The Hyundai Creta N-Line is designed for customers seeking a sporty mid-size SUV that emphasises performance and driving experience. The Hyundai SUV gets cosmetic upgrades over the standard Creta and comes only with the turbo-petrol engine mated to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT transmission. With our comprehensive list of pros and cons, we help you decide whether to buy one.
Feature-rich cabin and space
A long list of features and ample space provide a good balance of performance and comfort
Hyundai has always been known for bringing feature-packed products to the segment, and it's no surprise with the Creta N Line as well. The Creta N Line comes with twin 10.25-inch infotainment and digital display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bose speaker system, panoramic sunroof, connected car tech, ventilated seats, level 2 ADAS, and so many more.
Moreover, the interiors get the N Line treatment, with N-Line themed leather upholstery, and we especially like the high-quality N-Line themed steering wheel and gear lever. Just like the standard Creta, the N Line is spacious, especially at the back, with a reclining backrest, sunshades and soft neck pillows.
Turbo-petrol DCT Performance
The DCT automatic feels much nicer to drive than the manual
Powering the Creta N Line is the same 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine as the standard Creta, Alcazar, Verna, and the Kia Seltos and Carens Clavis. In addition, only the N Line gets the option to pick a manual transmission with the turbo petrol over the standard Creta. The turbo-petrol engine is punchy, and the performance is really potent for its class.
We got the opportunity to drive both transmission options in our Creta N Line review. In our experience with both transmissions, we found that the DCT felt a lot more complete to drive with. The turbo-petrol DCT combo goes really well with each other, and the shifts felt more seamless. The DCT also gets additional features like drive and traction modes, which actually make a difference to the overall experience by altering throttle response and adjusting steering weight respectively. The DCT also comes with paddle shifters for manual control.
Justifies its premium over the standard Creta
Packs a lot more than just mere badging
At around Rs 45,000 for the N10 turbo petrol DCT over the standard Creta SX(O) turbo petrol DCT variant, the extra cost feels worth it on the N Line. The Creta N Line gets a slightly different look at the front end, an exclusive set of colours, sportier exterior parts, N Line themed leather upholstery, metal pedals, N Line treatment for the interior and does justify the additional premium it commands over its standard sibling, we feel.
Fit and finish in certain areas
Hard plastics in some areas of the cabin
While the interior design, layout, and N Line treatment for the interiors are likeable, fit and finish is something that the N Line needs more improvemnt on. While some of the interior materials are high-quality, certain hard plastics leave room to be desired. In fact, some rival SUVs come with soft touch leatherette on the dashboard and door trims which the Creta N Line misses out on.
Handling not engaging enough
Not much of a difference in handling over the standard Creta
While Hyundai claims to have made changes to the Creta’s N Line suspension damping and steering tuning, in our experience, the difference wasn’t significant; unlike the difference we’d seen with the i20 and its N Line counterpart. The body tends to roll around the corners, and we wish the steering could do with more heft and feedback.
Also read:
Hyundai Creta N Line review: Sporty intentions
