CRETA Calling

We recently got our first chance to sample one of the most highly anticipated new cars of 2015. It's no secret that the compact crossover segment is the hottest space in the market. It's also no secret that Hyundai has been working on this model for some time. Well, it's finally here - and it's called (a bit quizzically) the CRETA! But, never mind the name, what we're more interested to find out is if this car will be the game changer that it promises to be. And the short answer is: yes! The car was unveiled at the Hyundai plant, and what we can tell you with complete certainty is that (to our eyes) it looks very impressive indeed. From more than one angle, it carries a strong resemblance to the far more premium Santa Fe. In the flesh, the proportions look good, the chrome grille on the front looks imposing, the profile is sharp and purposeful, and the taillights look stylish and impressive. However, there's a chrome strip on the bottom half of the tailgate - which sits above the number plate - that looks like it's set a little lower than necessary. But, other than that, the CRETA certainly looks like an SUV that you'll be proud to have parked in your garage - especially the top-end variant that you see here with its 17-inch rims. But Hyundai was more interested in telling us about the advancements they've made under the skin. You see, the Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy has made quite an impact over the years - and Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 has only moved the game even further. And with the CRETA they've certainly created a handsome machine that looks unique and conventional in just the right mix. On the inside, it's much the same story. Hyundai truly moved the compact car game to another level with the cabin of the i20, and while the CRETA isn't quite as much of a leap forward, it certainly provides fit-and-finish levels that are miles above its competition.

 

We sat down with Hyundai's MD & CEO, Mr. B.S. Seo, to get a sense of just how important the CRETA is to Hyundai Motor India. 

How much did the needs of the Indian market dictate the design of the CRETA?

The CRETA is one of the most important models for Hyundai Motor India, and design plays an important role in this regard. Brands are accepted based on futuristic design, high quality materials, performance and driving capability. The CRETA has a strong 'Hive' body structure and signature Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy, which gives it an edge. Our mission is to demonstrate Hyundai's performance and safety standards alongside the signature design philosophy in a bold and compelling product. As the most loved and trusted car manufacturer in India, the CRETA will herald a new chapter of SUV's in India - redefining the SUV lifestyle. The CRETA is the most awaited and inspirational SUV of the year, and will be a revolutionary product. It's been developed to lead a new trend in the SUV market.

The response to the CRETA has been very positive. Did you anticipate such a strong response?

We have received an overwhelming customer response. The CRETA is a true expression of the new-age Hyundai, which will further enhance customer interest and expand the SUV segment. The CRETA has created immense excitement even before its launch with its bold and stylish looks. In the first 10 days of the teaser campaign, we received over 28,500 enquiries and 10,000 customers showing their interest to live the CRETA life. We believe that the CRETA will herald a new chapter in Hyundai Motor India's success story, and will set a new benchmark in the SUV segment. 

The compact crossover space is continuing to grow in popularity. Do you feel it will cannibalize sales from your other offerings in a similar price bracket?

The SUV segment has shown de-growth in the past two years, however we're confident that the CRETA will boost customer interest in this segment. Indian customer's aspirations have changed in the past few years, and we believe that the CRETA will fulfill their wish to own a 'Modern' and 'Premium' SUV. All our products are perfectly positioned in their respective segments and offer high value to customers respectively. The CRETA is a disruptive product, which will engage customers in higher segments and offer higher value. It has been developed to lead a new trend in the SUV market, and will not lead to cannibalization as all our products are well positioned in their respective segments.

At the same time, which models from your competitors will be most affected by the CRETA?

The CRETA is a disruptive product, and will inspire customers in various segments to own it. However, our goal is to offer a premium experience to our customers along with the best after-sales experience. We are offering, for the first time, a 3-year unlimited kilometers warranty to CRETA customers. Hyundai is a youthful manufacturer ensuring customer delight. All our products are trendsetters, and we aim to be lifetime partners to our customers in automobiles and beyond. 

With such high levels of interest, long waiting periods can be expected. Do you think this may drive away some potential customers?

The Hyundai channel network is robust with high penetration pan-India. Our channel partners have the necessary infrastructure and budget support to deliver the CRETA within the shortest time possible. Our first priority would be on-time delivery to customers to make them a part of Hyundai family.

