Recently while waiting to board a flight, I was joined by a dear friend who is also a former colleague. Though much younger, I know he knows his automobiles, and his views and reviews, are amongst the few I respect. While we were conversing he got a call, and it was obvious he was being asked the question that many of us auto journos are regularly confronted with, “What is a good car to buy?”

Usually I try and duck such questions as I have learnt it’s quite a thankless exercise and often leads to arguments, and can even spoil relations. But my friend, who has possibly not borne the brunt of an “already decided, but looking for expert approval” querist, was giving detailed answers with the kind of gusto, I now struggle to generate.

And while I heard him suggesting several SUVs (apparently like most people these days, the caller was only interested in this body style of vehicle) one name kept coming up and that was the Hyundai Creta N Line. Once he got off the call in which he had run through the pros and cons of almost all the SUVs on sale in India in the under 50 to 60 lakhs price range, I asked which was his top most recommendation, and he said, “Hyundai Creta N Line.”

Thinking I would be surprised, he inquired if I agreed with his views.  I told him I had been using a Creta N Line for quite a while and having driven it in different driving conditions, I fully agreed with his opinion. And like him, I also believed that it was a far better choice than some other far more expensive SUVs. Then we discussed its strong and weak points, and realized that for enthusiastic drivers like us, the positives of the N Line (a tweaked version of the standard Creta), far outweigh the negatives.

Yes, basically the Hyundai Creta N Line is a sportier version of the standard Creta, with some changes in the styling, suspension, interior, and detailing, all done to infuse more sportiness. The Hyundai Creta itself needs no introduction, because it is a proven and successful product with a 10 year long record of being one of India’s highest selling and most preferred SUV’s. And it would not have achieved all this success and acclaim, if it was not a well-engineered and pleasing to own and drive vehicle.

Although I like the Creta, personally I prefer the N Line version, though it’s slightly more expensive. This is because it has a more sporty character. It has a significantly redesigned sportier honeycomb black grille, which is shorter and separated from the full-length or horizon LED daytime running lamps (DRLs) that sit above it. This is a key styling difference from the standard Creta, where the grille is taller and appears to merge with the housing of the DRLs. The bumpers and claddings are also restyled and smarter and sportier than the ones on the regular Creta. The bumpers and side skirts have prominent red accents, and these red accentuations, are actually a signature characteristic of the N Line and can be seen both on the outside and inside. And of course, as an additional differentiator, there is enough N Line badging all over.

The red theme is carried under the 18 inch alloy wheels (which have a different design from the ones in the regular Creta) where the brake calipers are also red.  At the rear there is a prominent dual pipe exhaust tip, which I wish spoke a little more sonorously. Yes, unlike in some past N line versions, the exhaust note of the Creta N Line is very subdued and I for one would have been happier with a slightly deeper and more audible sound. Now the dual pipe exhaust looks the part, but does not play its role.

The interior has sportier black upholstery with red contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, etc. The 3-spoke steering wheel covered with perforated leather and gear selector also have a more performance oriented shape and nice feel.  And to ensure the feet are not left out, the metal accelerator and brake pedals are also more grippy, as if inviting the driver to use them more athletically. The red ambient lighting joins everything else in conveying the sporty intent. And the fact that the Creta N Line has an 8 way electrically adjustable driver’s seat and front row ventilated seats makes the environment more comfortable, for both the driver and passenger.

While all these styling and design aspects attempt to create a more dynamic character for the Creta N Line, in my opinion the one thing that distinguishes it most from the regular Creta, is the suspension setup, which is tauter. This stiffer suspension enhances the handling and also significantly improves high speed stability ensuring there is less body movement as a result of which grip is better. Yes, this firmer and sportier suspension does result in a somewhat harder ride, but it’s a good tradeoff for enthusiastic drivers, who the N Line is targeted at.

The petrol 1.5L Turbo GDi engine produces about 158 bhp and 253 Nm of torque and what is nice is that it is responsive and smooth, almost through its entire rev range. Yes, the retuned suspension can easily handle some more horses, but that would eat into the ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 18. 2 kmpl for the 7-speed DCT automatic. This of course is in ideal test conditions, but in real life and with my slightly aggressive driving style, I obtained around 13 to 14 kmpl overall. And when in the pushy mood, I have even seen this drop to around 10 kmpl. The answer is all in the foot and mood my friend.

As mentioned at the start, the Hyundai Creta N Line is an appreciable SUV with many good qualities. With an overall length of 4330 mm, it is neither small nor too large. And in my view, its external dimensions are just ideal for our crowded driving conditions, and inside its large enough to comfortably accommodate 4 adults. The performance is decent and the 7-speed DCT gearbox with paddle shifters is mated nicely with the 1.5 litre engine, delivering the power to the front wheels in a linear and seamless manner. Shifts are smooth and reasonably quick and the power delivery and driving characteristics also alter with the selection of the various drive modes like eco, normal and sport. The traction modes allow you to select snow, mud or sand too. So like my friend, would I unhesitatingly recommend the Hyundai Creta N Line? Yes, undoubtedly.

Most photos- Bob Rupani