Hyundai Creta: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Hyundai Creta version to choose depends chiefly on whether you value lower measured fuel consumption, stronger performance, AWD, or transmission choice. Among the listed second-generation versions, the 1.6 MT with FWD records the lowest measured combined consumption at 6.8 l/100 km.
The Hyundai Creta version to choose depends chiefly on whether you value lower measured fuel consumption, stronger performance, AWD, or transmission choice. Among the listed second-generation versions, the 1.6 MT with FWD records the lowest measured combined consumption at 6.8 l/100 km. The 2.0 AT with 159 hp is the quickest, reaching 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds, while the 1.4 DCT follows at 9.7 seconds and has the highest listed torque at 242 Nm. Buyers who need AWD can choose selected 1.6 MT and 2.0 AT versions; however, the data records higher consumption or slower acceleration than for comparable FWD versions. No price figures are supplied, so a price or value-for-money ranking cannot be calculated.
Hyundai Creta generations and version changes
The first-generation Hyundai Creta was produced from June 2015 through August 2020 as an SUV 5-doors. Its six listed versions comprise 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT models with either FWD or AWD, plus 2.0 AT models with FWD or AWD. The engines are naturally aspirated Gasoline inline fours with distributed multi-point injection, and every listed transmission has 6 speeds.
The first-generation restyling began in March 2020 and remains without a recorded end date. It retains the SUV 5-doors body and the same six-version structure. Its listed engine outputs, acceleration, top speeds, consumption, transmissions and drive configurations match those of the equivalent original-generation versions. The most useful catalogue difference is that kerb and gross weights are measured for every restyled version, ranging from 1,345 to 1,472 kg and from 1,795 to 1,925 kg respectively. The original first-generation data supplies weights only for the AWD 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT.
The second generation also begins in March 2020, has no recorded end date and uses the SUV 5-doors body. Its 12 listed versions broaden the choice to 1.0 AT, 1.4 DCT, 1.5 MT and 1.5 CVT Gasoline versions, two 1.5 Diesel versions, several 1.6 Gasoline configurations, and two outputs of 2.0 AT. Wheel sizes are also specified as 205/65 R16 and 215/65 R17. This generation offers Manual, Automatic, Robotic and Variable transmissions, although measured economy is available for only four versions.
Hyundai Creta engine specs
Repeated names are distinguished below by power and drive. Displacement is shown exactly in cubic centimetres so that differently labelled versions are not mistaken for identical engines.
| Generation | Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 1.6 MT, 123 hp | 123 hp | 151 Nm | 1,591 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| First | 1.6 AT, 123 hp | 123 hp | 151 Nm | 1,591 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| First | 1.6 MT, 121 hp | 121 hp | 148 Nm | 1,591 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6-speed | AWD |
| First | 1.6 AT, 121 hp | 121 hp | 148 Nm | 1,591 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 6-speed | AWD |
| First | 2.0 AT, 149 hp | 149 hp | 192 Nm | 1,999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| First | 2.0 AT, 149 hp | 149 hp | 192 Nm | 1,999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 6-speed | AWD |
| First, restyling | 1.6 MT, 123 hp | 123 hp | 151 Nm | 1,591 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| First, restyling | 1.6 AT, 123 hp | 123 hp | 151 Nm | 1,591 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| First, restyling | 1.6 MT, 121 hp | 121 hp | 148 Nm | 1,591 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6-speed | AWD |
| First, restyling | 1.6 AT, 121 hp | 121 hp | 148 Nm | 1,591 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 6-speed | AWD |
| First, restyling | 2.0 AT, 149 hp | 149 hp | 192 Nm | 1,999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| First, restyling | 2.0 AT, 149 hp | 149 hp | 192 Nm | 1,999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 6-speed | AWD |
| Second | 1.6 MT, 123 hp | 123 hp | 151 Nm | 1,591 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second | 1.6 MT, 121 hp | 121 hp | 148 Nm | 1,591 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6-speed | AWD |
| Second | 1.6 AT, 123 hp | 123 hp | 151 Nm | 1,591 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second | 2.0 AT, 149 hp | 149 hp | 191 Nm | 1,999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second | 1.0 AT | 120 hp | 172 Nm | 998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second | 1.4 DCT | 140 hp | 242 Nm | 1,353 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Robotic, 7-speed | FWD |
| Second | 1.5 MT, Gasoline | 115 hp | 144 Nm | 1,591 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second | 1.5 CVT | 115 hp | 144 Nm | 1,591 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Second | 2.0 AT, 149 hp | 149 hp | 191 Nm | 1,999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 6-speed | AWD |
| Second | 2.0 AT, 159 hp | 159 hp | 188 Nm | 1,999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second | 1.5 MT, Diesel | 115 hp | 221 Nm | 1,493 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second | 1.5 AT, Diesel | 115 hp | 221 Nm | 1,493 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
Calculated from the supplied displacement and output figures, the second-generation 1.0 AT produces about 120.2 hp per litre, the highest ratio in the catalogue. The 1.4 DCT produces about 103.5 hp per litre, while the 159 hp 2.0 AT delivers about 79.5 hp per litre. The data nevertheless marks boost as “No” for all three versions, so no different boost configuration should be inferred.
