Dramatic Derivative

Hyundai claim that the Creta N Line is the flagship in their range of sporty cars. We were lucky enough to be on a long and empty stretch of road to experience it

- Joshua Varghese

WITH THE INTRODUCTION of the N Line, Hyundai India has become one of the few manufacturers who offer a sportier alternative to their standard models when compared to their peers. On the more accessible side of Rs 30 lakh, of course. The new Creta was a marked improvement on its predecessor on all fronts, including the introduction of the new 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol engine. That car is the base for the first-ever Creta N Line for our market.

The N Line's bodywork goes beyond sticking a few badges around the car. Hyundai have given the front end a significant makeover by giving this car its own unique grille and bumper. We got the exclusive N Line blue paint scheme which goes well with red accents along the lower edge of the car. At the rear, the spoiler and twin-tip exhaust steal the show. Yet the most significant change is the new set of alloy wheels. The standard car is offered with 16-/17inch wheels but the N Line gets 18-inch ones. They fill out the wheel-arches nicely and noticeably alter vehicle dynamics too.

When compared to the exterior, the interior has not changed much. Red highlights are present on the dashboard, in the ambient lighting, and line the seats as well. N Line badges are present on the gear-lever and the steering wheel. Personally, the latter had my full attention. It is a beautiful three-spoke unit which is refreshing to behold in the current crop of two-spoke steering wheels. The infotainment and driver's cluster remain the same as in the standard car. Bose speakers manage audio and there is a wireless charger, too, but no wireless smartphone integration. Weird that.