Hyundai Creta N Line Road Test Review – Better than the Normal Creta?

Hyundai Creta needs no introduction, the SUV has ruled its segment right since its launch way back in 2015. Few months back the Creta received a major update which again went in huge demand and still continues to reign its segment. Hyundai has the N Line which is their performance lineup globally, here in India they have the i20 and the Venue N Line model, now the Korean car maker has for the first time got the N Line model for the Creta. We drive the Hyundai Creta N Line which also becomes its flagship model on one of the best roads in India the Delhi Mumbai Expressway to get you this road test review.

Exteriors

The Creta N Line remains the same in terms of dimensions and also in terms of the basic silhouette not forgetting this is based on the latest recently updated Creta. Now being an N Line you need to look different and super sporty and for that the Creta N Line gets the trademark Blue shade along with the Matt Grey , Abyss Black and a Atlas White body color option.

You also can choose from three dualtone colors – Thunder Blue with black roof, Matt Grey with Black roof and the Atlas White with black roof. For the cosmetic N Line part this Creta gets a new grille finished in black ploned with the Hyundai H logo in the middle and the N Line N logo on the side.

The connecting  DRL lights remain the same and so do the LED headlamps placed in the bumper. The front faux skid plate gets a different design finished in silver with black inserts.

The key styling element on an N Line is the bold red inserts and the Creta N Line gets it starting on the bumper lower section running across the lower bodyline of the SUV kind of defining it.

The side profile gets upsized R18 N Line alloys in new design while at the rear the key N Line style elements are the N Line badging, different design bumper with the twin chrome exhausts and a XXL sized spoiler in twin design that finishes off the exterior styling.

Interiors

Step inside the Creta N Line and you instantly notice the difference as compared to the regular Creta, you have an all black interior theme wit red N Line inserts around the crash pad, AVN screen, instrument screen.

The steering is also an N Line unit which gets the special badging while the faux leather seats gets the N Line red badging and inserts with red stitching making the difference. Seats get full electric adjust and also cooled feature.

The ambient light in the cabin is also in red going with the N Line theme overall. The gear shifter also gets the N Line dressing along with metal pedals that complete the Creta N Line in its sporty different look as compared to the regular Creta.

Engine – Drive – Transmission

Hyundai Creta N Line comes powered with the same 1.5L Turbo Petrol engine that makes 160PS of power and253Nm of torque. This engine can be got with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission. Capable of a 0 to 100kmph figure in just 8.9 seconds. Now the engine and transmission may remain the same but what makes the N Line different is its handling which has been majorly retuned.

Start the engine and the N Line comes to life in a highly refined manner, you notice the turbo under the hood if you have a keen ear. We drove the DCT automatic so shift to the drive mode and off we go with the N Line Creta building speeds rather rapidly. We were on the Delhi Mumbai Expressway which is one of the best roads to drive on currently.

Speed build up is pretty intense while now you notice that the steering has more weight and feedback on this the N Line Creta also the suspension feels tighter and stiffer during quick steering inputs. If you have driven the normal Creta before this you would instantly notice the big difference in the way the N Line handles more tuned towards performance and drive pleasure.

Not forgetting the upsized tyres that also add up to the overall drive factor. Exhaust note remains the same which many would have thought to be different on the N Line but the Korean car maker says that owners prefer a refined exhaust note over a growling sporty one hence they decided to stick to the original one.

The overall drive quality is excellent with speeds of upto 190kmph that we managed to touch on this amazing road.

Safety

In terms of safety the Hyundai Creta N Line gets all the features from the top of the line Creta which include 42 standard safety features, 19 Level 2 ADAS features and 70+ overall safety features.

Verdict

Well if you want your Creta to stand out of the crowd and want it to be unique then the N Line is for you. You want a company fitted performance body kit inside out, unique body colors and not forgetting the stiffened performance oriented steering and suspension feel that makes the ride quality and drive pleasure very different to the normal Creta then getting this the Creta N Line makes very good choice for you.

Words – Ritesh Madhok
Photography, Video & Edits – Bhushan Joshi