'The Ultimate SUV'

The new Hyundai Creta's new look may not suitable for everyone because of its polarising looks but despite premium interiors, a long list of features, we still feel this segment of SUV has bloated in price starting from Rs 9.99 lakhs to Rs 17.20 lakhs, which still points to pretty good value. But Hyundai has played to its strengths, better driving dynamics and greater comfort than the previous creta. The riding experience of this car is excellent in 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine which imbues creta very much stronger and the quick-shifting DCT does this engine justice as well. The real game-changer here are the paddle shifters a first in class which really let you take the reins of powertrain and use it to the fullest and that's why ride quality is fantastic in 7 DCT and better than the Seltos. Ride quality on highways is outstanding around the corners with excellent grip, the steering feels good, no body roll and much better suspension setup than the previous creta. New creta, a visibly larger vehicle, also has superb proportions with a chunky, square-shaped front end, thick creases over the wheel arches, broad shoulders and a roofline that has a nice silver accent on the C pillar. However, the smaller details will likely polarise people. The LED DRL's continue down through the brow into a spot, and then to the headlights. This top variant gets a tri-beam projector setup, while turn indicators are placed quite low, alongside the fog lamps. In the rear profile, more complex surfacing and low placed split tail lights make it look a bit busier than it needs to, but it is the Creta's more attractive side. Performance of this car especially in 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine is fantastic and it is an engine that moves the roughly with great enthusiasm. The NVH levels are very good with a more refined engine. Creta manages 0-100kmph in 9.7 seconds. The performance in braking feels positive with all disc brakes when providing a nicer sense of balance when braking hard for corners. Servicing of this car on 10000kms in 1 year, 20000 in 2 years, 30000 in 3 years, 40000 in 4 years, 50000 in 5 years. Hyundai gives 3 years unlimited kms warranty. The estimated maintenance cost of creta is Rs 17500 for 5 years. There are some pros and cons PROS:- 1.) It gets driving modes eco, comfort and sport which enhances better mileage and comfort. It also gets traction modes in three modes- snow, sand and mud which enhances off-roading capabilities. 2.) The new creta suspension is softer side once again, and you move around a bit in your seat but it is not bouncy like in the old creta, and you get superb stability at high speeds. The softer suspension allows it to tackle smaller road imperfections really well. 3.) The overall handling is tuned to make driving as easy as possible. All the controls are light and the steering too requires little effort, which is great for low-speed manoeuvrability. 4.) The new creta feels better driving dynamics and it feels more solidly put together vehicle from behind the wheel. 5.) When it comes to the safety features creta gets 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, Traction control, Stability control, rear parking sensors, all four wheels get disc brakes, day/night rearview mirror, Lane change indicator flash adjustment, child ISOFIX seats, Emergency Stop Signal, Speed Alert System, Rear camera with steering adaptive parking guidelines, Hill Start Assist, Hill Hold Control, Electro Chromic Mirror, Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and etc. 6.) When it comes to the connected features it comes Android Auto and apple car play connectivity, Bose sound 8 speakers, Advanced Blue Link, Smartphone Wireless Charger, Bluelink Integrated Smartwatch App. 7.) It also comes with a panoramic sunroof, rear parcel tray, auto healthy air purifier, rear AC vent, MT Remote Start, D-cut steering wheel, cruise control, rear reclining seats, dual horn and etc. 8.) Plastic quality on dashboard is excellent but it lacks soft-touch materials like many rivals offer. Big screens, smart steering wheel stand out on an elegant, but simply designed dash, which uses too many shiny plastics. 9.) At the rear when it comes to the comfort level then this car offers more legroom than the older creta and three adults can sit comfortably at the rear. Under thigh support is excellent in the rear and cabin space is very good with airiness 10.) Highway stability is superb around the corners with less body roll. 11.) In regular comfort mode, the box shifts up at about 2000 rpm to keep up with traffic and the motor feels supremely unstressed out on the highway, running at about 2200 rpm in the seventh which is excellent and gearbox shifts are very smooth than the seltos and compass. CONS:- 1.) Polarising looks 2.) Quite pricey now 3.) It lacks some features like Head-Up Display, Blind View Monitor, Front Parking Sensors, 360-degree camera. 4.) Too much use of modern electronics. 5.) No, All Wheel Drive. 6.) 1.4-litre turbo petrol does not come with manual transmission. 7.) Hyundai hasn't quite mastered DCT tech the way the Germans have and there is a still a fair bit of jerkiness at slow speed.