Thinking of a compact SUV that marries urban mastery with impressive features? Look no further than the Hyundai Creta SX(O) IVT. We recently took this beauty for a spin, and here’s a detailed breakdown of our exhilarating test drive experience, focusing on its strengths and a few niggles to consider.
A Powertrain Paradise: Effortless Cruising and City Prowess
Slipping behind the wheel of the Creta SX(O) IVT is like stepping into a zone of smooth, refined power. The 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, coupled with the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), delivers an exceptional driving experience. This combo is a champion in city commutes. No frustrating jerks, no hesitation – just pure driving pleasure.
The Magic of the IVT: The IVT shines in stop-and-go traffic. It seamlessly transitions between gears, ensuring a lag-free ride. You’ll never feel like you’re wrestling with the transmission, making those daily commutes a breeze.
Enough Power for the Urban Jungle: Power delivery is adequate for city needs. You can confidently navigate tight spaces and zip through traffic without feeling underpowered. For highway runs, the engine offers enough grunt to maintain good cruising speeds.
Steering Finesse: A Lighter Touch for City Maneuvers
The steering on the Creta SX(O) IVT feels noticeably lighter compared to the previous model. This is a welcome change, especially during parking and maneuvering through tight city streets. No more wrestling with a heavy steering wheel – just effortless control.
Improved Feedback: Unlike the previous model, which sometimes felt disconnected, the steering on the Creta SX(O) IVT provides consistent feedback. You’ll feel a reassuring connection to the road, giving you better control over the car.
A Plush Ride: Comforting You Every Mile
The Creta SX(O) IVT boasts a suspension that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and stability. It’s neither too soft nor too stiff, ensuring a smooth ride even on uneven surfaces and potholes. Even with tire pressures around 40 psi, the car absorbs bumps gracefully, keeping everyone inside comfortable.
The Interiors: A Story of Ups and Downs
While the overall layout of the Creta SX(O) IVT’s interior is satisfactory, there are a couple of elements that hold it back from premium territory.
A Blast from the Past: The dated design of the HVAC system feels out of place in this modern car.
Plastic Fantastic (Not in a Good Way): The extensive use of cheap, glossy plastic on the center console detracts from the overall premium feel. It also produces irritating creaking sounds, further diminishing the sense of quality.
Black Matters (But Not Here): The all-grey interior theme might not be for everyone, especially on bright days when sunlight exposes its blandness. A touch of black would have elevated the ambiance significantly.
Built to Last? A Promising Start
The Creta, historically, hasn’t been known for its top-notch build quality. However, this new iteration feels like a step in the right direction. The doors feel heavier, and the overall car has a more solid feel. Here’s hoping Hyundai sends it for crash tests and achieves a stellar 5-star rating!
The Verdict: A Love-Hate Relationship (Almost)
Would we trade in our first-gen Creta for this one? It’s a tough call. We absolutely adore the 1.5L NA IVT combo and the delightful ride quality with its improved steering. However, the underwhelming interior plastics and the lack of black accents are significant drawbacks.
Looking at the Competition: A Balancing Act
The Creta isn’t without rivals. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Kia Seltos: A strong contender, but it lacks the NA IVT option on its top trim. Additionally, the all-black interiors, while sporty for some, might feel claustrophobic to others.
- Kia Seltos X-Line: This one has a captivating sage green theme, but its maintenance requirements might be a concern for some.
Ultimately, the choice boils down to your priorities. If a smooth, comfortable city drive with a powerful engine is your top priority, the Creta SX(O) IVT is a phenomenal option. However, if a more premium interior feel is a deal-breaker, you might need to explore other contenders in the segment.
