Hyundai Creta S (O) Knight Diesel AT

Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? You're probably juggling many thoughts: What's my budget? Is it safe for my family? How much will it cost to maintain every month? Does it have all the latest features I want? And most importantly, will the company offer good service? If these questions are on your mind, you're in the right place. Today, we're taking a deep dive into a very popular contender that often ticks all these boxes for many Indian buyers: the Hyundai Creta, specifically the S (O) Knight Diesel AT variant. Let's find out if this stylish, powerful, and feature-packed SUV is the perfect fit for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Hyundai Creta S (O) Knight Diesel AT comes with a robust and refined engine designed for both city commutes and highway cruises.

• Engine Type: 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel Engine
• Maximum Power: 116 PS at 4000 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 250 Nm at 1500-2750 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic Transmission

Design Overview

The Creta has always been a head-turner, and the Knight Edition takes its appeal a notch higher with its dark, sporty aesthetics.

Exterior

The S (O) Knight Diesel AT variant embraces a bold, athletic stance. Key highlights include:

• All-black front grille with red inserts
• Blacked-out ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors)
• Dark chrome finish on the front and rear bumper skid plates
• Red front brake callipers
• Black roof rails and C-pillar garnish
• Body-coloured door handles
• Glossy black alloy wheels (typically 17-inch)
• LED headlamps and tail lamps give it a distinctive signature

Interior

Step inside, and the sporty theme continues with a premium and comfortable cabin.

• All-black interior theme with red accents (stitching, dashboard elements)
• D-cut steering wheel
• Semi-leatherette seat upholstery
• Driver-centric layout with easy access to controls
• Generous cabin space for five occupants

Key Features

Hyundai is known for loading its cars with features, and the Creta S (O) Knight Diesel AT is no exception.

• Infotainment System: 10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
• Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Hyundai Bluelink Connected Car Technology
• Sunroof: Panoramic Sunroof (a crowd favourite!)
• Camera: Rear Parking Camera with guidelines, 360-degree camera (available in higher variants, check specific trim for S(O))
• Charging: Wireless Phone Charging
• Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control
• Others: Cruise Control, Push Start/Stop Button, Rear AC Vents, LED ambient lighting, Power-adjustable driver seat (in some configurations)

What is the Ground Clearance of Hyundai Creta?

The Hyundai Creta offers a good ground clearance, making it suitable for varied Indian road conditions.

• Ground Clearance: 190 mm

What is the Boot Space of Hyundai Creta?

The Creta provides ample boot space for your luggage needs, whether for daily errands or weekend getaways.

• Boot Space: 433 litres

What are the Dimensions of Hyundai Creta?

The Creta strikes a good balance between a compact footprint and spacious interiors.

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

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the Diesel AT, the Hyundai Creta is known for offering a versatile range of powertrain options to cater to different preferences. The current generation also offers:

• 1.5L MPi Petrol Engine with 6-speed Manual or IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission)
• 1.5L Turbo GDi Petrol Engine with 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)

Safety Features

Safety is a paramount concern, and Hyundai equips the Creta with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features.

• 6 Airbags (Driver, Passenger, Side & Curtain)
• ABS with EBD
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Rear Disc Brakes
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
• All 4 Disc Brakes (in specific variants)

NCAP Rating Table

The Hyundai Creta's safety ratings have evolved with its generations. It's important to differentiate between them.

Note: The 2024 Hyundai Creta facelift has achieved an impressive 5-star rating in both adult and child occupant protection from Bharat NCAP, reflecting Hyundai's commitment to safety in its latest models.

Rivals of Hyundai Creta S (O) Knight Diesel AT

The mid-size SUV segment is fiercely competitive in India. The Hyundai Creta S (O) Knight Diesel AT goes head-to-head with several strong contenders:

• Kia Seltos
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
• Skoda Kushaq
• Volkswagen Taigun
• MG Astor

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's sum up the advantages and disadvantages of the Hyundai Creta S (O) Knight Diesel AT to help you weigh your options.

Pros

• Stylish Knight Edition Looks: The all-black theme with red accents gives it a unique, sporty, and aggressive appeal.
• Refined Diesel Engine: The 1.5L diesel engine is smooth, fuel-efficient, and offers ample torque for effortless driving.
• Smooth Automatic Transmission: The 6-speed automatic gearbox ensures a comfortable and stress-free driving experience in city traffic and on highways.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Loaded with modern amenities like a panoramic sunroof, large touchscreen, connected car tech, and wireless charging.
• Comfortable Ride Quality: The suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps, providing a comfortable ride for occupants.
• Strong After-sales Service: Hyundai's widespread service network and reliable service are a major plus point for Indian buyers.
• High Safety Rating (New Gen): The latest generation Creta's 5-star Bharat NCAP rating instils great confidence in its safety.

Cons

• Price Point: As a mid-to-high variant, it can be on the pricier side, especially compared to some competitors.
• Steering Feel: Some drivers might find the steering to be a bit light at higher speeds, lacking direct feedback.
• Design Subjectivity: While many love the Creta's design, its bold styling might not appeal to everyone's taste.
• Feature Distribution: While feature-rich, some top-tier features like ADAS or a 360-degree camera might be reserved for even higher variants in the Creta lineup.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Creta S (O) Knight Diesel AT stands out as a compelling package for Indian car buyers seeking a powerful, stylish, and feature-loaded SUV. With its refined diesel automatic powertrain, distinctive Knight Edition aesthetics, and a cabin brimming with comfort and technology, it offers a premium experience. The latest 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating for the new Creta further solidifies its position as a safe choice for your family. While it might come with a slightly higher price tag, the overall value proposition, coupled with Hyundai's excellent service network, makes it a strong contender in its segment. If you're looking for an SUV that combines performance, pizzazz, and practicality, the Creta S (O) Knight Diesel AT is definitely worth a test drive. It might just be the dream machine you've been searching for!