two cup holders. The floor however is almost fully flat. There is no all-wheel drive variant which helps in this regard. Boot space is impressive too and looks slightly larger in depth and width than the Duster. The rear seats tumble down to offer a flat loading bay.

Engines

The Creta will be offered with three different engines (one petrol and two diesel variants) borrowed from the Verna. The 1.4-litre U2 CRDi produces 90PS while the 1.6-litre CRDi diesel that we briefly drove puts out 128PS. Both the engines produce as much power as the Verna. We are still not sure if the torque rating remains the same though. The petrol variant will only feature the 1.6-litre VTVT unit (also seen in the Verna).

Out on the road the 1.6-diesel is refined and is quick off the block, traction control is offered in the top variants and does intervene during hard acceleration and in between gear shifts when there is wheelspin. We however switched off traction control and found the SUV to be quite quick to hit the ton. Expect performance to be similar to the Verna – this will make it one of the quickest vehicles in the segment. The cabin is well insulated too and very little diesel clatter actually seeps in. Gear shifts are smooth and fall in place, like in the i20. The feel could have been better though – it’s a little too soft for an SUV.

There’s good news for automatic transmission lovers. The Creta is also offered with a torque converter mated to the 1.6-diesel (first in segment). We also drove this version which will only be available in the SX trim. The engine is capable and powerful but the gear shifts could have been quicker and smoother. There are no paddle shifters but one can still shift gears using the gear selection lever. The AT isn’t as quick as the MT but will be ideal both in the city and on the highway.