Advertisement

The Honest Hyundai Creta Review – Sharing Pros & Cons After Driving 5,000 Kms

Introduction

Hyundai Creta has led the mid-size SUV segment in sales pretty much ever since it was launched in 2015.

The current generation Creta, which was launched in 2020, has managed to keep its lead despite growing competition from Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun.

What makes Hyundai Creta such a compelling buy? And what is it like to own and live with Creta? Here is an honest honest and no-nonsense review of the Hyundai Creta, after putting it through its paces for over 5,000 kilometers!.

So, buckle up, because in this comprehensive review, we’ll cover:

  • The Hyundai Creta Model Overview
  • Pros and Cons of owning a Hyundai Creta
  • Why it stands out in the sea of cars?
  • What’s under the hood? The nifty features that surprised me.
  • The not-so-obvious stuff you need to know
  • Let’s hit the road! ??

The Hyundai Creta Model Overview

—- pros and cons —-

The Hyundai Creta is the undisputed king in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment in India. It has led the sales charts ever since its launch in July 2015, and continues to do so. Its range  priced between Rs.10.87 lakh to Rs. 19.2 lakh, spans 25 variants, offering something for everyone. Hyundai Creta presents itself as an refined and bold SUV, perfectly designed for urban and occasional long route journeys.

Its key selling points include a wide range of  both petrol and diesel engine options, providing potential buyers with a range  of choices based on their driving preferences.

In true Hyundai fashion, the higher-end models are loaded with tech including ADAS [advanced driver-assistance system] that  encompasses a spectrum of features, including, but not limited to, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot detection–all boosting Creta’s safety credentials . 

Hyundai’s reputation as a carmaker that offers feature-rich cars at a competitive price reinforces the Creta’s positioning. Hyundai is known for its emphasis on safety, comfort, and overall drive experience, ensuring peace of mind for its customers. Check out this comparison of MG Astor, Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta.

Engine, Performance, and Fuel Efficiency

Here are three engine options to choose from: It’s fitted with a 1497cc, 4-cylinder diesel engine with 113.18 BHP and 250 Nm of torque; a naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 113.1 BHP and 142.8 Nm of torque and; a 1,493cc turbo-charged petrol engine that is good for 138.2 BHP and 242 Nm of torque. 

The diesel is available with a Torque Converter automatic, apart from the manual option  Automatic options in petrol vary: the lower powered variants get a CVT while the more powerful, turbo-charged variants get the excellent, quick shifting  DCT. The latter is a quick drive while the diesel and the naturally-aspirated petrol engines have calm demeanor and are best suited for relaxed driving. All, including the diesel, are extremely refined and deliver a very comfortable ride. You may want to see this comparison of Grand Vitara and Hyundai Creta for performance enthusiasts.

Function Petrol Petrol Diesel
Engine – displacement (cc) 1497 1493 1493
# of cylinders 4 4 4
Engine – power (BHP) 113.18 138.2 113.45
Engine – Torque (Nm) 143.8 242 250
Mileage (kmpl) 16.8 16.8 18

— pros and cons —

Exterior Design and Interior Design & Comfort

— pros and cons —

The Hyundai Creta, with its aggressive overall design and bold headlights and taillights, is a head-turner. The interior design & comfort is enhanced by a modern, premium dashboard and well-designed ergonomics. Good visibility and noise insulation further augment the driving comfort. Creta also happens to be the most spacious amongst its competitors.

Service & Maintenance

— pros and cons —

Hyundai is well-known for its affordable service costs, and the Creta follows suit. This cost-effectiveness in maintenance enhances the overall ownership experience. Moreover, Hyundai’s extensive service network availability ensures accessibility and convenience for customers. The availability of spare parts is also widely acknResale Value
The Hyundai Creta holds a decent resale value, thanks to its popularity and demand in the compact SUV segment. Historically, Hyundai cars, including Creta, maintain a strong demand in the used car market, ensuring good resale value.

Resale Value

The Hyundai Creta holds a decent resale value, thanks to its popularity and demand in the compact SUV segment. Historically, Hyundai cars, including Creta, maintain a strong demand in the used car market, ensuring good resale value.

— pros and cons —

Hyundai Creta’s Competitors – In-depth Comparison

The Hyundai Creta presents a compelling proposition in the compact SUV segment, offering robust engine options, aggressive design, and comfort. It also scores high on safety features, ensuring a worry-free ride. Its well-designed interiors add a layer of luxury to the overall driving experience.

