2023 Hyundai Creta GLS Review | Philkotse Philippines

The Hyundai Creta was first introduced in the Philippines back in 2017. But, it did not quite make an impression in the local market, resulting in some Filipinos forgetting that the said subcompact crossover was launched in the country. 

Hyundai Creta

As such, the name Hyundai Creta is relatively new to the game. It was reintroduced last year when the Korean automaker relaunched its lineup in the Philippines. It takes the place of the Hyundai Kona and Venue, which might sound more familiar to us as they were the brand’s subcompact crossover entries for quite some time.

Now that the Hyundai Creta is officially in the local lineup, it is facing models in its respective segment that boast a good amount of features while keeping their prices competitive. 

Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc. (HMPH) handed us the keys to the flagship variant of the Creta for a week to see if it is equipped enough to stay afloat in the competition. Read on to find out our thoughts on the 2023 Hyundai Creta GLS.

Similar to the Toyota Raize, the overall shape is boxy, which I find interesting for a vehicle of its size. Dimensions-wise, the Creta spans 4,315 mm in length, 1,790 mm in width, and 1,630 mm in height. It also has a wheelbase and ground clearance rated at 2,610 mm and 200 mm, respectively.

Parametric Hidden Lights

Nothing really stands out when it comes to dimensions as the numbers are pretty much at par with competitors. But the edge that I find in the Creta over its rivals is the futuristic design from the front to the back.

The Hyundai Creta comes with a front fascia that should look unique among its rivals. Hyundai calls this Parametric Hidden Lights, where the daytime running lights (DRLs), as the name suggests, blend with the grille design as if they are not there when switched off. You can also find this in its bigger crossover sibling, the Tucson.

It sports a unique taillight design

Another unique exterior bit of the Creta is its taillight design. As standard, the rear end is equipped with LED rear combination lamps. Although it doesn’t really tickle my fancy, I can see why people will like it. Plus, it goes well with the futuristic theme of the vehicle.

One feature that I miss in the Creta is a powered tailgate. For me, that would’ve completed the overall futuristic appeal of the exterior. I don’t mind it not having a sunroof but a powered tailgate should at least be available in the top-spec variant, especially considering that some subcompact crossovers in the Philippines offer it.

If the exterior gave a futuristic styling, the interior begged to differ with its premium-like appeal. The unit given to us came with a two-tone black and gray theme, which exudes appealing aesthetics. Everywhere I look, the interior gave me the impression that it was worth more than it is.

Interior of the Creta

HMPH is also offering the Creta’s interior with full black, and two-tone black and brown as the other options. Regardless of the interior color, the seats come with patterns that add poshness to the finish.

But the excitement plummeted when I got a feel of the materials used. I barely held soft-touch materials as the interior was stuffed with hard plastics. After checking the Hyundai Creta GLS’ price tag, which is Php 1,388,000, I kind of understand why the automaker decided to go for cost-cutting measures inside.

Two-tone black and gray

As a driver, every interior amenity is easy to reach and the seat was comfortable, making the driving experience more convenient. Another thing I liked is the use of tactile buttons for the infotainment screen and climate control. It is installed with a combination of buttons and rotary dials, with the climate control info coming in digital.

In terms of space, the Creta offers pretty much what you can expect from its segment. If you are standing 5’9 or above, sitting in the second row can start to feel a bit tight in terms of legroom, especially if the passenger in front is of the same height. Meanwhile, even though the second-row seats don’t fold flat, the space in the cargo area is still abundant, good for two medium-sized luggage.

It has decent space

What I believe could make the interior better is the addition of power-adjustable seats. Sure, the interior does look good, if not one of the best, for its class. But the ball game becomes different when it comes to the overall feel inside.

This part is what I liked the most during my time with the Hyundai Creta. The top-spec GLS is equipped with a seamless 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is also fitted with a wireless charger, perfect for people who are always on the go. No USB Type-C though but I can live with it.

8-inch infotainment touchscreen

Coming with various themes depending on the chosen drive mode, the 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster was also a joy to use. The system runs smoothly, which is further enhanced by the use of tactile buttons including two rotary dials. Moreover, the reverse camera’s resolution is relatively clear but not the best in class.

So far, the Creta’s touchscreen and digital gauge cluster are my favorite dual-screen tandem among subcompact crossovers, even besting Peugeot’s i-Cockpit with the Peugeot 2008.

10.25-inch digital gauge cluster

In the safety department, the Hyundai Creta also delivers. Apart from the standard safety bits like dual airbags, this Korean crossover is equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) functions. It includes Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), High Beam Assist, and Driver Attention Warning.

The system wasn’t oversensitive, which impressed me as it felt intuitive. Thanks to the digital gauge cluster that ran smoothly, the ADAS experience was further enhanced with the information and graphics it was displaying.

For me, an adaptive cruise control would’ve taken the driving experience to the next level. If the more expensive Honda HR-V was able to provide this function, I can’t help but look for it in other subcompact crossovers, and the Creta isn’t an exception.

If I will rank which aspect I liked about Hyundai Creta the most, I’ll put the engine and performance second, with the tech and safety still first.

1.5-liter naturally-aspirated mill

Part of that is the use of a 1.5-liter Smartstream gasoline engine capable of generating 113 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque. It sends power exclusively to the front wheels via an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), which is the brand’s version of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Sure, the Creta doesn’t come with a turbocharged engine with a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) powertrain setup like other rivals such as the Changan CS35 Plus. But it didn’t feel like the power was lacking. It was readily available whenever I needed it, especially in low-speed city driving.

The crossover uses the Hyundai IVT

On the highway, the engine felt like it needed a breather. That said, plan your overtake maneuvers ahead of time for good measure. The noise insulation even at high speed was relatively good that I barely heard wind and tire noises. Moreover, the suspension was also commendable, giving me a comfortable ride even on rough roads.

The Creta felt light to drive with its featherlike steering wheel. Maneuvering and approaching corners were child’s play. Overall, I think that this vehicle is an ideal choice for new drivers. It doesn’t have a lot of complex driving dynamics but it gets the job done with ease.

In the city, the Hyundai Creta managed to return 11 km/l while driving in light to moderate traffic. Meanwhile, on the highway, the crossover posted 21 km/l while driving at a 90 km/h average speed.

The fuel efficiency numbers are satisfactory

In comparison to our test with the Honda HR-V S, which has a similar powertrain setup, the Japanese small crossover rival loses a bit in city driving as it only registered 9.5 km/ at a 20 km/h average cruising speed. But Honda’s entry got the upper hand on the highway as it clocked 23.5 km/l while at an average speed of 80 km/h.

Keeping track of the numbers in the Creta was entertaining with the vehicle’s four drive modes, namely Eco, Normal, Sport, and Smart. To maximize fuel efficiency, switch to the Eco mode, which softens both the throttle response and steering wheel.

The Hyundai Creta doesn’t come with the fancy stuff like adaptive cruise control, a turbocharged mill, or power-adjustable seats found in competitors but I find that it ticks all the boxes on the “good daily driver” list.

A good daily driver choice

From the driving that gives a comfortable experience to the useful amenities such as Apple CarPlay and wireless charger, the Hyundai Creta is equipped to be your ideal road partner. It sits in the middle, neither overdone nor underwhelming.

And don’t forget the design that should turn heads on the road. The way I see it, the Creta has taken a different approach to what a subcompact crossover should be like. Indeed, it is looking to make a name for itself in the Philippine market.