Hyundai Creta S (O) Diesel AT

Hey there, car enthusiasts and prospective buyers! Are you on the hunt for your next dream car in India? We know how many things cross your mind when making such a big decision. Is it within your budget? How safe is it for your family? What about monthly maintenance costs? Does it have all the latest features you crave? And of course, how reliable is the company's service network?

These are all critical questions, and today, we're diving deep into a vehicle that aims to tick many of these boxes for a vast number of Indian families: the new Hyundai Creta S (O) Diesel AT. The Hyundai Creta has been a sales superstar in the compact SUV segment for years, and with its latest update, it's more feature-rich and stylish than ever. Let's explore what makes this specific variant a compelling choice for you.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.5L U2 CRDi Diesel Engine
• Cubic Capacity: 1493 cc
• Maximum Power: 116 PS (85 kW) at 4000 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 250 Nm at 1500-2750 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)
• Fuel Efficiency: Known for offering good fuel economy for a diesel automatic.

Design Overview

Exterior: The new Creta boasts a significantly refreshed design that looks more aggressive and sophisticated. The front fascia features a new parametric jewel grille, horizontally connected LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), and a more prominent bumper design. The S (O) variant gets stylish alloy wheels that add to its road presence. At the rear, you'll find new connected LED tail lamps that mirror the front's contemporary feel, giving the car a wider and more premium stance.

Interior: Step inside, and you're greeted by a more modern and premium cabin. The S (O) variant offers a neat dual-tone interior theme (depending on the exterior colour) and a well-laid-out dashboard. The quality of materials feels good for the segment, and the overall fit and finish are impressive. It's a comfortable space, especially for front passengers, designed with practicality and aesthetics in mind.

Key Features

The Creta S (O) Diesel AT is a well-equipped variant, offering a good balance of essential and desirable features:

• Infotainment System: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Arkamys Sound system.
• Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Hyundai's Bluelink Lite connected car technology.
• Sunroof: A large panoramic sunroof that adds a sense of spaciousness and airiness to the cabin.
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control for consistent cabin temperature.
• Convenience: Cruise control, rear AC vents, electric folding ORVMs, rear view camera with parking sensors.
• Lighting: LED headlamps and LED DRLs.
• Safety Enhancements: Rear disc brakes (in addition to front).

Note: Features like the 10.25-inch infotainment, 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, and powered driver seat are typically available in higher SX and SX (O) variants.

What is the Ground Clearance of

• Ground Clearance: 190 mm

What is the Boot Space of

• Boot Space: 433 Litres

What is the Dimensions of

• Length: 4330 mm
• Width: 1790 mm
• Height: 1635 mm (with roof rails)
• Wheelbase: 2610 mm

Powertrain Options

While we're focusing on the Creta Diesel AT, it's good to know the Creta also offers a range of engine choices:

• 1.5L MPi Petrol (115 PS, 144 Nm) with 6-speed Manual or IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission).
• 1.5L Kappa Turbo GDi Petrol (160 PS, 253 Nm) with 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission).
• 1.5L U2 CRDi Diesel (116 PS, 250 Nm) with 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic Transmission (the variant we are discussing).

Safety Features

Safety has been a key focus for Hyundai with the new Creta. The S (O) variant comes with a strong set of safety features:

• 6 Airbags (Standard across all variants)
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
• VSM (Vehicle Stability Management)
• HAC (Hill-start Assist Control)
• All four disc brakes
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Rear Parking Sensors & Camera

Note: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features are exclusive to the top-end SX (O) variant.

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding a car's safety ratings is crucial. Here's how the new Hyundai Creta (facelift) performs:

This indicates a decent level of protection for occupants, aligning with many cars in its segment.

Rivals of Hyundai Creta S (O) Diesel AT

The compact SUV segment is a hotly contested space in India. The Hyundai Creta S (O) Diesel AT competes with:

• Kia Seltos (especially the diesel automatic variants)
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
• Skoda Kushaq
• Volkswagen Taigun
• MG Astor

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's break down the advantages and disadvantages of choosing the Hyundai Creta S (O) Diesel AT:

Pros:

• Refined Diesel Engine: The 1.5L diesel engine is known for its smooth operation, good performance, and respectable fuel efficiency, especially with the automatic gearbox.
• Smooth Automatic Transmission: The 6-speed AT offers seamless shifts, making city driving and highway cruising effortless.
• Feature-Rich Variant: The S (O) variant offers a compelling list of features like the panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, and connected car tech, providing good value.
• Bold New Design: The updated exterior styling gives the Creta a fresh, contemporary, and premium appeal that stands out.
• Comfortable Cabin: The interior is spacious enough for five occupants (though four adults are most comfortable on long drives) with good seat comfort.
• Hyundai's Service Network: Hyundai has one of the widest and most reliable service networks across India, ensuring peace of mind for owners.
• Strong Resale Value: Creta generally enjoys strong resale value in the Indian market.

Cons:

• NCAP Rating: While decent, a 3-star rating might not satisfy buyers looking for the absolute highest safety scores available in the market.
• Missing Top-Tier Features: The S (O) variant misses out on premium features like ventilated seats, powered driver's seat, 360-degree camera, ADAS, and the larger 10.25-inch screens, which are available in higher variants or some rivals.
• Rear Seat Width: While knee-room is good, accommodating three adults comfortably in the rear seat over long journeys can be a bit tight.
• Price Point: As with all good things, the Creta S (O) Diesel AT comes at a premium price, which might stretch some budgets.
• Diesel's Future: Some buyers might be concerned about the long-term future of diesel engines in India due to evolving emission norms and government policies.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Creta S (O) Diesel AT emerges as a very strong contender in the compact SUV segment. It brings together a refined and efficient diesel engine with a smooth automatic gearbox, a striking new design, and a feature-packed interior that caters to the modern Indian family's needs. While it might not have the absolute highest safety rating or all the bells and whistles of its top-end variant, the S (O) offers a fantastic balance of performance, convenience, and style at a competitive price point.

If you're looking for a dependable, stylish, and comfortable SUV for both city commutes and highway adventures, and you appreciate the torque and fuel efficiency of a diesel automatic, the Creta S (O) Diesel AT should definitely be on your shortlist. It's a well-rounded package that continues Hyundai's legacy of offering compelling products to the Indian market. Do take it for a test drive and see if it resonates with your driving style and requirements!