HYUNDAI Creta EV

While Ioniq 5 and Kona EVs have been standalone products, Creta EV is obviously the electric version of Creta SUV and looks the part too. The same light signature, the same silhouette, the same alloy size and the same L-shaped connected LED tail lights. And while that's mostly fine because the fourth-generation Creta launched in January of 2024 is still quite fresh and has been well received.

So what's different on the EV? Differences are in the details - the Creta EV gets pixelated-pattern grille and an updated bumper with active air flaps which open to allow efficient cooling and a charging flap on the center of the grille.

On the side, the Creta EV gets blacked-out roof pillar and ORVMs, aero alloys and low rolling-resistance tyres to enhance range. At the back, Creta EV gets a slightly different rear bumper.

The all-electric Creta is being offered in 10 exterior body colour options which includes both gloss and matte finish, as well as an EV-exclusive Oceanic Blue shade.

Creta EV has the same exterior dimensions has that of Creta and this translates to the same amount of space in the five-seater SUV. For those familiar with the Creta over past several years, it means a fairly spacious cabin with ample amount of legroom, kneeroom and headroom. Backseat passengers also get very generous under-thigh support. The seats have a fairly decent level of cushioning too.

Much like Creta, Creta EV also gets a dual-tone black and white cabin theme, and a curvilinear dual-screen setup. The steering, however, is clearly inspired from the Ioniq 5 and features four dots which reads ‘H’ in Morse code.

The floating-type center console provides additional storage space near the feet and more under the central armrest, a section that gets cooling function as well. The glovebox too gets cooling function and is fairly large for storing small items.

While both front seats get ventilation and can be adjusted electronically, only the driver seat gets memory function. Interestingly, the front seats get 'Creta EV' branding spread vertically down through the middle and all seats inside are made from recyclable materials.

Wireless charging pad was always a given although the charge speed (tested on both iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S22) was quite slow - 5% in an hour. For quicker charging, one can always make use of either the Type C points or the 12v socket.

The Type C points are also placed at the back of the central console, just under the rear AC vents. The Creta EV gets fully automatic climate control and a very unique driver-only AC mode for solo drives where range is priority.

At the back, the Creta EV gets rear window curtains and foldout trays for laptops/tablets, complete with cup-holders as well. The best part about the rear seats, however, is a power socket that can enables Vehicle-to-Load function to power a wide variety of consumer electronics' items.

The other feature highlights of note inside the Creta EV are Bose sound system, panoramic sunroof, voice commands, key card entry and a unique on-screen payment system which lets you pay for charging through the main infotainment unit.

The drive of the Creta EV, obviously, is like nothing like that of its petrol or diesel engine-powered twins. What's on offer?

Two battery pack options have been made available in a single motor setup on the Creta EV. The smaller battery pack is a 42 kWh unit with a claimed range of 390 kms while the larger battery pack is a 51.4 kWh unit with a claimed range of 473 kms.

Now these aren't exactly the biggest battery packs in the market or segment but Hyundai may have wanted to keep an eye on affordability too. In that sense, a real-world range of around 350 kms per charge may not be too bad.

During the course of our drive, we kept the AC on for most parts and had the Creta EV on idle for 45 minutes too. After 147 kms - all on highway and in Normal drive mode, the range left was 200 kms and battery charge remaining was at 47%. This, frankly, is quite respectable for daily commutes and occasional highway runs even if not a big bragging point for the vehicle.

Where the Creta EV does shine its brightest though is in how stable it is on the move. Hyundai has done a great job in allowing Creta EV to offer a planted drive with a comfortable suspension setup, high ground clearance and aggressive drive when required, firing from 0 to 100 kmph in 7.9 seconds. Triple-digit speeds in Sport mode comes up fairly quickly and the ride handling is quite decent as well.