A large touchscreen dominates the centre console in the top-two trim levels. It also gets 1GB of storage, push-button start, a reverse camera, 6 airbags, and Electronic Stability Control. In fact, Hyundai went to great lengths to point out that the CRETA has best-in-class structural rigidity. Now that can be a little hard to judge on a short test drive, but they did have a cutaway on display that showed off the sections of high strength steel and the five cross members on the roof.

On the road - well, at Hyundai's perfectly paved test track anyway (which consisted of two short straights, and a nicely banked roundabout) - the CRETA felt extremely well balanced and surefooted on the road. With the new i20 there was a sense that Hyundai had taken a leap forward in the dynamic abilities of their vehicles, and this is reflected in the CRETA as well. In the Elantra, for instance, the brakes would lock before the ABS would cut in. In the Verna, the rear end would get loose. But in their latest generation of machines, there are no such problems. They stop and go with the surety of the best machines that have been engineered on the Autobahn. Now that they've conquered design and features, this is the next frontier for this Korean giant - the integrity of what's under the skin. And this is what makes them extremely dangerous for every other automaker on the planet. In fact, their relentless aggression is what's propelled them to become the fastest growing automaker on the planet.

The CRETA will be available with a 1.6-litre petrol engine (producing 121 blip) and a pair of turbo-diesels - a 1.4 and 1.6 with a variable geometry turbo and the latter produces 126bhp. All engines will come with a six-speed gearbox, while an optional 6-speed automatic transmission will be offered with the 1.6 diesel - the first diesel-automatic in its segment. And it's this variant that we drove - the 1.6 with the manual and automatic transmissions. Now, let's be clear, this is a very preliminary first drive that we can only use as a reference point to infer what the car will be like to live with. But we can tell you this much, it's doesn't disappoint.

The brakes are very good, with -the ABS providing a lot of confidence. The body control is extremely good as well, with the steering responding sharply to your inputs. Steering feel is far improved over Hyundai's of old. We only drove the car on the test track, but based on the way it handled we can assume that the ride quality will be pretty good as well. 

The drivers' seat holds you firmly in place, and all the controls fall perfectly to hand. The only shortfall is that the steering column doesn't adjust for reach. Space in the cabin is good though. In the rear, you get nicely executed AC vents, a central armrest, and a 12-volt socket. You also have great head-and-leg room, but shoulder room when three abreast (especially when you're sandwiched between two well nourished auto journalists) can be a little tight. 

The automatic transmission, while not lightening sharp, lets you shift manually if you so choose. What it does brilliantly, however, is remain smooth and refined at all times. The engine response is more than adequate with either gearbox, but this engine (the 1.6 diesel) does seem to buzz a little more than you would like. 

But, really, what we're doing here is nitpicking. On the whole, as an everyday machine, that CRETA is everything we expected it to be - and more. Like I said before, it looks better in the flesh than in pictures -which are to say that it looks just the right amount of imposing and elegant on the road. It's certainly a step-up on the inside from anything in its segment, and there's no doubt that it'll be an extremely capable and comfortable car to live with everyday.

So, since it appears that the next car all of you want to put in your respective driveways is a compact crossover, you better rush to the nearest Hyundai showroom and beg them to take a booking. Their order books are filling up fast, and waiting periods of a few months are already being estimated. Hyundai has high hopes from this car. The buying public does too. Good thing, then, that it appears to deliver the goods

Published by: Auto X

Words by :  Dhruv Behl

 

FLUID DYNAMICS

Grown up it may be, but the Elantra appeals to the youth in all of us.

Looks matter. Hyundai has learned this, and the ' Fluidic sculpture' philosophy has given us cars that made us go 'wow' at first sight — and no car wears this design better than the Elantra. It is a sedan, yes, but that silhouette is straight from a coupe. It begins at the front, with the subtle two-part grille. The chrome strip isn't flashy, because it doesn't need to be; your attention is automatically drawn to the new swoopy headlamps with their projector units. The projector units are a feature that won't be found on most cars in this price range, but the LED running lamps are head turningly unique, and not just in its segment. The vertical fog lamps balance the swept-back headlamps admirably. Viewed head-on, the Elantra sports all the elements of a sports car — the squat stance, the wide bonnet with its creases, and the wide tyres. 

