Priced ₹16.93 lakh onwards, ex-showroom, the Creta N Line might not upgraded enough to be called ‘Creta N’, but it proves to be a great balance between fun and practicality, supple ride and sharp handling.
The Hyundai Creta hardly needs an introduction. As a highly popular SUV brand, it has firmly established itself in the mid-sized SUV segment. It might have been around for a decade, but with each update, Hyundai has pushed the boundary even further, making life increasingly difficult for the competition. It wasn’t until last year that the Creta got a more driver-focussed iteration — one that would happily do the commute all week long, but come the weekend, it would transform into the harbinger of endless smiles. This responsibility was given to the brilliant new Hyundai Creta N Line, and a year after its launch, we took the SUV for a spin to find out if it has what it takes to stand out.
For the uninitiated, Hyundai’s ‘N’ division is akin to Mercedes-Benz’s AMG and BMW’s M. Its job is to make Hyundais more driver-focussed. Having witnessed its true potential with cars like the IONIQ 5 N, we had no reason to believe that the Creta N Line wouldn’t be special. It’s, of course, not the first time Hyundai India has summoned its N division to supply some upgrades to existing cars. This happens under the ‘N Line’ umbrella of models — these aren’t out-and-out sports cars but everyday cars made sportier. The lingering question is whether the Creta N Line is an actually likeable product that’s been positioned to keep enthusiasts happy, or is it just a styling exercise to keep the Creta relevant in the highly dynamic segment it operates in.
Quietly bold: The Creta N Line is full of subtler details — bold red accents, a diffuser-like rear bumper, a discreet N Line badge, red brake callipers, and swanky wheels — that set it apart
In terms of appearance, some might find it weird that the Creta N Line, despite being the more fun-oriented one, doesn’t shout for attention. Unlike the i20 N Line, which is relatively easy to distinguish from the standard car, the Creta N Line is full of subtler details. Bold red accents, a diffuser-like rear bumper, a discreet N Line badge, red brake callipers, and handsome wheels are some of the visual cues that set it apart from the Creta. It’s evident that Hyundai didn’t eliminate the car’s sophistication but chose to add some sportiness and attitude to it, given how it has been styled. It’s sportier but not gaudy, smart but not characterless, and it might not be instantly recognisable as an all-new model, but it’s bound to make you look twice.
Subtle yet stunning
The interior retains the familiar feature-rich, slightly upmarket feel of the standard car. That is, of course, not to say Hyundai hasn’t done anything to set the N Line apart. The changes, while minimal, will tell you that this is definitely not your everyday Creta. Take the N Line branding on the sport seats, red stitching across the interior elements, and metal pedals, and you’ll instantly know that this Creta is made for those who appreciate sporty looks. Hyundai hasn’t just made visual changes, either. The inclusion of sport seats, which come with improved bolstering, is a clear win in our book.
The company hasn’t upgraded the cabin just for the sake of it — it has left certain things unchanged, too. The Creta’s original ergonomics aren’t bad, so the N Line carries that over. The dashboard layout is functional, the twin 10.25-inch display setup looks stunning, and I love that the climate control is still accessed by using physical buttons. Unfortunately, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, Hyundai has not been able to offer a wireless option for both. Like on the Alcazar, there will be a plug-in solution to get wireless connectivity for both suites, the company mentioned earlier.
Quietly bold: The Creta N Line is full of subtler details — bold red accents, a diffuser-like rear bumper, a discreet N Line badge, red brake callipers, and swanky wheels — that set it apart
Having said that, it’s highly unlikely that you would be thinking about phone connectivity every time you drive the Creta N Line. Because its 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine makes 158 bhp and 25.79 kg-m, and it goes like a sting. Right from start-up, the N Line avoids the awkward-sounding synthesised exhaust note and instead sounds refined and eager. With very little turbo lag, the Creta comes equipped with the ability to pick up speed quite rapidly. The dual-clutch gearbox works flawlessly, but it lacks the razor-sharp urgency you would want to experience in a performance-focussed SUV.
Primed for play
The Sport mode helps its case a bit further. Select the mode, and the throttle sharpens, the car’s digital instrument panel turns red, and the gearbox tends to hold revs for longer. There’s also a 6-speed manual gearbox, which we feel suits the car’s character more, and if you’re into driving, that one is an easy pick. Since the Creta N Line is also expected to be used as an everyday car, it’s worth noting that we witnessed a city fuel consumption of 11 km/l and between 15 and 17 km/l on the highway. Not bad!
The way the N Line drives is also different from the standard iteration. The suspension has been made stiffer, which results in better composure around corners, reduced body roll, and overall excellent high-speed stability. Unfortunately, the N Line’s steering is light and devoid of feedback. Over bad roads, the Creta N Line is plush and even at higher speeds, the cabin remains silent. All in all, the Creta N Line is an interesting package.
Priced ₹16.93 lakh onwards, ex-showroom, the Creta N Line might not upgraded enough to be called ‘Creta N’, but it proves to be a great balance between fun and practicality, supple ride and sharp handling, and most importantly, between being a runabout and the weekend long-drive toy. It stands out from the crowd without looking bad, and if you’re after a Creta that’s more involving to drive but don’t want to give up on overall practicality, the N Line seems to be made for that sort of a requirement.
I can confidently say that for many buyers, this might just be the best Creta Hyundai has ever made.
© Motoring World
Published on April 5, 2025
