Hyundai Creta review, road test

If there is one thing that Hyundai has got spot on, it’s the styling. The Creta’s design finely balances tough SUV cues with sleek lines to appeal to the modern SUV buyer and in this segment, where looks seriously matter, that’s more than half the battle won. The Creta’s stance, which is neither too high nor too low (ground clearance is 190mm), is again perfectly judged to attract both SUV and sedan buyers. And the top-spec diesel versions’ 17-inch alloys look fantastic.

Underpinning the Creta is an all-new platform (that uses modified bits from the Elantra) and a high-tensile steel body structure that is far more rigid than previous Hyundais, which bodes well for the overall dynamics and crash worthiness. The suspension is pretty standard with MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion beam at the rear, while wheel travel isn’t particularly generous by SUV standards.

Off-road enthusiasts will be disappointed that the Creta doesn’t have a 4x4 option, but the extra weight, complexity and cost of providing additional drive to the rear wheels is something Hyundai felt was a waste, especially since the Creta is aimed at a more car-oriented audience.