Based on the same platform as that of the Elantra sedan, the Hyundai Creta is a subcompact crossover SUV. In a market where more and more people are leaning towards these car-based crossovers, it has become almost unfathomable to even consider ‘lesser’ vehicles. Therefore, the Hyundai Creta is an obvious choice for those who want the elevated ground clearance and better look out of the windscreen, but aren’t exactly willing to pay more for the Tucson. While it may be cheaper than the bigger, better Tucson, its design won’t lead you to believe so. Also, if you think this cheap and almost cheerful Hyundai crossover will be burdened with a rubbish AMT gearbox, you’d be wrong. The Creta comes with a proper, no-nonsense 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Unlike the dramatic and theatrical styling of some of its siblings, the design of the Hyundai Creta is a touch more old-school. Its boxy silhouette clearly showcases the crossover’s upright and squared-off stance – something urban off-road lovers quite fancy. However, that doesn’t mean the Creta lacks any modern design flair; because you get a fancy, Santa Fe-inspired front grille, sweptback projector headlamps with LED daytime-running lights, a deep-chin bumper with large, vertically-arranged foglights and a faux skid plate. The SUV-like demeanor is further emphasized by the Creta’s rising beltline, jacked-up suspension, copious black protective cladding all around, fancy five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels and a thick C-pillar. The rear end looks pretty good as well with its chunky wraparound taillights, prominent roof spoiler, a thick chrome bar above the number plate, and a beefy bumper with integrated static reflectors, fake vents, and an air-diffuser kit for added sportiness. Compared to the rivals in its immediate vicinity, the Hyundai Creta would be your ideal cup of tea if you’re into boxy crossover SUVs.
Following in the footsteps of the exterior, the cabin of the Hyundai Creta also looks modern and stylish. The design and layout of the dashboard, center console, instrument cluster, and switchgear are all admittedly up-to-date and crisp. The Creta’s 2.590-meter long wheelbase, which is better than its Ford EcoSport rival, along with its high roof also opens up more than enough space on the inside for five occupants. The generally large greenhouse and a dual-tone interior also help make this cabin feel open and airy compared to some of its rivals. Hyundai’s build quality and fit-and-finish is as robust as before, but the quality of the materials isn’t exactly what you’d call ‘posh’. Then again, this isn’t an expensive car and you’d be reminded of that once you start feeling the trim in this interior. Also, the cabin insulation could have been better, as wind noise becomes quite apparent as you approach highway speeds.
Under the hood of the 2019 Hyundai Creta is the powertrain that’s responsible for its propulsion. It isn’t anything fancy, but a straightforward 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 121 hp and 151 Nm of peak torque. The Hyundai Creta sold in the UAE market is only available with front-wheel drive, and all variants of the crossover come married to 6-speed automatic gearbox as standard. If performance is something that really matters to you, then the Creta’s lack of exuberance is going to be a deal breaker. Hyundai seems to have specifically tuned and calibrated the Creta’s engine and gearbox for maximum efficiency and smoothness, and that reflects in its poor performance numbers. Even considering its less-than-sporty rivals, the Creta takes over 12-astonishing seconds to touch 100 km/h, while its top speed of 169 km/h is lower than most of its competitors. In terms of its pricing, the base model of the 2019 Hyundai Creta costs 63,000 dirhams, which is lower than its American and Chinese rivals. Meanwhile, the fully-optioned trim will set you back by 81,500 dirhams.