When compared to its top competitors – Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Skoda Kushaq, the Creta holds its own, especially in the areas of engine performance and safety features. However, each competitor has its unique strengths which can influence buyer preferences. You may want to check out our comparison between Hyundai Creta and Grand Vitara

In summary, the Hyundai Creta offers a blend of performance, comfort, safety, and affordability, making it a solid choice for those looking for a compact SUV. It manages to balance its price range, engine options, and other attributes in a way that appeals to a wide range of customers, making it a strong contender in its segment.

Hyundai Creta Kia Seltos Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Skoda Kushaq
Pros
  • Strong engine performance 
  • High safety rating 
  •  Good fuel efficiency 
  • Affordable service costs
  • Strong engine performance 
  • High-quality interior 
  • Advanced tech features
  • Reliable brand  
  • Good fuel efficiency
  • Affordable service cost
  • Powerful engine Luxurious interior – High safety rating
Cons
  • Moderate engine responsiveness 
  • Conventional door handles 
  • Service quality variation
  • High maintenance cost 
  • Lesser fuel efficiency
  • Outdated design 
  • Less safety features
  • High service cost 
  • Lesser fuel efficiency

What features are available across base, middle and top trims

Base Trim Features

The base trims of the Hyundai Creta are priced between 10.87 lakhs and 11.96 lakhs, and the model comes in three different variants in this range. These models are built with a fair set of driver assistance and convenience features. The base trims’ key driver assistance features include Power Steering, Tilt Steering column, Rear Parking Sensors, Hill Hold assist, and a Low fuel indicator.

Driver Assistance Features:

Feature Presence
Power Steering Yes
Steering column (tilt) Yes
Rear Parking Sensors Yes
Hill Hold assist Yes
Low fuel indicator Yes

These trims also come with convenient features like Rear AC vents, Power Windows both front and back, and USB Ports. However, they lack some advanced features and gadgets, with no touchscreen interface or Bluetooth connectivity.

Convenience Features

Feature Presence
Rear AC vents Yes
Power Windows – Front Yes
Power Windows – Back Yes
USB Ports Yes

Mid Trim Features

The Mid trims of the Hyundai Creta are priced between 13.06 lakhs and 16.33 lakhs, with 13 different variants. These trims include all the base features and some significant upgrades, particularly in the Driver Assistance category. Upgrades like Rear Parking Camera, Cruise Control, Steering Mounted Controls, Automatic ORVM, Fog lights, and DRLs enhance the driving experience. It’s in this range that Hyundai Creta offers significant value. To find which is the most value-for-money variant in Creta line-up, read [link here]

Additional Driver Assistance Features:

Feature Presence
Rear Parking Camera Yes
Cruise Control Yes
Steering Mounted Controls Yes
ORVM (automatic) Yes
Fog lights Yes
DRLs Yes

Convenience is further improved with features such as Glove box cooling, Keyless Entry, Push Button Start, and Climate Control. In addition, Mid trims add tech-savvy features such as Voice Activated Controls and Wireless charging.

Additional Convenience Features

Feature Presence
Glove box cooling Yes
Keyless Entry Yes
Push Button Start Yes
Climate Control Yes

Additional Gadgets

Feature Presence
Voice Activated Controls Yes
Wireless charging Yes

Top Trims Features

The top trims, priced between 17.54 lakhs and 19.2 lakhs, come in 9 different variants. They include all the features of the mid trims and add some high-end driver assistance features such as Lane keeping assist, Day/night IRVM, LED Headlights, and Cornering headlamps. To know how Creta’s top variant compares vis-a-vis competition’s top offerings, check out [Link here]

Additional Driver Assistance Features

Feature Presence
Lane keeping assist Yes
Day/night IRVM Yes
Headlights (LED) Yes
Cornering headlamps Yes

Convenience is further upgraded with Lumbar support, a Sunroof, Ventilated seats, Rain sensing wiper, and Manual Seating Adjustments. The top trims also include advanced features and gadgets like Internet Connectivity, elevating the Creta to a higher level of luxury and convenience.

Additional Convenience Features

Feature Presence
Lumbar support Yes
Sunroof Yes
Ventilated seats Yes
Rain sensing wiper Yes
Seating Adjustments (manual) Yes

Additional Gadgets

Feature Presence
Internet Connectivity Yes
Kshitij Bisen

Kshitij Bisen has 20 years plus experience in the media as a writer and editor, and has previously worked in DNA, Indian Express and Times of India. He was once an RJ in radio and is a published author. (Full bio)