Hyundai Creta: pros and cons

Hyundai Motor Philippines Incorporated introduced the Creta as its entry into the local five-seater subcompact crossover segment. 

In the said market, the Hyundai model faces stiff competition in the forms of the Mitsubishi XForce, Kia Sonet, and Toyota Yaris Cross -among others. It has, however, plenty of characteristics that make it a good contender and a potent choice for a handy and capable daily driver. 

The question now is: What are the advantages and downsides of the Hyundai Creta? Let us find out here to further help prospective buyers. 

Pros

Well-equipped cabin

One of the strong points of the Creta subcompact crossover is its well-equipped and slick-looking cabin. 

For starters, everyone inside the top-spec GLS version is kept cool and comfortable by a single-zone automatic air-conditioning system. At the same time, the other trims come with manual climate controls. 

The GLS and mid-spec GL also get soft and cozy leatherette seats, while the lower-spec version of the GL comes with sturdy but comfortable fabric seats. Additionally, the front cabin offers a lot of eye candy, thanks to contrasting colors and shiny decorative pieces mixed with a well-arranged modern design. 

Other notable creature comforts and convenience features inside the Creta include 60:40 split-folding seats, a center armrest, a cooled glove box, and a lot of cup holders. 

Loads of tech

Apart from having a stylish and comfy interior, the Creta is also kitted out with various technological amenities. 

For onboard entertainment and navigation, the vehicle is equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen display linked to a four-piece speaker system. The said screen offers easy smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while powering up devices is done effortlessly by a wireless charging pad. 

The driver, meanwhile, has access to a 10.25-inch Supervision digital gauge cluster, which shows plenty of crucial vehicle parameters in a clean and crisp manner. 

Added convenience for the person behind the wheel is also supplied by Bluetooth hands-free calling and customizable voice recognition software. 

Moreover, the Creta comes with loads of safety-oriented technologies, which support its array of standard safety bits. Here is a list of advanced driver-assist systems available on the Hyundai-made crossover: 

• Blind-spot collision avoidance
• Lane keep assist
• Forward-collision avoidance with car and pedestrian detection
• Manual speed limit assist
• Lane follow assist

Stylish exterior

While its interior is pleasant to look at, another desirable quality of the Hyundai Creta is the visually impactful appearance of its exterior. 

From the front, the model sports the brand’s parametric jewel-pattern grille, similar to the ones fitted on the larger Tucson. Notably, the said grille hides the Creta’s LED daytime running lamps. When not in use, the said lighting fixtures appear to be a part of the grille’s decorative patterns. 

Flanking the center of the vehicle’s front fascia are numerous angular shapes, including the car’s vertical stack of LED headlamps. It also gets visually appealing wheel arches, a black-colored roof, and a pair of eye-catching LED taillights for its rear. Wrapping up its exterior design is a set of two-tone, 17-inch alloy wheels. 

Adding to the vehicle’s practicality are several notable exterior features. It has a pair of roof rails for added cargo space, power-folding side mirrors, chrome door handles, front and rear wipers, and a high-mount stop-lamp. 

Additional flair on the top-spec GLS is provided by a two-tone paint job. For reference, here are all the available color options for the Creta: 

• Creamy White
• Dragon Red
• Midnight Black
• Magnetic Silver

Plenty of driving-oriented features

Yet another key strength of the Hyundai Creta is its abundance of driving-oriented features - the kind of tools that can make it viable as a daily driver even on the busy streets of the Philippines. 

For easy maneuvering in tight parking spots, the Hyundai model has a rear-view monitor. Getting in and starting up the ride is also done easily, thanks to the presence of a smart key and a push-to-start button. 

Dealing with long-distance driving is likewise a breeze, as the model comes with cruise control (GLS). Gripping the Creta’s steering wheel for long periods is also comfy, thanks to a leatherette wrap. Plus, finding one’s preferred position is also effortless due to the model’s tilt and telescopic steering column.

Other driving features present in the Creta are a drive mode selector, physical knobs for its climate control system, and a multi-function steering wheel, among others. 

Cons

Some rivals are peppier

When it comes to engine output, the Creta’s 1.5-liter Smartstream mill can produce up to 113 horsepower (hp) and 144 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

The aforementioned maximum output does not necessarily mean the Creta has poor performance. For perspective, it even makes more power than the pricier Toyota Yaris Cross G, which only makes 104 hp and 138 Nm of torque. 

Regardless, there remains the fact that a lot of similarly-sized offerings have more potent powertrains. Examples include the 174-hp Geely Coolray and the 158-hp Changan CS35 Plus. 

Do be mindful, however, that the Creta wasn’t designed to be a performance car from the get-go. Nevertheless, having more power under the hood can be useful in certain driving situations.

Final thoughts

To sum it all up, the Hyundai Creta is a value-for-money to those looking for a five-seater compact crossover. It fits the bill as a comfy daily, plus it is oozing with style as well. 

Serious prospective buyers of the Hyundai model, however, should give the ride a test drive first. Doing so, in the end, can result in a more informed purchase after all. 

Model	Creta GLS	Creta GL	Creta GL STD
Exterior
Dimnensions (LXWXH, In mm)	4,315x1,790x1,630
Wheelbase (mm)	2,610
Ground clearance (mm)	200
Wheel size	17-inch
Lighting system	Halogen	LED
Interior
Material	Leatherette		Fabric
Amenities	Smart key Push-to-start button Automatic climate control Wireless smartphone charger USB ports Rear-view monitor Four-piece speaker system Center armrest 60:40 split-folding seat Drive mode selector Electronic parking brake	Smart key Push-to-start button Automatic climate control USB ports Rear-view monitor Four-piece speaker system Center armrest 60:40 split-folding rear seat Electronic parking brake	Keyless entry Manual air-conditioning USB ports Four-piece speaker system Center armrest 60:40 split-folding rear seat Electronic parking brake
Instrument cluster	10.25-inch Supervision digital gauge		3.5-inch TFT LCD
Infotainment system	Eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto		Integrated radio with 3.8-inch LCD
Seating capacity	Five
Cargo capacity	413 liters
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter Smartstream G
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	Hyundai Intelligent Variable Transmission
Horsepower	113
Torque	144 Newton-meters
Brakes	Front and rear discs
Technology
ADAS	Blind-spot collision avoidance Lane keep assist Forward-collision avoidance with car and pedestrian detection Manual speed limit assist Lane follow assist
Safety	Dual front airbags Anti-lock braking Stability control Hill-start assist Tire pressure monitoring Rear seat alert ISOFIX Parking distance warning		Dual front airbags Anti-lock braking Stability control Hill-start assist Tire pressure monitoring ISOFIX Parking distance warning
Security	Alarm Engine immobilizer
Price	P1.388 million	P1.228 million	P1.098 million

 

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