Autoportal’s First Look at the Just Launched Hyundai Creta

Just like flash in the pan, demand for compact SUVs in India declined after the initial spark, the sluggish sales registered by the compact SUV segment testifies how vehicles are grappling to rope in numbers. However, this doesn’t stop car makers to bring in new players in the arena to lend a new hope for future.

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One such vehicle that is set to begin its itinerary in domestic market, is Hyundai’s newly launched Creta. In limelight much before the launch, Creta had all eyes on it, grabbing attention for several reasons. The SUV so far has generated around 15,000 bookings prior to the launch which is unparalleled. Now that Hyundai Creta has been unleashed, let us decode what makes it a strong threat for Renault Duster, Ford EcoSport and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki S-Cross.

To start with, Creta is a new product that has started afresh, Hyundai took its time (almost three years) before it forayed into the compact SUV segment ensuring its reign.  Sculpted well from the outside, the Creta leaves an impression of a full grown SUV despite its compact size. This in turn makes it appear relatively larger than rivals. Embracing Hyundai’s Fluidic Design Sculpture 2.0 design language, Creta gets a hint of Santa Fe and is also being referred to as the baby Santa Fe by the auto aficionados. Measuring 4270 mm long, 1780 mm wide and 1630 mm high, Creta looks puffed-up from the outside.

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From the front, the SUV appears aggressive; the long bonnet marks an authoritative stance. As we get down to the front apron, it features straight-up grille highlighted by three chrome slats. Captivating projector head lights with integrated LED daytime running lights flank the front radiator grille.  The wide dual tone front bumper comes equipped with fog lights, air intakes and an under spoiler is also placed.

Creta’s side profile has a sporty tinge all thanks to the black cladding, black sash tape, 17 inch diamond cut alloys (for the range topping variant), body coloured outside rear view mirrors and prominent character lines. Roof rails are also equipped on the top, adding a sporty flair to the SUV. Rear looks enticing, the sleek tail lights, reflectors on the bumper, a narrow chrome band above the license plate and integrated spoiler makes the rear look enchanting.

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Step inside the cabin and you will love the space on offer courtesy the 2590 mm wheelbase. Front seats are comfortable and rear is even snugger, there is enough room for three adults to be seated at the back. The high window line restricts the view from rear, although the seats are positioned at the correct height, yet it gives feel of a sedan. Leather upholstered seats are available in the range topping variant, while the rest get fabric seat covers.

Adjustable head rests are provided in front and rear seats, giving the flexibility to occupants to adjust it as per convenience. Hyundai has not overworked on the dashboard, it has rather kept it simple and there is ample use of beige on the dashboard which appears endearing. The centre console too has been designed austerely, a touchscreen is fitted on the upper side and as we slide down, climate control buttons are inset.

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Storage space is provided generously inside, like the front and rear map pockets and a couple of others. In tandem with rest of the cars from Hyundai clan, Creta too gets a raft of features for occupants’ comfort and security such as an integrated 7 inch infotainment system, height adjuster for driver’s seat, steering mounted controls for audio and Bluetooth, audio-video navigation, smart key with push button, 6 airbags including side and curtain airbags, anti-lock-braking system (standard across grades), speed sending auto door locks, rear parking camera with guidelines, rear parking sensors and impact sensing auto door unlock.

For a wider reach to customers in urban and ruler areas, Hyundai has included diesel and petrol engine options in manual as well as automatic variants. Diesel line-up gets twp engines, one is the 1.4 litre CRDi motor serving in L, S and S+, the second diesel powertrain on offing is the 1.6 litre CRDi mill armed in SX, SX+ and SX (O) variants. Petrol grades feature 1.6 litre VTVT gasoline engine available on L, S and SX+ trim levels. The 1.4 litre diesel engine dishes out 90 PS along with 220 Nm, whilst the 1.6 litre CRDi motor churns out 128 PS along with 260 Nm. The 1.6 litre VTVT petrol motor yields 123 PS and 260 Nm. A six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission are available on the range, the manual gearbox is standard across the model series; however auto box is fitted only on SX+ diesel variant.

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Fuel efficiency on offer is appreciative, the petrol manual variants are tuned to deliver 15.29 kmpl, while 1.4 litre diesel manual variants are a tad more frugal and are claimed to return ARAI rated fuel economy of 21.38 kmpl. Diesel manual 1.6 litre variants are tuned to run up to 19.67 kmpl. And the only diesel automatic variant in the line-up promises a run of 17.01 kms in a litre.

With all the things gone right, it is also essential to get the pricing right, as an overpriced car despite its good looks and promising performance fails to impress Indian customers. That said, Hyundai India has priced the SUV carefully, though it carries a tag slightly more than Renault Duster, but Hyundai is confident that despite the considerable gap between both the SUVs, Creta will receive overwhelming response from customers.

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Story Courtesy: www.autoportal.com

 

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