Hyundai Creta

The Creta 2025 spoils you with three engine options, each tuned for distinct vibes. The 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol (115 PS, 144 Nm) comes with a 6-speed manual or CVT, offering a relaxed, smooth drive that’s ideal for city traffic—we found it quiet and easygoing, though it lacks the zest for sudden bursts. The 1.5L turbo petrol (160 PS, 253 Nm), paired with a 7-speed DCT, transforms it into a punchy performer; it’s quick off the line, hitting 0-100 kmph in under 10 seconds, and we loved its eager throttle response on highways. The 1.5L diesel (116 PS, 250 Nm), with a 6-speed manual or torque converter, delivers a refined, torquey pull—perfect for hauling loads or cruising long distances, with minimal cabin noise.

Fuel economy is a highlight—ARAI rates the petrol MT at 17.4 kmpl, the diesel MT at 21.8 kmpl, and the turbo DCT at 18.4 kmpl. Real-world tests gave us 13-15 kmpl in city petrol runs and 17-19 kmpl for diesel, with the turbo sipping slightly more under heavy foot. There’s no hybrid or AWD, which stings in this segment, but the engines feel polished, balancing efficiency with everyday usability. It’s not a thrill machine, but it’s got enough soul for most.

We found the Creta’s ride quality plush yet composed, thanks to its 190 mm ground clearance and 17-inch wheels (top trims). The suspension—MacPherson struts upfront and a coupled torsion beam at the rear—leans toward comfort, soaking up most bumps, though sharp potholes can jostle you. On highways, it’s stable, with minimal body roll in corners, but the steering feels light and vague for spirited driving. It’s built for family ease, not corner-carving.

• 1.5L Petrol Manual – Around 17-18 km/l in real-world conditions.
• 1.5L Petrol CVT – Around 18-19 km/l with smooth driving.
• 1.5L Turbo Petrol DCT – Expect 16-17 km/l if driven sensibly, but aggressive driving drops it lower.
• 1.5L Diesel Manual – Around 20-21 km/l, making it the most fuel-efficient option.
• 1.5L Diesel Automatic – About 18-19 km/l.

The Creta diesel models have a clear edge in mileage, but petrol options offer smoother performance, very well suited if you don’t drive a lot. 

Step into the Creta 2025, and it’s a cabin that feels both premium and practical—a step up from its rivals in vibe, if not always in materials. The dashboard flows with dual 10.25-inch screens—one for infotainment with crisp graphics, the other a digital cluster with customizable layouts—flanked by sleek AC vents in a light grey dual-tone scheme. We loved the front seats’ plush cushioning (ventilated on top trims) and the driving position’s adjustability, though the rear bench, while roomy, skimps on under-thigh support and a middle headrest. Legroom and headspace impress, even with three adults abreast, and the 433-litre boot swallows luggage effortlessly—expandable with 60:40 split seats.

Features are a big draw: dual-zone AC keeps everyone cool, a panoramic sunroof opens up the cabin, and a Bose 7-speaker system delivers crisp sound. Wireless charging, ambient lighting, and rear USB-C ports add modern flair, but the mix of soft-touch plastics up top and harder stuff below shows cost-cutting. Base trims feel sparse, missing the pizzazz of highe

The Creta 2025 is a visual treat, embracing Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” with gusto. Up front, a chunky parametric grille meets full-width LED DRLs and quad-beam LED headlights, crafting a face that’s both aggressive and futuristic—we think it’s a traffic-stopper. The sculpted bonnet and flared wheel arches add a muscular vibe, while the side profile keeps it sleek with new 17-inch diamond-cut alloys (or 16-inch on lower trims) and subtle chrome accents. Around back, a connected LED tail-lamp bar stretches across, paired with a chunky bumper and faux skid plate for that SUV swagger.

 Eight color options, from Fiery Red to dual-tone Atlas White with a black roof, let you play with personality. It’s not a radical departure from 2024, but the tweaks—like sharper lines and a taller stance—keep it fresh and commanding.

Safety is solid—six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, and hill-start assist are standard. Higher trims add Level 2 ADAS (adaptive cruise, lane-keeping), a 360-degree camera, and blind-spot monitoring. Its 3-star GNCAP rating (pre-facelift) isn’t class-leading, but 2025 updates hint at better crash protection. We feel it’s family-ready, though rivals outshine it in ratings.

The Creta 2025 faces a packed field, and we’ve sized up its rivals. The Kia Seltos, its corporate cousin, matches it on tech—Level 2 ADAS, panoramic sunroof—and adds a sportier edge with similar engines, though its pricing (₹10.90 lakh-₹20.37 lakh) undercuts slightly, tempting value seekers. The Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder duo bring hybrid powertrains (25+ kmpl), softer rides, and lower running costs, starting at ₹10.99 lakh, but lack the Creta’s feature depth. 

The Skoda Kushaq (₹11.89 lakh-₹20.49 lakh) and VW Taigun offer taut handling, European build quality, and a punchy 1.5L TSI, though their cabins feel less plush.

The MG Astor, from ₹9.98 lakh, undercuts with smart tech (AI assistant) and a plush ride, but its petrol-only lineup lacks diesel grunt. Tata’s Harrier (₹14.99 lakh-₹26.44 lakh) towers with a 5-star GNCAP rating, cavernous space, and a 170 PS diesel, though it’s pricier and misses ADAS. 

The Honda Elevate (₹11.69 lakh-₹16.51 lakh) keeps it simple with a reliable 1.5L petrol and spacious cabin, but skips turbo or diesel options. We see the Creta shining with its all-round appeal—style, tech, and variety—but it’s not the cheapest, safest, or most efficient, leaving room for rivals to steal the spotlight depending on your priorities.

The Hyundai Creta 2025 is a well-rounded SUV—stylish, tech-savvy, and reliable. It’s not the sportiest, safest, or greenest, but it nails family needs with flair. We’d pick it for its versatility, though enthusiasts or eco-warriors might look elsewhere.

• Best Value Variant:SX Petrol IVT – Best balance of features, comfort, and affordability.
• For highway & mileage-conscious buyers:SX (O) Diesel AT – Good performance, strong fuel economy.
• Not ideal for: Enthusiasts wanting sporty handling or buyers prioritizing a 5-star safety rating.