2020 Hyundai Creta, Track Test

The fact that the Hyundai Creta has made it to our top-ten list for the second time shouldn’t come as a surprise. If you look at its sales numbers, the Creta continues to hold its own, despite intense competition in the market. And, in its latest avatar, it now comes with an improved set of features.

Now, the Creta has been the benchmark for mid-size SUVs in India, and it’s easy to see why. With a combination of 3 different engines, four different types of gearboxes, and a myriad of trim versions, the Creta literally caters to virtually every kind of customer. Its engine variants range from the staid 1.5-litre petrol to the efficient and refined 1.5-litre turbo-diesel to the rorty 1.4-litre turbo-petrol, which is easily our pick of the lot.

The 138bhp engine responds brilliantly, which, along with its dual-clutch gearbox, makes the Creta a very quick car. The gearbox also offers quick and smooth shifts. Plus, there are paddle shifters in the 1.4-litre version for added manual control. The 1.5-litre diesel, on the other hand, offers less power compared to the 1.4-litre mill but offers better fuel efficiency. 

Now, with the success of the first-gen SUV, the Creta has become a sub-brand in itself. Add to that the vast list of standard equipment that the Creta comes with, including unique features such as the paddle shifters, a recline adjustable rear seat, and a panoramic sunroof, and it’s easy to see why the Creta is such a success. 

In our test, the Creta performed very well on the track, with the engine and gearbox deserving special praise for performance and power delivery. But, the Creta’s suspension is a bit too soft for our liking, both on track and even out on the road. On the other hand, the suspension does give the Creta excellent ride quality and the ability to deal with our broken roads quite effectively – despite a bit of body roll and torque steer. 

The new Creta has ‘love it or hate it’ looks, but what you can’t deny is that it makes a statement and looks both cutting-edge and striking in equal measure. So, if you look at it, the Creta pretty much scores on every front, which is inevitable, given its combination of engine and gearbox options and high levels of practicality – after all, it can easily accommodate five adults and their luggage. Truth is, with its various engines, gearboxes and trim versions, the Creta has something to offer to every customer – a crucial reason for its success, both during our test and in the Indian market.

Best of 2020 << BACKNEXT >> Kia Sonet