Hyundai Creta N Line review: Sporty intentions
Since the introduction of its N Line brand in India in 2021, Hyundai has gone on to sell over 22,000 units of its sportier models – the i20 N Line and Venue N Line. And now the Creta SUV is the third to get the N Line treatment. The new Creta N Line gets overhauled exteriors and interiors, a new powertrain option and is priced competitively too. So is this the sporty midsize SUV you should go for? Read on to find out.
On the outside, Hyundai has given the Creta N Line a sportier bumper up front with a different grille design; the Hyundai logo is now positioned lower down. Then there’s red detailing on the bumpers and side skirts, larger 18-inch alloys, a roof-mounted spoiler, a faux diffuser with twin exhaust tips and N Line logos all around. To my eyes at least, it does look the part and help exude that sporty vibe, and you definitely won’t confuse this for the normal Creta.
Hyundai is offering the Creta N Line in three monotone colours – Abyss Black Pearl, Atlas White and Titan Grey Matte (exclusive to the N Line) – and three dual-tone options which get a contrast black roof – Atlas White, Shadow Grey and Thunder Blue.
Like the exterior, the interior too features red details and N Line logos all around. The trim pieces on the dash, the stitching and piping on the seats and even the ambient lighting are all red, keeping with its theme. There’s N Line branding on the seats, rear seat cushions, gear lever and steering wheel; the latter two particularly help uplift this cabin.
Other than that, the basic interior layout is the same, headlined by the two 10.25-inch screens on the dash. The bezel-less screens look neat and provide a good view out but taller drivers may find them placed a bit too low. The materials and textures used inside are nice but the fit-finish isn’t on par with Kia’s class-leading standards. Meanwhile, the all-black upholstery and the metal pedals suit the sporty character of the N Line.
The front seats, while comfy, could do with some extra side bolstering given this is a sporty model. The rear seat is spacious and what helps comfort here is the reclinable backrest, sunshades and the soft neck pillows. However, it doesn't get a rear centre headrest, which it really ought to have. Boot space is the same as the normal Creta at 433 litres, and you get the flexibility of 60:40 split-fold for the rear seat backrest.