Move slightly around to the side, and the Elantra's minimalistic sides come into view. It is a good contrast to the front and rear, and the strong, upswept shoulder line and flared wheel arches give it muscle. From the side, the silhouette is like nothing else in the price range — it is pure coupe, even though it has four doors. Only when you're done admiring the sports car roofline do you notice the finer things like the chrome underlining the windows and adorning the door handles, and the mirror-mounted LED indicators and the new ten-spoke alloy wheel design. Walk around to the rear, and the swept-forward tail lamps come into view. They echo the headlamps, and have an LED effect. The stubby boot may look small, but underneath it is a massive 420 litres storage capacity. The exhaust has a new chrome tip that makes it look larger and sportier. Despite the Elantra's looks, it doesn't have any of the drawbacks of a sports car — its belly stays clear of the biggest speed breakers and it will go a long way on a single tank of fuel. 

Hyundai hasn't forgotten that beauty isn't merely skin deep. On the inside, there are swathes of leather and high-quality plastic. The swoopy lines from the outside are evident on the inside as well. The steering wheel with its bold design will grab your attention at first, and on closer inspection will reveal that in addition to controlling the phone, audio and cruise control, it also controls what shows up on the clear, concise multifunction display. In between the easily adjustable air vents lies the new colour touch screen audio head unit. It can play CDs, for those audiophiles among us, and accept MP3s via USB drive as well. You can also connect your Apple product and it will play the songs just fine, or connect your phone via Bluetooth and stream the audio. 

If all these options weren't enough, there's an Aux-in port as well. The Bluetooth connection to your phone also means you can make and receive calls on the go; although safety is top priority at Hyundai, so you can only pair a new device while the car is standing still. The colour display is also the video feed for the reversing camera, and the guide lines and parking sensors will tell you if you're getting too close to the object behind. The automatic climate control is one step ahead of the mundane: it offers different temperatures for driver and passenger. Hyundai hasn't forgotten the rear seat occupant: there is a dedicated vent that can cool both rear seat passengers as well. The Elantra offers one more thing that is absent in most cars even a segment above: a seat cooling system for the front seats. This is a boon during summers in our country. Of course, there are individual controls for both front occupants. 

The Elantra can keep your drinks chilled as well, with the cooled glove box — something that will help you stay cool in the summers. Both front and rear seat occupants get central armrests, but the rear armrest also gets inbuilt cup holders, a storage space, and an intelligently-designed front where a mobile phone can slot in and be visible by the occupants. There are three charging points in the car — two in the front, and one in the rear armrest, so your gadgets will never run down. 

Finding a good driving position is easy — it is electrically adjustable. There is also adjustable lumbar support. The steering wheel also tilts as well as telescopes, which helps drivers of any height get comfortable and reach those sporty aluminium pedals. The mirrors are electrically adjustable and foldable, and there is auto dimming for the interior mirror. All four windows are electrically wound, and the driver's window even has auto up and down.

 At the heart of the driving experience is Hyundai’s engine. Pick the 1.8-litre petrol and you'll be surprised by its performance — 148 bhp and 18.1 kgm arrive in a hurry and leave late in the rev range, thanks to variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust valves — what Hyundai calls 'Dual VTVT'.

 It is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox that is docile and slurs from one speed to the next in the city, yet shows no hesitation in downshifting out on the highway when an overtaking maneuver is executed. No matter where, it always keeps an eye on the fuel efficiency, giving you the best of both worlds, drivability and efficiency. If you prefer to be in full control, however, the 6-speed manual gearbox is the one for you. If efficiency is your top priority, you can pair it with the 1.6-litre diesel engine. With 126 bhp and a locomotive-like 26.5 kgm at a mere 1900 rpm, it isn't troubled by either other traffic or steep inclines.

 The gearshift throws are positive and snappy, so even though that great torque spread means you don't have to shift gears, you feel like shifting just to feel the 'snick' of the lever engaging the next cog. The low rolling resistance tyres help better the efficiency while still offering grip and feel at the helm. Disc brakes all around haul the Elantra back to a stop effectively and sure-footedly. Of course, if nature tries to get the better of the Elantra, there is a raft of safety features that will protect you. Among them are ESC or 'Electronic Stability Control' that monitors the brakes and prevents the car from skidding, VSM or 'Vehicle Stability Management' that enhances directional stability via sensors in die steering system and chassis, a chassis made out of Ultra High Tensile Strength Steel, six airbags, and rear parking sensors. 

