What is it?
Hyundai's much-awaited SUV. Expected to be launched this month, the Creta is a Renault Duster-sized rival that's expected to be priced at around Rs 8-12 lakh.
Unlike more compact SUVs like the Ford EcoSport, the Hyundai looks and feels half a size bigger. It has a long bonnet with an upright SUV stance. The full-sized look also works well with the big front bumper and the upright grille. It's attractively proportioned around the back too. The lower half of the car is wider, so it looks well planted, and the simple but attractive tail-lights look neat.
On the inside, dashboard is attractive and not over-styled. The centre console is blended neatly into the surface of the dash and to make the insides more attractive, Hyundai has used a lot of beige, and even some nice brushed silver accents. On the top spec SX (O) trim, at the centre sits a seven-inch touchscreen while lower down and there are the climate control knobs similar to those on the i20. There's push-button start, telephony and audio controls on the steering wheel, and as far as safety is concerned, you get ESP, ABS and six airbags. In terms of quality, the Hyundai Creta scores highly and is sure to be a segment benchmark.
The long 2590mm wheelbase gives it an advantage, especially as far as packaging is concerned. This translates to good room inside and legroom and headroom are quite impressive as well. The front seats offer good support while rear seat passengers will love the space and comfort on offer, with an almost flat floor aiding a middle seat occupant. The seats themselves are quite well contoured but we would have liked more thigh support in the rear. The other slight issue is that though you aren't actually seated that low down, the high window line gives you that impression, and your view from the back seats is more akin to what you'll find in a sedan than an SUV.
Feature-packed interiors are a Hyundai hallmark, and that’s quite evident in the Creta as well. The top-spec SX(O) is loaded with equipment that includes automatic headlamps, push-button start, automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, a rear-view camera, navigation system, rear air-con vents, steering-mounted audio and telephony controls and leather upholstery. The automatic version will likely be available in the lower SX variant and it misses out on features like leather upholstery. Also, it gets smaller 16-inch rims instead of the 17-inchers on the top trim and only two airbags instead of the full six.
What's it like to drive?
Hyundai's SUV is powered by a set of engines shared with the Verna - 1.4 and 1.6 diesels and a 1.6 petrol, all of which get a six-speed manual as standard, though the bigger diesel gets the option of a six-speed auto as well. We got to drive the 1.6-litre diesel with both manual and automatic transmissions and came away quite impressed. On the brief drive around the Hyundai test track, the 1.6-litre diesel engine felt smooth, silent and very punchy over its band of operation. Whereas, its high power output of 126bhp is important, even more important is the healthy torque figure of 26.5kgm; the latter helping with the additional weight of the SUV.
There is some initial turbo lag and the engine hits its best only after 1,900rpm. However, off-boost power isn’t too bad, and unless you really want to make quick progress, it won’t warrant many downshifts. The gearshifts themselves on the six-speed 'box are quite positive with precise and short throws. The motor's punchy mid-range will help the Creta make serious progress on the highway in terms of overtaking and cruising. The Creta also comes with a six-speed automatic gearbox, a segment first. In normal D mode with a relaxed driving style, the gearbox shifts up much earlier, so progress is relaxed but adequately rapid. Thanks to the torque converter masking the engine's intial turbo lag, the power delivery is quite linear, making this Hyundai SUV quite easy to drive. The gearshift are smooth and remind you that refinement and comfort have been given more priority than ultimate performance, evident in the way it is slow to downshift in manual mode. It does help that you can shift gears manually via the gear lever when you need that sudden acceleration for overtaking.
As we drove this SUV on Hyundai's smooth test track, it was hard to judge the car's ride and handling. On first and very brief impression, the Creta felt quite planted especially at high speeds. As it's softly sprung, there's some roll around corners, but it felt in control and quite predictable. Thanks to decent wheel travel, we expect the Creta to have good ride quality especially at low speeds but we have to wait to drive it on public roads to give you a more comprehensive verdict. What's also nice is that save for some tyre noise, the cabin is well insulated from the happenings outside and combined with the powerful and refined diesel engine, the Creta will be a great cruiser.
Should I buy one?
Buyers looking for a compact SUV will be pleased to know that the Creta is well built, comfortable inside and very well equipped. On our brief drive, it felt reasonably composed and easy to drive and what helps it further is that the 1.6-litre diesel engine is one of the best around. So, as an overall package, the Creta works really well. The fact that Hyundai will offer an automatic diesel from the off will only add to its overall appeal. It will be launched later this month at an estimated price of Rs 8-12 lakh, and though we'll reserve our final verdict for when we do a proper test of the car, after this quick preview, it seems Hyundai's new mid-size SUV has the makings of a winner.
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