On a winning track

Hyundai’s new mid-size SUV Creta scores well on looks and performance

July 29, 2015 09:08 pm | Updated 09:08 pm IST

MP

MP

Hyundai has just launched the Creta SUV in India. Unlike other compact SUVs, the Hyundai looks and feels half-a-size bigger. It has a long bonnet with an upright SUV stance. It’s well-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, the dashboard is attractive — Hyundai has used a lot of beige, and even some nice brushed silver accents. At the centre of the top spec SX (O) trim sits a seven-inch touch screen while lower down there are the climate control knobs. 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 high and is sure to be a segment benchmark. The long 2590mm wheelbase gives it an advantage, as far as packaging is concerned. This translates to good room inside — legroom and headroom are quite impressive. The front seats offer enough support while rear seat passengers will love the space and comfort, with an almost flat floor aiding a middle seat occupant. The seats are quite well-contoured but some more thigh support in the rear would have been good. 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 is likely to be available in the lower SX variant, which gets smaller 16-inch rims instead of the 17-inchers on the top trim and only two airbags instead of the full six.

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. The 1.6-litre diesel engine is smooth, silent and feels punchy in its band of operation. While its high power output of 126bhp is important, more important is the healthy torque figure of 26.5kgm; the latter helping with the additional weight of the SUV. There is a fair bit of turbo lag initially and the engine hits its stride only after 1,900rpm, so you do sometimes find yourself needing to shift to a lower gear in traffic. Performance after that, however, is strong and overtaking is just a flex of the right foot away. The Creta is also well-suited to highway use, the punchy mid-range and tall gearing working well on open highways to deliver plenty of useable performance. Driving the smooth and refined 121bhp petrol 1.6, we found the initial responses are immediate, making it fairly nice to drive at a relaxed pace. It feels at home in the city and does well as an urban cruiser. The midrange of the engine feels a bit flat and it doesn’t enjoy being spun fast; so if you are looking for scintillating performance, it might disappoint.

The Creta also comes with a six-speed automatic gearbox, a segment first. The gearshifts on the six-speed box are positive, with precise and short throws. The Creta also has an absorbent ride. The suspension works silently even on heavily rutted sections of road, and bump absorption is right up there with some of the best riding cars in its class. Yes, sharp bumps filter through, and then the suspension does feel a bit fragile, but for the most part, ride quality is excellent and Indian car buyers will like that.

What’s also surprisingly good is the steering of the car. It is light and easy to twirl, and what makes it better is the fact that it feels direct. Straight-line stability is impressive too. The Creta feels quite accomplished in corners, which makes it a fine all-rounder. Buyers looking for a compact SUV will be pleased to know that the Creta is well-built, comfortable inside and very well-equipped. It feels reasonably composed and easy to drive and what helps 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 Hyundai Creta has been launched at a starting price of Rs 8.59 lakh (ex showroom, Delhi) for the base petrol manual, but these top-spec diesel versions — manual and automatic — cost Rs 13.6 lakh and Rs 13.57 lakh respectively, making them a bit expensive.

But it seems Hyundai’s new mid-size SUV has the makings of a winner.

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