Wow factor
Hyundai has given the Creta a new lease of life. Enter the second generation SUV which promises a lot. But does it deliver? We find out
The Hyundai Creta set new benchmarks when it was launched. No wonder then that it won a pot load of accolades including the coveted ICOTY. But to be honest, the Creta was aging fast and no wonder then that we now have the second generation Creta. The second generation Creta then sits on a rejuvenated platform which is stronger than ever before. The SUV is longer and taller than the one it replaces. It also sports a longer wheelbase than before. As far as the design goes, the new Creta is miles away from the old car. It features flush fit two-tier headlamps up front and then there are the sleek fog lamps which sit below. The grille with a hint of chrome ticks the right boxes. The new Creta also gets a new set of 17in alloy wheels and not to forget the panoramic sunroof which adheres to voice commands. At the back the two-tier treatment of the lights continue.
The difference once you step in is rather unique. While the exteriors are sporty, the interiors give a more matured and sedate feel. The dash is conventional with the infotainment system in the middle and the IP on the right. But the infotainment system is a massive one and most importantly it works rather well. It also displays the pollution levels outside. The instrument panel is a 17.78cm supervision cluster which is loaded with information and offers a multitude of data. The only oddballs here are the controls for the climate control system. We would have loved to see a touch screen unit here too. The new Creta comes with a bag full of features which include ventilated seats, wireless charging, cooled glovebox and so on. Another interesting feature here then is the D-cut steering wheel. It is loaded
THE DIFFERENCE ONCE YOU STEP IN IS RATHER UNIQUE. WHILE THE EXTERIORS ARE SPORTY, THE INTERIORS GIVE A MORE MATURED AND SEDATE FEEL. RED ACCENTS ADD A SPORTY TOUCH TO IT
with controls and inspite of being a unique design, it works well. At the back, the Creta offers ample space too. Special mention to the neck pillows offered with the rear headrests. They are soft and work wonders in adding comfort. The boot too is large and good enough for most weekend jaunts.
Hyundai is offering the Creta with a choice of engines and for this drive we have the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine which is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic. The Creta continues to be a FWD vehicle and there are no plans of AWD tech as of now. The motor feels refined at start up and is quite rev happy to be precise. On everyday drives, the new Creta coasts through in perfect peace and harmony. The revs
remain low and this means that the noise within the cabin is well curtailed too. Step down and the Creta’s DCT automatic does ask for some time to respond. It is not blisteringly quick and once the shift happens, the acceleration is rather good. In comfort mode be it in Manual or fully auto mode, the gears shift up at around 6,000rpm. If you use the paddleshifters to downshift, the system does not allow for violent downshifts and this means little scope for engine braking. However to add more zest to the drive, you can choose the ‘Sport’ mode on the console. It is here that the motor is allowed to red line and as a result things become sportier. In ‘Eco’ mode though, the Creta becomes docile once more. All the synergies are geared towards getting good fuel economy. However once would not get the ‘bogging down’ effect here. Nevertheless, switching to this mode in traffic is the most sensible thing to do.
The Creta also comes with a pliant ride which absorbs most of the rough stuff. Body roll too is well controlled and we believe the Creta will do well in keeping passengers comfortable. The Creta is also rather stable at high speeds which it is able to achieve rather quick. The steering has become better and offers decent feedback as well.