The Hyundai Creta has always been one of the highest-selling SUVs in India and is well-liked among buyers for its stylish design, feature-rich cabin, and powerful performance. It has always been a segment leader and has really challenged contenders in the mid-sized SUV space. But now, with the recent reduction in GST for small and mid-sized vehicles, the already popular Hyundai Creta is now even more appealing for buyers.
The tax cut has directly reduced the ex-showroom cost, making it more affordable and more value for the money. Indian car buyers typically want to buy the right balance of affordability, features and performance and that balance of power has shifted significantly towards the consumer thanks to the GST revision.
With the Hyundai Creta now offered at a more aggressive pricing, customers can now opt for even higher variants with top-of-the-line features such as ADAS safety technology and turbo petrol performance without feeling the budget stretch as much as before. In this article, we will see how the price of Hyundai Creta is affected by the GST reduction, and how advanced safety features, mileage and performance its turbo petrol engine highlights.
GST Cut and Hyundai Creta Price Effect
Prior to the recent tax rejig, cars (including SUVs) were taxed at 28 per cent GST plus an additional cesses based on engine capacity and length. This used to make the ex-showroom and on-road cost a whole lot higher, especially for feature-loaded models. Now, under the new GST regime, small and mid-size cars (up to 1,500 cc engines) will attract a reduced GST rate of 18 per cent without any additional cess.
The petrol and diesel engines offered in the Hyundai Creta directly fall under this category as they are less than 1500 cc. So the SUV comes with a reduced GST of 18%, which makes it more affordable now. The drop has not only reduced the headline price of base-level trims but also the dream of top-end variants for middle-class families and young professionals looking for premium feel/feature.
Hyundai Creta New Price Band
The Hyundai Creta comes in different variants to suit the varying needs of customers. With the GST reduction, all these trims have got cheaper. The base models are now cheaper, enticing more first-time SUV buyers to step out of the sub-4 metre SUV segment and the creta over its smaller cousins. The mid trims, which previously looked a bit too pricey, are now more realistic for most families that want the right balance of features and affordability.
Premium trims that have state-of-the-art technology like big touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, connected car features, etc. Importantly, the turbo petrol variants that were earlier perceived to be slightly pricey, now gets enhanced value. This pricing revision has made the Creta a more formidable player in the mid-size SUV segment against the likes of Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate and Maruti Grand Vitara.
ADAS Safety Features
One of the best things to look out for in the new Hyundai Creta is its comprehensive safety kit. Hyundai has brought ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) - an international level safety feature to Indian roads in this SUV in its top trims. They are: forward collision warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. For unpredictable and chaotic Indian traffic, ADAS works as a miracle in accident prevention and driver fatigue reduction.
An automatic emergency braking system and traffic sign recognition also contribute to a safer driving experience in the city or on the highway. Previously, such features seemed a little out of reach because of the higher pricing of top trims, but now with GST cut making top-end variants more affordable, it’s time for more people to get the benefits of ADAS technology.
Mileage of Hyundai Creta
Mileage is an key factor Indian car buyers keep an eye on and Hyundai Creta petrol and diesel variants have been designed to deliver good mileage. The petrol engine mileage is around 16-17 kmpl, for road driving style. The diesel one is even more fuel efficient with 20-21 km per litre, which is a good choice if you do long distance trips and highways a lot.
Turbo petrol variant, which is also tuned for punchy power and performance, manages to clock decent fuel efficiency of 16 kmpl. With the now lower GST rate slab that considerably brings down the on-road cost of owning a car, buyers can opt for their favourite engine with much more confidence that it delivers on both efficiency and affordability.
Turbo Petrol Power and Performance
Engine options of the Hyundai Creta have always been impressive and the turbo petrol engine is no exception. For those seeking more driving fun, the turbo petrol engine delivers superior performance along with refined power delivery. They are mated to sport-oriented transmissions that add to the quick-shifting experience.
This variant not just makes you feel comfortable driving in the city but confident on the highways when it comes to overtaking and long drives. The turbo petrol Creta is attracting more youngsters and idealistic buyers who seek thrill and sophistication in one package. Previously, owing to the higher tax rates, these variants were priced a bit higher. But now, post the GST cut, will tempt as powerful SUVs under a reasonable cost.
Interior Upgrades and Comfort
Hyundai has always given special attention to the Creta’s interiors and the new model continues this tradition with high quality finishes and up to date design. The instrumentation layout is neat and attractive, and soft-touch materials and leather seating on the top line variant add to the feeling of luxury. Embedded in the infotainment system is a large touchscreen with connected car capabilities, wireless smartphone integration, and voice assistant features.
Ventilated front seats, dual zone automatic climate control and generous space for front and rear passengers further adds to the comfort. The panoramic sunroof bring a sense of airiness and class to the cabin, which helps while traveling long distances. With the GST reduction, buyers now have more flexibility to go for top versions which offer premium features that will enhance the overall proposition even more appealing.
Safety and Reliability
In addition to the ADAS, the Creta offers robust safety features for all variants. Standard features include multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control and hill-start assist, as well as rear parking sensors. Higher trims bring in features like 360-degree camera and front parking sensors, increasing the safety levels even more.
The Creta is a reliable long-term ownership option owing to Hyundai reliability and extensive service network. The safety package hasn’t changed with the GST cut but higher safety features have become more affordable. Safe families: More families can now get more safety by opting for variants with advanced features without having to stretch their budgets.
Why Hyundai Creta is Now Better Value for Money
The Hyundai Creta has been known for offering a lot of features in its segment, but the new GST pricing has made it even more competitive in terms of affordability. The blend of best-in-class fuel efficiency, solid engine performance, premium interiors, and high-tech ADAS features is now available at a much more affordable price.
Be it the base trims for first-time SUV buyers or the turbo petrol top trims for enthusiasts, every Creta variant now offers better value-for-money. The cut in GST has enabled buyers to opt for higher variants which they otherwise may not have considered previously because of the price. This makes the Creta a more rounded option, serving the premium aspirations of buyers without the premium price tag.
Conclusion
The Hyundai Creta was already one of the most loved SUVs in India, and with the new GST cut, it has become even more budget friendly. The cut in price for all variants makes it available to a wider pool of buyers without compromising on its feature list. Inclusion of ADAS safety features, high mileage in both petrol and diesel variants, and the thrill of turbo petrol engine make the Creta a full package.
Hyundai Creta now has everything that a buyer with a desire for a stylish SUV with futuristic tech, powerful engines, and premium cabins could want, and it’s available for an even better price. With the ownership becoming easier on the pocket owing to the GST cut, the value proposition of the Creta is established even stronger, making it one of the best bets in the mid-size SUV segment.