Production Models

Among the first models that Hyundai Motor Philippines launched after it took over local distribution of the brand was the Creta.

At 4,315 millimeters long, 1,790mm wide and 1,630mm tall with the roof rails, the Hyundai Creta competes in the subcompact crossover segment.

With a ground clearance of 200mm and a 2,610mm-long wheelbase the Hyundai Creta comes across as a sporty crossover with an SUV vibe, especially with the short overhangs front and rear.

Hyundai brought in the Creta at two trim levels and three price points, the top-of-line 1.5 GLS IVT at 1.388 million pesos, the mid-range 1.5 GL IVT at 1.288 million, and the entry level 1.5GL 6/MT at 1.048 million.

The Creta no doubt is a looker, standing out in the crowded crossover segment with the 3D Parametric Jewel Pattern grille that effectively hides the LED Daytime Running Lights until the engine is turned on in the two higher priced variants. No DRLs at the bottom-end Creta.

The Jewel motif is carried over in the design of the 17-inch Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels, two-toned in the GLS and GL IVT, monotone in the GL 6/MT, all wrapped by 60-series tires.

The headlamps and turn signals are framed in the lower corners of the Creta fascia. The GLS and GL IVT feature 4MFR (multi-faceted reflector) LED headlights with Auto Light Control.

Only Halogen Bi-Function Projector lamps for the GL 6/MT.

The signal repeater lights are halogens on all Creta.

If you like two-tone paint jobs, go for the high-end and mid-end Creta. The entry level variant only comes with monotone body.

Standard exterior features in all Creta variants include power folding and adjusting outside door mirrors with repeaters, chrome outside door handles, LED rear combination lights, front and rear wipers, Rear Spoiler with High Mount Stop Lamp.

The entry level Creta does not have roof rails.

Hyundai has equipped the Philippine-spec Creta with much of the comfort and convenience features buyers now expected in crossovers in the million-peso range.

All three variants come with power windows, power door locks, power side mirrors, USB charging ports in front tray and console, multiple cupholders on doors, driver and front passenger sun visors with mirrors, room lamp, luggage area lamp, seat back pockets, overhead console with lamp.

All have air-conditioning but only the top-end GLS IVT has auto temperature control, as well as a glove box with cooling function.

The 1.5 GLS and GL IVT come with Smart Key and Button start system.

Both also share the 10.25-inch LCD display for the instrument cluster. The 1.5 GL 6M/T only gets the conventional instrument cluster with 3.5-inch TFT LCD display.

With either digital or conventional instrument cluster, the Creta dash looks modern and sporty.

Hyundai also fitted the Creta with an infotainment system that features an 8-inch Touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the GLS and GL IVT, USB connection, Bluetooth with customizable voice recognition function. The top-end GLS even gets wireless charging.

But the 1.5 GL 6M/T only features an integrated radio system with 3.8-inch TFT LCD.

Covered in leatherette or fabric upholstery, the Creta front seats hold driver and front seat passenger comfortably in place on long or spirited drives.

The two-tone interior gives off a premium vibe.

At the rear, there's lots of room for two even with the armrest with twin cupholders on the seatback folded down. There's room for three at the back with the armrest folded up, but the best thing that can be said is that it would be cozy.

The seatback also splits 60:40 and can be folded to increase space for luggage and other whatnots.

There's lot to like about driving the Creta which is powered by a Smartstream G1.5 engine.

The 1,497cc DOHC gasoline engine generates 113 horsepower and 144 Newton-meters of torque.

While the powertrain numbers seem pedestrian, the IVT or Intelligent variable transmission sending power and torque to the front wheels is responsive.

The leatherette-upholstered steering wheel tilts and telescopes in the GLS and GL IVT variants and features controls for such things as the audio and cruise control.

The polyurethane steering wheel on the 1.5 GL 6M/T only tilts.

Electric power steering makes for effortless turns of the steering wheel.

The driver can select drive modes on the top-of-line Creta - Eco, Normal, Smart and Sport - using the rotary dial behind the gearshift lever.

The same rotary dial can be used to adjust Traction Control Mode to help adapt to slippery and other difficult road conditions.

The Creta suspension system featuring front McPherson struts and a CTBA or Coupled Torsion Beam Axle-type suspension in the rear is tuned to provide a soft comfortable ride.

The brake system provides confident stopping power using discs on all wheels - 15-inch discs in front and 14-inch discs in the rear.

All the Creta variants comes with Electric Parking Brake with Autohold which makes driving in stop and go traffic less strenuous and stressful.

Hyundai equipped the Creta variants brought into local market with a good mix of safety and security as well as driver assist features.

All the variants arrived with dual airbags, Anti-Lock Brake System, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist Control, Parking Distance Warning sensors, and Child Seat Anchors.

The 1.5 GL IVT shares with the 1.5 GLS additional driver assist features that include Manual Speed Limit Assist, Lane Following Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Rear View Monitor, as well as Rear Seat Alert.

But it's the top-of-line 1.5 GLS IVT that is outfitted with more comprehensive advanced driver assist tech that includes Blind Spot Collision Avoidance System, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, High Beam Assist, and Driver Attention Warning.

In offering three price points for the Creta, Hyundai hopes one would meet the wants, needs, and budget of would-be buyers.