Hyundai Creta Petrol Pictorial Review

With monthly sales of about 7,000 units, there has to something with the Hyundai Creta that sets it apart. We decided to reacquaint ourselves with the compact SUV to find what makes it so special. To keep it short and simple, just follow the pictures and corresponding captions to know what we feel of the Hyundai Creta.

Almost universally appreciated, the styling is one of Creta’s plus points. Thankfully, it has the right balance of proportions and character lines. The LED lamps look good, while the cornering lamps add functionality, too.

The use of plastic cladding makes it looks purposeful but not over the top.

No boot-mounted spare wheel on this one. The cleaner design doesn’t mean that the Creta looks timid, by any means.

It comes with the best interior among compact SUVs, both in terms of design and fit. Plastics quality is acceptable.

The driver’s seat can be adjusted for height on this top-spec petrol variant.

The steering can be adjusted for height only, though.

Given the car-like interior the boot space on the Creta seems like a revelation.

The seats can be folded (flat) to make more space inside.

Oddly Hyundai doesn’t the petrol powered Creta in the top-spec SX(O) trim. That means no six airbags on this one.

The presence of only one request button (on the driver’s door) makes the Creta feel a bit short-changed.

The said trim also loses out on the 17-inch wheels, but that’s not to say the 16-inch units look bad.

Easy to read and well-spaced the instrument console might not be sporty but serves the purpose well.

The rocker switches on the steering wheel is a welcome touch. And so is the keyless entry and go.

Powered by a 1.6-liter petrol engine that makes 123 PS and 154 Nm, the Creta feels good to drive. The engine makes the maximum power at a rather high 6,400 rpm, which means you enjoy revving it, just like the petrol engines of the past. It’s not really short on refinement, either.

The 6-speed gearbox is a pleasure to use. It slots in well with a distinct click.

The suspension soaks in most bumps but doesn’t feel loose.

Unlike other Hyundais (especially ones from the past), the Creta’s steering doesn’t have an overly light steering. So it doesn’t feel nervous even at highway speeds.

One downside with the vehicle is the brakes, which fail to inspire confidence. They work well but given that the Creta can be rapid (even in the petrol trim), better brakes would have done the job well. (Rears get drum brakes):

Unlike the shorter EcoSport, which attacks sharp corners as if turning on its own axis, the Creta’s added length feels evident.

Does it make a worthy buy?

Is that even a question! As a petrol crossover that is supposed to stay on-road, it’s a good product. The lack of a top-spec version is disappointing. Prices for the petrol version start at Rs 8.87 lakh while the version tested here (SX Plus) retails for Rs 11.47 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi.