Hyundai’s baby SUV carries some of the brand’s best features

Hyundai has a enticing spread of SUVs in the Philippine market, from the just-above P1 million price point, all the way to the flagship Palisade at P3.78 million. That entry-level SUV position is occupied by the Creta, a subcompact SUV that’s designed and engineered to fit right in with its bigger siblings.

The Creta clocks in at 4315mm long x 1790mm, a compact footprint that’s ideal for first-time car owners, or those needing a more personal-sized vehicle. The five-seat interior features a versatile load space. The back seat can split-fold 60:40 to expand the cargo space from 416 liters with the seats up, to a large 1384 liters.

There’s a choice of interior trim and colors, depending on the variant. The base model gets cloth seats, while the higher trims get leatherette seating. The instrument panel trim comes in full black, or black/gray and black/cognac brown two-tone.

Creta helps the driver find a good position thanks to the tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Instruments include an available “Supervision” 10.25-inch full LCD digital meter cluster, matching the 8-inch infotainment touchscreen at the center. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity are available. Other interior convenience features include electronic parking brake with auto hold function, rear center armrest with cup holders, auto climate control, cooling glove box, front wireless smartphone charger, and rear USB charging port. Keyless entry is standard, while a Start-Stop button is available on the higher variants.

From the outside, the Creta looks just like a baby Tucson thanks to the similar jewel-pattern grille, dubbed Parametric, and hidden-type LED daytime running lights. The angular taillights use LEDs, too. Available 17-inch alloy wheels complete the Creta’s compact but streamlined look.

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Powering the Creta is Hyundai’s Smartstream 1.5-liter engine, delivering 115ps and 143.8Nm. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual, or a CVT, which Hyundai calls Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The IVT uses a chain belt to improve power transmission and can approximate the shifting pattern of a conventional automatic transmission to provide better acceleration feel. IVT helps keep the engine in its optimum rev range for better response and fuel economy. There’s an available drive mode switch, to allow the driver to select from Eco, Comfort, Smart and Sport mode. Smartstream is Hyundai’s initiative to reengineer the traditional internal-combusion engine and transmission, even as the market is starting to shift towards hybrids and EVs.

Hyundai has equipped the Creta with active safety features, including electronic stability control, hill-start assist, blind-spit collision avoidance, lane following assist, and lane keeping assist. Forward collision avoidance helps detect vehicles that have slowed or stopped, or even obstacles and pedestrians. The system will sound a warning and can apply the brakes if needed. Rear camera is available, while rear parking proximity sensors are standard. Tire pressure monitoring system is standard.

For customers who want to snazz up their Creta, Hyundai has a range of original accessories. These range from front, side and rear body kit to door visor and side step, side mirror garnish, mud guard, and door sill guard. Interior accessories include floor and trunk mats, and sun shade. Creta starts at just P1,048,000, making it an enticing choice for an entry-level SUV.