By Before diving into our experience with the Hyundai Creta, let’s set the scene. We were in Bangalore for a media drive, followed by a series of other shoots. We needed a backup vehicle for our shoot and reached out to several manufacturers. Unfortunately, many had already allocated their cars to other journalists. We were initially supposed to get another car, but that fell through at the last minute. Thankfully, our friends at Hyundai stepped in and quickly arranged for us to use a Creta. A big thanks to the Corporate team for their prompt assistance.
The Creta we received was in Abyss Black Pearl, a colour that looks stunning on the facelift model. Over the next few days, we drove more than 500 Km, covering highways, traffic, and some ghat sections. We had the 1.5L turbo petrol version with 158 hp and 253 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The driving experience was excellent—the engine and gearbox performed smoothly with seamless shifts. When we wanted a more spirited drive, switching to Sports mode transformed the Creta’s performance. While there was some body roll and the steering could be better weighted, it still handled well for an SUV.
One feature we particularly appreciated was the ventilated seats. Even though it wasn’t very hot, they added to our comfort. During our shoots, the Creta proved to be a real asset. Its spacious boot, with a practical square design and split seats, easily accommodated all our equipment. The high ground clearance was a boon on Bangalore’s rough roads. Despite its length of over 4.3 meters, the Creta felt nimble, manoeuvring like a small hatchback with a handy small turning radius.
Hyundai’s camera systems are top-notch. The 360-degree camera provided clear visuals even at night and during rain. However, we were less impressed with the rear traffic collision assist, which startled us at times. Even after turning it off, it reactivated every time the car was restarted. Hyundai should offer a better solution for this feature. The sound system was another highlight. The boss sound system delivered excellent sound clarity, earning praise from our entire team. Although some mood lighting, like that found in Kia models, would have enhanced the experience, other features like wireless charging and USB-C ports were very useful. The full LED lights on the Creta were impressive, providing clear visibility even in rainy conditions.
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our week with the Creta. It’s a well-rounded SUV that offers everything you need, with some features that, while fancy, prove useful in various situations. Despite common complaints about the fuel efficiency of the turbo petrol engine, we averaged 10 kmpl, which is commendable given our diverse driving conditions. The Creta meets the needs of the average buyer, and our experience confirmed why it is the segment’s best-seller—it truly is a jack of all trades while mastering some.
