TRIAL BY TRAVEL

Those who know its capability regard the Hyundai Creta as the ultimate family SUV. So, we put that claim to the test with a 500km road trip.

Ever since its debut in 2015, the Hyundai Creta has been widely praised for its allround capabilities. Need a spacious SUV? Creta. A feature-loaded SUV? Creta. Something fun to drive? You guessed it - Creta. And with a reasonable price tag, what's not to love?

But the true test of these claims lies on the open road. So, to find out if the Creta lives up to its reputation, we embarked on a 500km trip to the hills, pushing it to limits along the way.

MAKE AN IMPRESSION

Even before setting off, one aspect of the new Hyundai Creta that captivated me was its design. It has never been the largest or loudest-looking SUV, but it certainly exudes an aura and elegance that customers seek. I think, even the firstgeneration Creta still looks timeless, and I have no doubt that the current generation will age just as gracefully.

A standout feature of the Creta is the one-piece DRLs and connected taillamp setup. However, on this trip, I found myself appreciating their function over their form. Travelling across the Muzaffarnagar highway in the early hours of the morning, I encountered thick fog, with visibility reduced to barely 50 metres. Yet, I drive with complete confidence, knowing very well that approaching vehicles could easily spot me - whether from behind or in the rear-view mirrors of cars ahead. Moreover, the Horizon LED headlamps were simply exceptional and made driving on empty highways and isolated hill roads at night effortless.

Lastly, before diving into its comfort and performance, I must mention the Creta's 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. Hyundai was one of the first manufacturers to introduce dual-tone alloy wheels in the market, and these might be some of the best yet. Not only do they seamlessly complement the overall design but also significantly contribute to ensuring an exceptionally plush ride quality.

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