Performance is becoming increasingly significant for car purchasers, not just efficiency or features. Hyundai has taken a step forward in this direction with its N Line performance editions of existing models. Currently, you get the i20 N Line plus the Venue N Line which are characterised by their louder exhaust, stiffer suspension, and their sportier looks. That said, Hyundai now wants to take it to a premium level with the Creta N Line. Here, the popular Creta serves as a base for a sporty SUV while there are some changes beyond just being cosmetic.
Turbo Petrol Engine
You can buy the Creta N Line only with a 1.5l turbo petrol engine but interestingly now you have a manual gearbox standard which is not there on the regular Creta turbo. Of course, there is a 7-speed DCT with paddle shifters but the return of a manual is exciting news for enthusiasts.
New Colours
The Creta N Line looks the part too and looks sporty without being garish or something too loud. There are several new colours on offer including the Thunder Blue that you see here plus a fantastic matte shade plus a lovely grey as well. Visually, the Creta N Line looks pumped up and different with a new front bumper with sharper elements while there are red accents too. Then, you get standard 18-inch alloys with red brake calipers while the rear has a large roof spoiler, big diffuser, and twin exhaust tips poking out.
New 3-Spoke Steering Wheel Plus
Get in and the Creta N Line feels and looks sporty too with a new 3-spoke steering wheel plus the 6-speed manual gear knob having a wonderful tactile feel. There are black interiors with red accents and equipment levels are in plenty like the regular Creta while the N8 variant has a dashcam. The top-end N10 variant as seen here gets all of the features on the regular Creta with ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and more.
Start up the 1.5l turbo though and it is surprisingly quiet. Hyundai hasn't made the exhaust louder unlike the i20 and Venue NLine looking at the client base for this car, although enthusiasts like me were expecting a louder exhaust. On the go, the 6-speed manual is immediately a fun factor with a slick shift and a light enough clutch.
You can drive the Creta N Line every day too, with a steering which is not too heavy nor does it come with a heavy clutch. The ride quality is not very firm too despite 18-inch wheels and we were surprised by the suspension. It seems Hyundai wanted to appeal to a wider audience and did not make the Creta N Line as stiff or as loud as the Venue N Line or the i20 N Line.
Where you get your thrills though is the straight-line acceleration as with the slick manual, it is proper fun and the gear ratios are also stacked in a way where you experience the engine more. There is enough torque and it feels quick with a muscular power delivery.
With the manual, you are involved more and it is surely much more rewarding to drive than any automatic or a clutchless manual. While the power delivery is linear, with the manual the sense of performance is more and while the DCT remains the convenient choice, the manual is the one for enthusiasts.
In terms of handling, we found it to be more assured compared to the regular Creta, with a minor adjustment in handling that effectively controls body roll, coupled with improved braking performance.
Prices
Prices start at Rs 16.8 lakh for the N8 and that is excellent value given what you are getting with the sporty looks and a 1.5l turbo with a proper manual while equipment levels are decent too. For more features, the top-end N10 manual is Rs 18.3 lakh and that is the one to get if you want extra features like cooled seats, powered driver seats, and more. The Creta N Line overall is a more rounded product within the 'sporty SUV' space and will appeal to more buyers while the manual turbo is our pick.
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