First report: India’s favorite midsize SUV joins the Autocar fleet, and it’s come to us in an unexpectedly low spec.
Okay, calling this low-spec doesn’t inform the entire story. This unassuming-looking Abyss Black Creta SX (O) is, in truth, about as absolutely loaded as it could get, which with the facelift means goodies like dual-digital screens, dual-zone local weather management and ADAS, amongst a lot, a lot else. It’s, nevertheless, powered by the bottom engine – the meek 115hp, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol with the unglamorous CVT gearbox. With no massive headline figures to boast of – no sky-high ARAI gas economic system determine, no class-leading efficiency, no state-of-the-art gearbox, a automotive’s base engine is normally omitted of the highlight, seemingly by design. It’s by no means accessible on any media drive, doesn’t exist within the press fleet and even dealerships would reasonably present you the costlier turbo-petrol or the diesel. In reality, it wasn’t till I purchased a Creta CVT in 2021 that anybody at Autocar India might drive one; we received a good few comparability exams out of that one.
I’m glad Hyundai has added one to its fleet – and ours – as a result of it’s a extremely good powertrain. Easy, easy and trouble free; no marvel it often outsells the opposite engines on supply. I’ve been working it for a couple of weeks, and although acquainted, I’ve some observations. Even with the chaotic visitors I encounter on my approach to work, gas economic system is 20 to 25 % higher than a corresponding turbo-petrol engine, and that’s down not simply to the un-boosted engine. It’s additionally all the way down to the CVT, which feels so a lot better suited to stop-and-go use; it’s far smoother than the dual-clutch gearboxes on this worth vary, Hyundai’s personal included. Corny as it’d sound, a automotive’s temperament usually impacts yours, and I arrive on the workplace quite a bit calmer on this automotive.
Understandably, I’ve spent a good bit of time behind the wheel of my very own Creta, and so it’s shocking how lengthy I took to regulate to this new one. The primary few days I’d be continuously twiddling with the powered seat adjuster – and consequently the mirrors – each time I began driving. Then I realised it was the brand new dual-screen infotainment and dials, that are set comparatively low. The seating place is excessive, as you’d anticipate and revel in in your SUV, which leaves you trying down on the dials, not into them, a reality solely emphasised by the shortage of a hooded protecting as you bought within the previous automotive. It’s no deal breaker, however it makes for barely uncommon ergonomics.
Twin screens are good however set low on this SUV.
Talking of beginning up every time, first order of the day is to change off ADAS. It’s what I do in each automotive outfitted with the tech, as a result of whereas it may be useful in some situations, it’s a possible hazard on Mumbai’s crowded and chaotic roads. The excellent news is, not like in most European vehicles that want you to do that on each start-up, within the Creta, as soon as it’s off, it’s off until you manually swap it again on.
Sticking with smaller 17-inch wheels means experience is plush.
When Kia determined to maneuver as much as 18-inch wheels on its Seltos X-Line, I assumed Hyundai would too for the top-spec Creta. Finally, the larger footwear have been saved just for the sporty Creta N Line, and good-looking as they’re, I’m glad this commonplace mannequin caught to the 17 inchers. Comfortable experience high quality is a Creta promoting level in my view, and the chunkier aspect partitions ensures it stays that manner. The consolation ranges are solely amplified by the large comfortable seats, entrance and rear, however one unwelcome change on this entrance is the swap to off-white upholstery, particularly on the tops of the seats and the headrests. They’re stain magnets, and actually, the automotive got here to us with greasy black fingerprints already on it. Observe to self: don’t grip the white bits together with your fingers.
White upholstery all too vulnerable to stains and filth.
It’s nonetheless early days, and whereas the automotive has now moved on to a different member of the staff, hopefully I’ll quickly get it again to place extra of its capabilities to the check. And there are a whole lot of them – the Creta is a superb all-rounder, and this would possibly simply be essentially the most rounded variant of all of them. I ought to know; I purchased one.
Additionally see:
Hyundai Creta long run video evaluation
Hyundai Creta N Line evaluation: Sporty intentions
