New Hyundai Creta small SUV first look

Update

Watch our Hyundai Creta first look video

Read our Hyundai Creta review

The good news is that Hyundai is almost ready with its compact SUV, the Creta, which should be in our market in the coming months. Based on the same running gear as the i20 hatchback, the Creta is an SUV Hyundai is expecting a lot from; and it's easy to understand why. To begin with, it looks stunning. Probably the best interpretation of Hyundai's fluidic design to date, the Creta blends spot-on proportions with some sharp, confident details with an upright SUV stance. What works in its favour is the fact that the length of the car isn't artificially restricted to under four metres, as it is on cars like the EcoSport. On the contrary, Hyundai has given the Creta a fairly lengthy bonnet, for that full-sized look and the front bumper is robust and heavy set. What's also nice is that the upright grille works well. It's attractively proportioned around the back too .The lower half of the car is wider, so it looks well planted, and the simple but attractive tail-lights look neat as well.

On the inside, the Creta is a typical, modern Hyundai. The design of the dashboard is attractive and not over-styled, the centre console is blended neatly into the surface of the dash and to make the insides more attractive, many versions of the Creta have colour-coordinated dashboards, with matching piping on the seats. At the centre sits a medium-sized touchscreen while lower down, there are the climate control knobs similar to those on many Hyundais we are familiar with. The instrument panel is large, with a set of traditional dials that are clear to read. As on newer Hyundais, there's push button start, remote telephony controls on the steering wheel and as far as safety is concerned, ABS and dual airbags are standard. It's, however, not clear if the six-speed auto gearbox will get paddle shifts. What is expected though, is a fair-sized boot, like in the Duster. There's plenty of useable space here too. The long 2590mm wheelbase gives it an advantage, especially as far as packaging is concerned. There's more space between the front and rear wheels as compared to the EcoSport and the Hyundai's wheelbase is almost as long as the Duster's, so you can get a fair idea about the space inside.

The Creta shares much of its basic steel frame with its sister car the Kia Soul. Now 28 percent stiffer, these new cars have more bending stiffness too, which helps them deal with the extra weight of the diesel engine. The suspension follows the tried-and-tested independent MacPherson struts up front and a non-independent beam-type rear suspension; similar to those of the i20. The steering system used is electric, for light effort at low speeds, and its speed sensitive nature is ideal for increased effort and feel on the highway.

Ground clearance is expected to be in excess of 200mm, with large 17 or 18-inch wheels and wide 215 tyres for extra grip. What will be particularly challenging for Hyundai, as ever, will be getting this car to ride and handle well. This is especially as this car has a raised suspension that will need to be both stiff and supple at the same time.

Hyundai's compact SUV will be powered by a set of powerful engines, with diesels taking the lead. The star of the range, of course, is Hyundai's class-leading 1.6 diesel, that is smooth, silent over its band of operation and very punchy. Whereas, the 126bhp is important, even more important is the healthy torque figure of 26.5kgm; the latter helping with the additional weight of the SUV. Hyundai is also looking at its 88bhp 1.4 diesel and the 121bhp 1.6 petrol later. The petrol will come with a five-speed manual 'box, the diesel will get a six-speed manual and an auto is part of the plan too.

Buyers looking for a compact SUV can expect it to be well built, comfortable inside and well-equipped; it is a Hyundai after all. In addition, we think the diesel engine is one of the best around, so as an overall package, our expectations are high. Likely to hit showrooms in early August at an estimated price of Rs 8-12 lakh, Hyundai's compact SUV promises much. Questions still remain; will it ride and drive as well as it looks, will the auto 'box be up to scratch and will Hyundai be tempted into pricing it at a premium; these other questions answered when the car is launched here. Till then, stay tuned.

Shapur Kotwal