About Hyundai Creta S (O) Knight iVT DT: Your Next SUV Decision

Choosing a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? You're not just buying a vehicle; you're investing in your daily commute, family trips, and peace of mind. Key questions always pop up: Is it within my budget? How safe is it? What will my monthly maintenance look like? Does it have all the latest features? And importantly, how reliable is the company's service network?

Well, if you're in the market for a stylish, feature-packed, and practical SUV, you've probably heard the name Creta. Today, we're taking a deep dive into a very interesting variant that's catching a lot of attention: the new Hyundai Creta S (O) Knight iVT DT. This variant brings together the convenience of an automatic gearbox, the distinctive style of the Knight Edition, and a strong set of features. Let's find out if it's the perfect match for you!

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Creta S (O) Knight iVT DT comes with a refined engine that's perfect for city driving and highway cruising alike:

• Engine Type: 1.5L MPi Petrol
• Displacement: 1497 cc
• Max Power: 115 PS (at 6300 rpm)
• Max Torque: 144 Nm (at 4500 rpm)
• Transmission: iVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission – Hyundai's smooth automatic CVT)
• Fuel Type: Petrol

Design Overview

The Creta S (O) Knight iVT DT truly stands out with its unique styling.

• Exterior Design:
  • The 'Knight' in its name means a bolder, more aggressive look. You get a darkened chrome grille, blacked-out alloy wheels, black front and rear skid plates, black roof rails, and glossy black C-pillar garnish.
  • Red inserts on the brake calipers (front) and on the front bumper add a sporty touch.
  • LED DRLs and projector headlamps ensure a strong road presence.
  • Dual-tone paint options (DT) enhance its youthful appeal.
• Interior Design:
  • Step inside and you're greeted by an all-black cabin theme, which feels premium and sporty.
  • Red stitching on the seats and steering wheel, along with red inserts on the AC vents, really make the interior pop.
  • Comfortable fabric seats (with a premium feel) and an ergonomic layout ensure a pleasant experience for all occupants.

Key Features

This variant is packed with features that enhance convenience, comfort, and entertainment:

• Infotainment System: A large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
• Connectivity: Hyundai's BlueLink connected car technology for various remote functions and vehicle diagnostics.
• Sunroof: A panoramic sunroof, letting in plenty of light and fresh air, making every drive more enjoyable.
• Wireless Charging: Keep your compatible smartphone charged without the mess of cables.
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control ensures the cabin temperature is always just right.
• Other notable features: Cruise control, rear view camera with display on the IRVM, steering mounted controls, rear AC vents, and multiple USB charging points.

What is the Ground Clearance of Hyundai Creta?

The Hyundai Creta offers a generous ground clearance of 190 mm, making it capable of handling rough Indian roads and speed breakers with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Hyundai Creta?

The Creta provides a practical boot space of 433 litres, which is ample for weekend getaways or your regular grocery runs.

What are the Dimensions of Hyundai Creta?

Here are the key dimensions:

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

Powertrain Options

While the Creta offers multiple engine and transmission combinations, the S (O) Knight iVT DT specifically features the:

• 1.5L MPi Petrol engine with the smooth and efficient iVT (CVT) automatic gearbox. This combination is known for its refinement and ease of driving in city traffic.

Safety Features

Hyundai has equipped the Creta S (O) Knight iVT DT with a strong set of safety features:

• 6 Airbags (front, side, and curtain – standard across all variants since the facelift)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
• All-wheel disc brakes (for improved braking performance)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• ISOFIX child seat mounts

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a prime concern for Indian car buyers. Here's a look at the Creta's NCAP ratings:

Test Agency	Model Year	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Bharat NCAP	2024 (Facelift Model)	3 Stars	3 Stars
Global NCAP	2020 (Pre-Facelift Model)	3 Stars	3 Stars

Note: The 2024 Bharat NCAP test applies to the current facelifted model of the Hyundai Creta, which includes the S (O) Knight iVT DT variant.

Rivals of Hyundai Creta S (O) Knight iVT DT

The mid-size SUV segment is highly competitive. The Creta S (O) Knight iVT DT faces competition from:

• Kia Seltos (especially its HTX IVT variants)
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (Alpha+ AT)
• Skoda Kushaq (Ambition 1.0 TSI AT)
• Volkswagen Taigun (Highline 1.0 TSI AT)
• MG Astor (Smart CVT)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros:

• Smooth Automatic Transmission: The iVT gearbox offers a very refined and comfortable driving experience, especially in city traffic.
• Distinctive Styling: The Knight Edition treatment makes this variant truly stand out with its sporty, all-black aesthetics and red accents.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Comes loaded with a panoramic sunroof, large touchscreen, wireless charging, and connected car tech, offering great value.
• Spacious and Comfortable: Ample space for five passengers and a comfortable ride quality absorb most road undulations.
• High Ground Clearance: 190 mm is ideal for diverse Indian road conditions.
• Strong Resale Value: Hyundai cars generally hold their value well in the Indian market.

Cons:

• NCAP Rating: While 6 airbags are standard, the 3-star Bharat NCAP rating for the facelifted model might be a concern for some buyers prioritizing top-tier safety scores.
• Engine Performance: The 1.5L NA petrol engine with iVT is refined for city use but might feel less spirited for aggressive highway overtakes compared to turbo-petrol rivals.
• Price Point: Being an automatic mid-variant with special edition styling, it sits in a competitive price bracket where some rivals offer more powerful turbo-petrol engines.
• Missing 360-degree Camera: While it has a rear camera, a 360-degree camera is not available on this variant, which some competitors offer at similar price points.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Creta S (O) Knight iVT DT presents a compelling package for Indian car buyers looking for a stylish, comfortable, and feature-loaded automatic SUV. It's a car that prioritizes ease of driving, a premium feel, and a distinctive look.

If your daily commute involves heavy traffic, if you appreciate modern features like a panoramic sunroof and connected tech, and if you want a car that truly stands out from the crowd, this Creta variant is definitely worth considering. While its NCAP rating might not be a segment-best, the comprehensive list of standard safety features and Hyundai's widespread service network provide a good foundation of trust.

Ultimately, the Creta S (O) Knight iVT DT is more than just a car; it's a statement. Go test drive it, feel the comfort, and experience the convenience. It might just be the SUV you've been waiting for!