FAMILIARITY GOES ELECTRIC

The Hyundai Creta, a nameplate as ubiquitous as a cup of chai at an Indian railway station.

- Saneet Dsilva

HYUNDAI CRETA ELECTRIC

₹17.99 lakh onwards (ex-showroom)

A car that practically defines the midsize SUV segment in India. But now, Hyundai has decided to give it the electric treatment. Yes, the marque's bread-and-butter, the Creta, an SUV seen in every corner of the country, has been electrified. So, is this electrified version of an icon the next big thing? Or is it just an attempt to squeeze extra juice from a wellloved formula? Let's find out.

At first glance, you might think this is just another Creta. And you wouldn't be entirely wrong. Hyundai's designers have opted for evolution rather than revolution here. From a distance, it looks very much like its internal combustion engine siblings. But come closer, and the differences begin to reveal themselves.

The most notable change is at the front. Gone is the traditional grille, replaced by a blank panel that adheres to Hyundai's "pixelated" EV design language. It's clean, modern, and slightly futuristic. There's even a cutout in the centre that hides the charging flap, a neat touch, though it does resemble a curious little nose. Beneath this sits active aero vents that open and close based on how much cooling the battery requires. Functional and clever, though it might go unnoticed by most.

Move to the side and spot new 17-inch alloy wheels designed for aerodynamic efficiency. The driver's side door gets a request sensor that eliminates the need for a physical button, making keyless entry even more seamless. You can even use your phone as a digital key and share access with three others-quite handy, as we have seen on Hyundai's Alcazar.