I have always believed that “A car is only as good as the places it takes you to. And the memories it leaves you with”.  There have been many such cars in my life, with one being the first generation Hyundai Creta, which I took for some memorable long drives, soon after it was launched in 2015.

This year (21^st July, 2025 actually), marks 10 years of Creta and most auto analysts and content creators are commenting about how it popularized the midsize SUV segment and transformed the Indian car market in many ways.

I prefer to look back at the memorable times I had with it. Yes, the Hyundai Creta is undoubtedly supremely successful with sales numbering 1.2 million in 10 Years! That on average is 10,000 cars per month. For a period of 120 months, or 10 years. An enviable and truly praiseworthy achievement.

What Hyundai did right, what is so special about the Creta, the reasons for its success, etc, etc, the tribe of analysts is speaking on.  Instead let me share some photographs and wonderful memories of the two memorable long drives I did in it.

The first one was “High in the Himalayas” via the Hindustan –Tibet Road, to one of the coldest high altitude deserts in the world.  We also drove to the last Indian village close to the Indo-China border. This was well before the much needed repair and upgradation of the road, if you can call it that.

When we went, it was just a broken and narrow, dusty track. Landslides and road blockages were common, and because of the terrain and altitude challenges it presented to both man and machine, the BRO (Border Roads Organization) termed it as the “World’s Most Treacherous Road”.

The Hyundai Creta took all that was thrown at it in its stride, and proved to be a reliable and comfortable companion, on this difficult, but rewarding drive. The good ground clearance, compact size and nimbleness, responsive engine along with the assured braking and handling, impressed and pleased.

Before the journey, I did harbor some doubts about the Creta not having power going to all its four wheels. But during the entire trip, even on some of the really loose, slippery and steep slopes, I never ever felt the lack of all-wheel, or four-wheel drive. And it’s this balance and poise of the Creta, which completely won me over, and honestly made me its fan.

The next trip a few months later was again to a desert region, the Great Rann of Kutch on the western edge of India. Though there were no slopes or heights here, we drove a lot on sand and also went deep into the salt desert, where few dare to venture. This is a sensitive region and one can only go here with the permission of the armed forces.

Fortunately, we had the support of the Indian Army, thanks to which we were also able to visit and drive alongside the fenced border with Pakistan. Not only that, the adventure division of the Indian Army also allowed us to have a go at land yachting or land sailing.

The Indian Army are the only ones in Asia to promote this adventure sport, and they regularly have yachting expeditions inside the Great Rann of Kutch to raise awareness about this unique salt desert terrain, and of course the Indian Army’s capabilities.

This drive on one of the most unique landforms on our planet further reinforced my respect for the Creta. However, this is not about respect but affection, and that comes from the fact that the Creta has taken me to some spectacular places and enriched me with wonderful memories. And any vehicle that can do that is a winner in my books. Happy 10^th Anniversary Hyundai Creta.

All photos courtesy – Makarand Baokar and Bob Rupani