An auto turn of events

The Hyundai Creta’s petrol version throws in an automatic gearbox in the works

With the gap between petrol and diesel prices reducing, the demand for petrol cars is on the rise. Hyundai, as a result, is now offering an automatic gearbox on the petrol version of the hot-favourite Creta. Mated to the same 1.6-litre petrol engine that powers the Verna, the automatic Creta has enough punch with 123hp and 150Nm of pulling power.

At city speeds, it ambles along effortlessly and feels quite tractable on our traffic-laden roads.

The engine operates smoothly and works well in tandem with the six-speed auto ’box. The gearbox is quite smooth too and works pretty well as long as you drive in a relaxed manner. However, if it’s strong acceleration you want, it struggles a bit, as there’s a slight delay before downshifts. So, if you’re in a hurry, it’s best to switch to manual mode, where you can use the engine’s entire powerband; particularly useful for passing those long rows of trucks on the highway. However, it’s worth noting that at high revs, the engine does sound strained. Straight line performance is not that strong; the Creta 1.6 auto takes 13.4 seconds to reach 100kph with 120kph reached in an even more relaxed 20.09 seconds. The diesel auto, in contrast, takes 11.53 seconds to 100kph.

But the steering is nice and feels light at slow speeds and well-weighted as the pace increases. At high speeds, the ride also gets slightly wallowy, but the upside is a suspension that is supple and smoothens out sharp edges.

The changes to the new petrol auto are purely mechanical. The exterior and interior have been kept completely untouched with the same features available and like the diesel automatic, it is only available on the SX+ trim. Though a petrol is more expensive to run than a diesel, you can take solace in the fact that the petrol auto returns a respectable 10.42kpl in the city and 13.82kpl on the highway. What makes the petrol work is that the higher running costs are offset by a nearly Rs. 2 lakh price advantage over the diesel. So, if your daily drive is primarily urban and not too long, the well-refined, quieter and cheaper Creta petrol automatic really does make sense over its more expensive and clattery diesel sibling.

Hyundai Creta 1.6 Petrol automatic

Price Rs. 12.86 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

L/W/H 4270/1780/1630mm

Wheelbase 2590mm

Engine 4 cyls, 1591cc, petrol

Power 123hp at 6400rpm

Torque 150Nm at 4850rpm

Gearbox 6-speed automatic

Fuel capacity 55 litres