Hyundai Creta Review

Practical and affordable with a hint of masala. Oh, and lady bits!

By Shahzad Sheikh

Click below to view my Hyundai Creta Review

This is the Hyundai Creta launched back in 2015 and massively popular in markets like India – which is hardly that surprising when you realise that the Creta is made there.Hyundai Creta Review

This compact family SUV is front-wheel drive only and comes with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine putting out 122bhp through a 6-speed automatic. It has a top speed of 195kph and accelerates from standstill to 100kph in 2.1 seconds.

Interestingly it’s based on the same platform as the Kia Soul and the Hyundai i30 – the hot version of which has been highly acclaimed – sadly we don’t get that here.

Hyundai Creta Review

As for the Creta name, well personally I’ve always struggled with that. It’s supposed to be named after the Greek island of Crete, and is intended to evoke notions of creativity. However in the Dominican Republic they had to call it the Cantus because Creta there means…. er… lady bits.

Hyundai Creta Review

The styling is not as interesting as some other Hyundais but it’s smart and modern enough and comes in three flavours:
11-GL, AED57,540 ($15,700)
12-GL, AED60,900 ($16,600)
14-GL, AED71,820 ($19,600)
Prices include VAT.

Hyundai Creta Review

Even as standard it has things like stability control, tyre pressure monitor, fog lamps, parking sensors, keyless entry and cruise control – although I couldn’t find the cruise control on this car. Even though this was the range-topper with ISOFIX child seat anchor points, LED headlights, split-folding rear bench, 6-speakers instead of the standard four, rear camera, touchscreen and ‘artificial leather’.

Hyundai Creta Review

There’s a pretty spacious booth, and rear seating space is perfectly adequate for most regular sized adults. Up front it’s comfortable, visibility is good and all the controls are logical and easy to use. The small centre monitor is even a touchscreen.

Hyundai Creta Review

Performance is adequate for around town, economy is good for the long hauls and the ride is reasonable with handling competent but biased towards understeer.

Overall it’s a good value choice with space and comfort as well as decent kit in this spec.

Hyundai Creta Review

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