About Hyundai Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT
Buying a new car in India is a big decision. You juggle so many factors like your budget, the safety features for your family, how much it will cost to maintain each month, whether it has all the latest tech, and of course, the after-sales service quality. Well, if you're looking for a feature-packed, powerful, and safe compact SUV, then the new Hyundai Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT has likely caught your eye. Let's dive deep into what this top-of-the-line Creta variant offers and if it's the right fit for your garage.
Main Highlights: Engine Specifications
The heart of the Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT is its eager and efficient engine.
- Engine Type: 1.5L Turbo GDi Petrol
- Max Power: 160 PS (at 5,500 rpm)
- Max Torque: 253 Nm (at 1,500-3,500 rpm)
- Transmission: 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)
Main Highlights: Design Overview
Hyundai has given the new Creta a significant refresh, making it stand out even more.
Exterior Design:
The new Creta boasts a bolder, more upright stance.
- Front: Features a striking parametric jewel design grille, connected Horizon LED Positioning Lamps (DRLs), and a redesigned quad-beam LED headlamp setup. The bumper is muscular, giving it a robust look.
- Side: Clean lines, prominent wheel arches housing stylish 17-inch alloy wheels, and a strong character line running across the doors.
- Rear: Connected LED tail lamps that mirror the front DRL design, a revised tailgate, and a rugged-looking bumper with integrated skid plates. It looks sophisticated and modern.
Interior Design:
Step inside, and you're greeted by a premium and tech-savvy cabin.
- Dashboard: A revamped dashboard layout with a dual-tone theme (black and grey for the turbo variant) looks sleek and integrated.
- Seating: Comfortable seats with good support, driver's seat gets 8-way power adjustment.
- Premium Feel: Quality materials, soft-touch elements at key areas, and thoughtful ergonomics elevate the in-cabin experience.
Main Highlights: Key Features
This is where the Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT truly shines, packed with segment-leading tech and comfort.
- Infotainment: A large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with built-in navigation.
- Driver Display: 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster.
- Connectivity: Hyundai Bluelink connected car technology with over 70 features, including remote control, vehicle diagnostics, and safety alerts.
- Comfort: Panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, 8-way power-adjustable driver seat.
- Convenience: 360-degree surround view monitor, wireless phone charger, electric parking brake with auto-hold, paddle shifters, rear sunshade.
- Audio: Premium Bose sound system (8 speakers).
Main Highlights: Ground Clearance, Boot Space, and Dimensions
Understanding the practicality of an SUV means looking at these figures.
- Ground Clearance: 190 mm (This is quite good for tackling Indian roads).
- Boot Space: 433 litres (Generous for weekend trips or airport runs).
- Dimensions:
- Length: 4,330 mm
- Width: 1,790 mm
- Height: 1,635 mm (with roof rails)
- Wheelbase: 2,610 mm
Main Highlights: Powertrain Options
While we're focusing on the Turbo DCT, it's good to know the Creta offers choices for every driving style.
- 1.5L MPi Petrol: 115 PS, 144 Nm (6-speed Manual or IVT Automatic)
- 1.5L Turbo GDi Petrol: 160 PS, 253 Nm (7-speed DCT Automatic) - Our focus!
- 1.5L CRDi Diesel: 116 PS, 250 Nm (6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic)
Main Highlights: Safety Features
Safety is paramount, and the new Creta steps up its game significantly.
- Standard Safety: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).
- ADAS (Hyundai SmartSense Level 2): This top variant gets advanced driver-assistance systems like:
- Forward Collision Warning & Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist & Lane Departure Warning
- Blind-spot Collision Warning & Avoidance Assist
- Rear Cross-traffic Collision Warning & Avoidance Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- High Beam Assist
- Driver Attention Warning
Main Highlights: NCAP Rating
A crucial aspect for any modern car buyer is safety ratings.
- Bharat NCAP (2024 Creta): This new Creta has achieved an impressive 5-star rating for both adult and child occupant protection in the Bharat NCAP crash tests. This is a significant step forward and offers great peace of mind.
- Global NCAP (Previous Generation Creta): It's important to note that the pre-facelift Hyundai Creta (2020 model) received a 3-star rating from Global NCAP. The current 2024 model has not been tested by Global NCAP yet.
Main Highlights: Rivals of Hyundai Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT
The compact SUV segment is fiercely competitive. The Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT goes up against some strong contenders.
- Kia Seltos (especially the GT Line/X-Line Turbo 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 Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT.
Pros (Advantages):
- Powerful Engine: The 1.5L Turbo GDi petrol engine with 160 PS offers exhilarating performance, making highway overtakes effortless.
- Smooth DCT Gearbox: The 7-speed DCT provides quick and seamless shifts, enhancing the driving experience in both city and highway conditions.
- Feature-Loaded Cabin: Comes packed with premium features like panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, dual-zone AC, Bose sound system, and advanced Bluelink connectivity.
- Advanced Safety: A 5-star Bharat NCAP rating and the inclusion of Level 2 ADAS provide top-tier safety for you and your family.
- Bold New Design: The refreshed exterior styling is modern and attention-grabbing, giving it a strong road presence.
- Hyundai's Service Network: Hyundai has an extensive service network across India, ensuring easy maintenance and access to spare parts.
Cons (Disadvantages):
- Pricey Top Variant: The SX (O) Turbo DCT is at the higher end of the compact SUV price spectrum, which might stretch some budgets.
- Fuel Efficiency: While powerful, the turbo petrol engine, especially when driven enthusiastically, might not deliver class-leading fuel economy figures.
- Ride Quality: Some might find the suspension a bit firm, especially over sharper bumps, though it contributes to stable handling.
- Rear Seat Width: While legroom is good, three adults in the rear might feel a bit squeezed on longer journeys compared to some rivals.
Conclusion
The new Hyundai Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT is a fantastic package for anyone looking for a premium, powerful, and safe compact SUV in India. It builds on the Creta's already popular foundation with a fresh design, a feature-rich interior, and a strong emphasis on safety with its 5-star Bharat NCAP rating and ADAS suite. If your budget allows, and you prioritize a thrilling driving experience combined with cutting-edge technology and peace of mind, the Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT should definitely be on your shortlist. It's a well-rounded contender that offers a compelling blend of style, substance, and performance.