Introduction
In a market increasingly leaning towards petrol, CNG, and even electrics, there's still a significant segment of buyers who appreciate the robust torque, fuel efficiency, and engagement of a diesel manual powertrain. This is precisely why the Hyundai Creta Diesel Manual, a consistently top-selling SUV, found its way into the CarWale long-term garage. While we've extensively reviewed the Creta in various formats, living with it day in and day out for an extended period truly uncovers its real-world character. We’ve aimed to put it through its paces, from the daily commute to weekend getaways, to see how practical, efficient, and enjoyable it really is to live with.
How Practical is it?
The Creta’s strength in practicality is evident throughout its thoughtfully designed cabin. Even with its modern aesthetics, functionality takes precedence, making daily usage remarkably convenient.
Storage options are abundant and well-integrated. All four door pockets are generously sized to comfortably hold a one-litre bottle. The centre console features convenient cup holders and a dedicated cubby ahead of the gear lever, perfectly sized for a smartphone or wallet. There’s additional storage under the front armrest and a decently sized cooled glove box. For rear passengers, comfort comes in the form of cup holders in the foldable armrest and the essential rear AC vents. The retractable rear sunshades, particularly invaluable during intense summers, were a real boon.
Additionally, the flexibility to split-fold the rear seats further expands the cargo area, accommodating larger items when needed. The comfortable ingress and egress, coupled with good all-around visibility, made it an easy car to manage in congested city environments.
What's on the Feature List?
Hyundai's reputation for offering feature-rich vehicles is well-deserved, and the Creta, particularly in its higher variants, showcases this comprehensively. The integrated 10.25-inch infotainment system, is notably responsive and intuitive to use. It offers wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, which works seamlessly, though wireless integration would have been a more convenient addition. The crisp visuals from the 360-degree multiple-view camera system are of great quality, and the Bose audio system, while perhaps not audiophile-grade, offers a rich and clear output, making commutes more enjoyable.
Moreover, the ventilated front seats are a godsend in hot Indian weather. The panoramic sunroof adds an airy feel to the cabin, though its practical usage might vary. Other thoughtful additions include dual-zone climate control, and a digital instrument cluster that provides clear, essential driving information, along with customisable displays that change based on different drive modes.
Furthermore, higher variants come equipped with an ADAS suite. Features like the blind spot monitor with integrated visuals in the digital driver's display have proven particularly effective in navigating the often chaotic and unpredictable traffic on Indian roads.
What’s the Fuel Efficiency Like?
Fuel efficiency is a critical consideration for any diesel vehicle in India, and the Creta Diesel Manual truly shines in this aspect. Powered by a refined 1.5-litre diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, its ARAI-certified efficiency stands at an impressive 21.8kmpl.
In our dedicated city mileage test, driving predominantly within Mumbai's bustling traffic, the Creta delivered 16.52kmpl. On the highways, where the diesel engine can truly stretch its legs, it proved even more frugal, returning an impressive 20.44kmpl when cruising at around 95-100kmph in the sixth gear.
How Does it Perform on the Daily Commute?
Despite being an SUV, the Creta manages to shrink around the driver, making it surprisingly easy to navigate through daily urban commutes. The 113bhp diesel mill, while not overtly powerful on paper, offers excellent low-end torque, which is a blessing in city traffic. This means fewer gear changes are required, as the engine pulls cleanly from low RPMs in higher gears.
The six-speed manual gearbox is a joy to operate. The clutch pedal is notably light, and the gear shifts are precise and have a satisfying, positive feel, making the act of changing gears less of a chore. While there is a slight diesel clatter noticeable at very low speeds or during initial acceleration, it quickly fades into the background as the car gains momentum, settling into a remarkably quiet drive.
The Creta's urban ride quality is plush, absorbing the myriad potholes and uneven surfaces Indian city roads offer. The steering is light and responsive at city speeds, making U-turns and tight parking manoeuvres effortless.
How is it for a Weekend with the Gang?
The Creta transforms seamlessly from a diligent city commuter to a capable weekend cruiser. For those spontaneous road trips or planned getaways with family or friends, it makes for an excellent companion, especially if you stick to well-paved roads. The spacious cabin comfortably accommodates four adults over long distances, with decent legroom and headroom even for taller rear passengers.
The diesel engine truly comes into its own on the highway. It provides ample grunt for quick overtakes and maintains triple-digit speeds effortlessly. The sixth gear ensures relaxed cruising at highway speeds and also significantly aids in the impressive fuel efficiency figures. While the engine's refinement is already good in the city, on the highway, very little diesel drone filters inside the cabin, contributing to a calm and quiet ambience.
The ride quality, while generally comfortable, does exhibit a typical Hyundai characteristic at higher speeds when fully loaded. While minor bumps are absorbed well, sharp road imperfections or continuous wavy surfaces might lead to some vertical movement. However, the car generally feels planted and stable. The 433-litre boot means there's rarely a need to compromise on luggage, making it perfect for multi-day trips.
What’s the Deal with the Warranty?
The Creta, like other Hyundai vehicles, typically comes with a standard manufacturer warranty. While the petrol versions get an option of a seven-year extended warranty, Hyundai provides a three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty as standard across all trims in the lineup.
Can You Live with One?
After spending significant time traversing city streets, navigating crowded markets in Mumbai, and undertaking a few highway excursions, the answer to “Can you live with the Hyundai Creta?' is a resounding yes. It strikes an impressive balance that few others in its segment can match.
For those who value exceptional fuel efficiency without compromising on performance, particularly for a high-mileage users, the refined diesel engine with the manual gearbox is a compelling combination. It's effortless in the city with its light clutch and incredibly frugal and capable on the highway.
Besides, the Creta offers a practical, feature-rich, and comfortable cabin that genuinely enhances the driving experience. While its high-speed ride with a full load might not be as flat as some of its rivals, it's a minor trade-off for the overall comfort and convenience it packs in.
In essence, the Creta is more than just a popular choice; it's a well-rounded, reliable, and economical companion that grows on you with every passing kilometre.
Pictures by Kaustubh Gandhi