Driving the Elantra is a joy, whether in the city or out on the highway. The light controls make commuting a delight, and the fuel efficiency keeps owners happy. Out on the highway the power of the engines will put a smile on your face and keep the Elantra going for an incredibly long distance before it will need to refuel. With the low noise levels even at highway speeds and great high-speed manners, the Elantra is the car of choice for those who love to drive long distances. With all the Elantra has going for it, you'd not expect much more from it - but it goes the extra mile and offers everything you see here at a really competitive price. Never has a product looked this good from so many angles.

Published by   : Motoring World

Evolving Beauty

Evolution is inevitable, and this holds true both for an evolving automobile brand like Hyundai as well as for a world city like New Delhi. To preserve traditions, yet move with the times, can be a challenge - but striking a perfect balance between the two can create an enduring and everlasting legacy. 

Hyundai created, cultivated, and now reinvented their Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy. Breaking away from conventional barriers is what Hyundai has been doing with their styling over the past few years, and bold steps like these are needed for the Indian capital to mark its place in the list of leading world cities. The Indian capital, from the beginning of time, has been considered as the city of emperors. Both the car and the city continue to evolve to become more vibrant and progressive. 

This saloon is easily the best looker in the C-segment thanks to its Fluidic DNA, which gives it an athletic look and makes it more dynamic. Its stylish swooping roofline is pleasing to say the least. The beautifully crafted elongated sweptback headlamps are nothing short of a work of art, with the LED daytime running lamps splitting the twinpod cluster. The Elantra also oozes attitude with an all-black radiator grille and boomerang shaped fog lamps. This certainly would have pleased the previous rulers of the walled city. 

Delhi is a confluence of old and new, Indian and foreign cultures, which is best exemplified by Connaught Place - officially known as Rajiv Chowk - which firmly stands the test of time. This former headquarters of British India, modelled after the Royal Crescent in Bath, UK, is a heritage structure that has evolved from the days of the Raj to the modern day - recently refreshed to its former glory. And the Elantra looked the part, whether it was placed next to the Georgian architecture of the city's past or the modern art of the many murals now adorning the capital. 

The Elantra is not merely a pretty looking thing, as the bold lines in its silhouette complements its solid build. With muscular shoulder lines and bulging wheel arches, it reminds you of a sprinter about to get off the blocks. As so we decided to see how the sedan looked in front of the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru  Stadium. The stadium has hosted mega events such as the 1982 Asian Games, the 2010 Commonwealth Games, and the 2013 South Asian Games. The Elantra didn't look at all overwhelmed or lost amidst this mammoth structure, which itself received a bit of a redesign before the Commonwealth Games.

In this day and age, progress is all about being environmentally conscious. So, even though the Elantra cruises comfortably at high speed and remains as stable as the Delhi Metro, Hyundai has worked hard on the 1.8-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engines for better efficiency and lower emissions. Keeping emissions in mind, another masterstroke by Hyundai is the addition of an inbuilt ioniser in the dual-zone air conditioner. It clears the air in the cabin of allergens like pollen, mould and hazardous airborne particles such as bacteria. And with the air quality being what it is in most big cities currently, this conscious effort goes a long way in helping us breathe slightly easier.

Even though the country's capital is criticised for its air pollution levels, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change leads by example – as their new headquarters are made from fly ash bricks and Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks, which are lightweight, insulate heat and provide fire resistance. The building also uses Bamboo Jute Composite for door frames and shutters. It's the most energy efficient building in the country at present, and it's lit up in pretty shades of blue, green and pink at night – which made for a pretty picture with the striking Elantra in front of this multihued structure.

The Elantra is definitely bold when it comes to design, but what is interesting to see is how the Fluidic DNA is a sign of progress for Hyundai. Like Delhi, it' s also continuously evolving with the times, and projecting Hyundai as a force to be reckoned within the changing automotive world order - much the way Delhi is leading the charge as India makes its presence felt on the world stage.

Published by: Auto X