First time driving any Hyundai Creta: My observations & experience

I have travelled in the car but never drove one. So when I got the chance to drive the 2024 Hyundai Creta Facelift 1.5L Turbo Petrol SX(O) DCT, I seized the opportunity.

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Introduction

Presented here is a short experience on my first experience as a driver in any Hyundai Creta. Some observations here would provide additional perspectives to prospective buyers, while some points would just reinforce what's been already covered through the official review.

How I eventually got to drive a Hyundai Creta

I've travelled in two Hyundai Cretas till date - both 2023 diesel MTs, both in the rear seat, over distances between 200 and 300km. Awesome FE and reasonably good comfort in the rear seat, but never had a chance to drive one.

I had a chance to test drive a 2024 facelift in the 1.5L Turbo Petrol avatar and seized the opportunity. This was a 1.5L Turbo Petrol SX(O) DCT in the same black shade that was featured in the official review.

Intial observations

While following the Creta to my "test drive" point, I noted some nice things:

• Simple, neat, tail lamp cluster with an LED bar connecting the left and the right lamps; looked very neat when the brakes were deployed
• The Turbo monogram finished in red over a brushed aluminium base looked class, especially on a black exterior
• Sequential turn indicators - simple, yet classy and effective

After we stopped off, I got to see the car a little more; the rear seat was familiar - I noticed no difference between the seat in the 2024 edition vs the 2023 one. Some more observations in pictures:

Rear of the facelift Creta with brakes deployed (image from the official review)

Rear view (image from the official review)

View of the road ahead from the driver seat

View of the dashboard from the driver seat - looked neat except for the glossy black finish which is forensic science-friendly. Also, note the angled center console like the 2004 Elantra or any Volvo

Bright and clear 360 view

View from the rear seat - note the premium-looking gear lever

Wheels - strange to see a JK tyre being offered as OE fitment

Bose audio - sounded very good but a bit boomy like a typical American car

View of the driver footwell and the controls above (engine start-stop button, idling start-stop system, traction control, parking sensors and the headlamp leveller)

Engine bay

The engine bay was well laid out except for a lot of jhamela (cramping) around the turbo between the engine and the firewall.

Hood liner - noise insulation is quite good, though not best in class

Engine bay, which at first look seems uncluttered

The right side of the engine bay - note the radiator cap on the coolant tank like the Nissan Magnite

ECU rests right behind the battery - protected and cocooned. ABS Unit rests behind the ECU

Good working room around the front and the right side in the engine bay

But it gets quite cramped behind the engine bay - too many couplers and components eg. throttle body, turbocharger and associated components

Close up of the turbo

Continue reading vigsom's experience for BHPian comments, insights and more information.