Hyundai Creta E Plus

The Hyundai Creta E Plus is the base model of the Creta lineup, and it is stripped down to the essentials. It features a 1493 cc diesel engine producing 114 bhp, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The vehicle comes with basic features such as power steering, air conditioner, heater, and height-adjustable driver seat. It lacks advanced features like alloy wheels, music system, and projectors, but it does include essential safety features like ABS, EBD, and rear AC vents. The exterior design is bold and imposing, with halogen headlamps, silver front skid plate, and 16 steel wheels with wheelcaps. The interior is all black with a dual-tone dashboard and provision for music system and speakers, though these need to be installed separately. The Creta E Plus offers a 400-liter boot space and a comfortable seating capacity for five, making it a practical choice for those who need a no-frills SUV.

The Hyundai Creta E Plus is a bare-bones variant of the popular Creta SUV, and it is clear that it is designed for those who prioritize the Hyundai badge and the basic functionalities of an SUV over luxurious features. While it lacks many of the amenities found in higher variants, such as a music system, alloy wheels, and advanced safety features, it still offers a robust engine and a comfortable ride. However, its performance on highways is somewhat lacking, especially when compared to other diesel variants like the i20. For those on a tight budget who still want a reliable SUV with decent power, the Creta E Plus could be a viable option, but it may not be the best choice for those seeking a more feature-rich driving experience.

The Hyundai Creta E Plus, part of the updated 2024 lineup, retains the same exterior design as the higher variants but with some cost-cutting measures. It features a redesigned grille, halogen projector headlights, and 16-inch steel wheels with covers. The interior is more basic, with a manual climate control panel and a semi-digital instrument cluster. I think this balance between cost and features makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

Hyundai has announced that the Creta E Plus variant will be available with both petrol and diesel engine options, each paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. This ensures that buyers have a choice in fuel type without compromising on the transmission. The prices for the Creta E Plus range from Rs 11 lakh to Rs 12.45 lakh, making it a competitive entry in the mid-size SUV segment.

The 2024 Hyundai Creta E Plus lacks some of the advanced features found in higher variants, such as a touchscreen infotainment system and LED headlights. However, it still includes essential safety features like six airbags, ABS with EBD, and a semi-digital driver display. This makes it a safe and reliable choice for those on a budget.

Hyundai has confirmed that the Creta E Plus will not come with the new 1.5-liter Turbo GDi petrol engine, instead sticking to the standard 1.5-liter NA petrol and 1.5L U2 CRDi diesel engines. This decision helps keep costs down while still offering decent performance. I believe this is a smart move to maintain affordability without sacrificing too much on performance.

The Creta E Plus variant does not include the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) available in higher variants, but it does come with basic safety features like rear disc brakes and Hill Start Assist. This ensures a good level of safety without the added cost of ADAS.

The Hyundai Creta E Plus is priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom price for the Creta E Plus diesel variant is around 12.56 lakh. When you factor in the on-road costs, including taxes, registration, and insurance, the price can go up to approximately 14-15 lakh, depending on the state and local taxes. This pricing makes it an attractive option for buyers looking for a basic yet reliable SUV without breaking the bank. However, its important to consider that the lack of features might not justify the cost for some buyers, especially when compared to other base models in the segment that may offer more amenities.

The Hyundai Creta E Plus diesel variant offers a mileage of 21.8 kmpl, which is quite respectable for an SUV in its class. This makes it a good choice for those concerned about running costs, especially for daily commutes or long road trips. The fuel efficiency is one of the strong points of this variant, helping to balance out the lack of features with a more economical driving experience.