Performance and fuel economy
| Generation | Version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First/restyling | 1.6 MT, 123 hp, FWD | 12.3 s | 169 km/h | 9.0 l/100 km | 5.8 l/100 km | 7.0 l/100 km |
| First/restyling | 1.6 AT, 123 hp, FWD | 12.1 s | 169 km/h | 9.2 l/100 km | 5.9 l/100 km | 7.1 l/100 km |
| First/restyling | 1.6 MT, 121 hp, AWD | 12.9 s | 167 km/h | 9.6 l/100 km | 6.2 l/100 km | 7.4 l/100 km |
| First/restyling | 1.6 AT, 121 hp, AWD | 13.1 s | 167 km/h | 9.9 l/100 km | 6.3 l/100 km | 7.6 l/100 km |
| First/restyling | 2.0 AT, 149 hp, FWD | 10.7 s | 183 km/h | 10.2 l/100 km | 6.0 l/100 km | 7.5 l/100 km |
| First/restyling | 2.0 AT, 149 hp, AWD | 11.3 s | 179 km/h | 10.6 l/100 km | 6.5 l/100 km | 8.0 l/100 km |
| Second | 1.6 MT, 123 hp, FWD | 12.3 s | 169 km/h | 8.7 l/100 km | 5.6 l/100 km | 6.8 l/100 km |
| Second | 1.6 MT, 121 hp, AWD | 12.9 s | 167 km/h | 9.0 l/100 km | 6.2 l/100 km | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Second | 1.6 AT, 123 hp, FWD | 12.3 s | 169 km/h | 8.8 l/100 km | 5.9 l/100 km | 7.0 l/100 km |
| Second | 2.0 AT, 149 hp, FWD | 10.7 s | 183 km/h | 9.2 l/100 km | 5.8 l/100 km | 7.1 l/100 km |
| Second | 1.0 AT | 11.5 s | 180 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second | 1.4 DCT | 9.7 s | 185 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second | 1.5 MT, Gasoline | 12.2 s | 170 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second | 1.5 CVT | 12.0 s | 170 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second | 2.0 AT, 149 hp, AWD | 10.9 s | 183 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second | 2.0 AT, 159 hp, FWD | 9.3 s | 180 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second | 1.5 MT, Diesel | 11.3 s | 173 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second | 1.5 AT, Diesel | 11.7 s | 173 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
For measured efficiency, the second-generation 1.6 MT FWD is the clear choice. Compared with the equivalent first-generation and restyled 1.6 MT FWD, it uses 0.2 l/100 km less in combined driving, 0.3 l/100 km less in the city and 0.2 l/100 km less on the highway while retaining the same 12.3-second acceleration and 169 km/h maximum speed.
Within the first generation and its restyling, choosing AWD has measurable costs. The 121 hp 1.6 MT AWD uses 0.4 l/100 km more combined fuel and reaches 100 km/h 0.6 seconds later than the 123 hp 1.6 MT FWD. Among the 2.0 AT versions, AWD adds 0.5 l/100 km to combined consumption, adds 0.6 seconds to acceleration and reduces top speed by 4 km/h.
The second-generation 1.4 DCT is notable for 242 Nm from 1,353 cc and a 9.7-second acceleration time. The 159 hp 2.0 AT is 0.4 seconds quicker, but its 188 Nm output is 54 Nm lower. Fuel consumption for both is not measured, preventing a complete performance-versus-economy comparison.
Hyundai Creta dimensions, weight and capacities
External length, width, height and wheelbase are not measured in the supplied data. Accordingly, Hyundai Creta dimensions in millimetres, inches, feet or metres cannot be stated from this catalogue record.
Ground clearance is consistently 190 mm across every listed version. First-generation and restyled models have a 55-litre fuel tank, while all second-generation versions have a 50-litre tank, a reduction of 5 litres. Wheel sizes for the original and restyled first generation are not measured. The second generation lists 205/65 R16 and 215/65 R17.
| Generation | Version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Kerb kg per hp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 1.6 MT, 123 hp, FWD | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First | 1.6 AT, 123 hp, FWD | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First | 1.6 MT, 121 hp, AWD | 1,420 kg | 1,850 kg | 11.74 |
| First | 1.6 AT, 121 hp, AWD | 1,440 kg | 1,890 kg | 11.90 |
| First | 2.0 AT, 149 hp, FWD | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First | 2.0 AT, 149 hp, AWD | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First, restyling | 1.6 MT, 123 hp, FWD | 1,345 kg | 1,795 kg | 10.93 |
| First, restyling | 1.6 AT, 123 hp, FWD | 1,374 kg | 1,825 kg | 11.17 |
| First, restyling | 1.6 MT, 121 hp, AWD | 1,420 kg | 1,850 kg | 11.74 |
| First, restyling | 1.6 AT, 121 hp, AWD | 1,440 kg | 1,890 kg | 11.90 |
| First, restyling | 2.0 AT, 149 hp, FWD | 1,405 kg | 1,855 kg | 9.43 |
| First, restyling | 2.0 AT, 149 hp, AWD | 1,472 kg | 1,925 kg | 9.88 |
| Second | 1.6 MT, 123 hp, FWD | 1,270 kg | 1,700 kg | 10.33 |
| Second | 1.6 MT, 121 hp, AWD | 1,360 kg | 1,790 kg | 11.24 |
| Second | 1.6 AT, 123 hp, FWD | 1,300 kg | 1,730 kg | 10.57 |
| Second | 2.0 AT, 149 hp, FWD | 1,335 kg | 1,765 kg | 8.96 |
| Second | All other versions | not measured | not measured | not measured |
The measured second-generation equivalents are lighter than their restyled predecessors. The 1.6 MT FWD is 75 kg lighter, the 1.6 AT FWD is 74 kg lighter, the 1.6 MT AWD is 60 kg lighter, and the 2.0 AT FWD is 70 kg lighter. The second-generation 2.0 AT FWD also improves from 9.43 to 8.96 kg per hp.
Which Hyundai Creta version should you choose?
Choose the second-generation 1.6 MT with 123 hp and FWD when measured fuel economy is the priority. Its 6.8 l/100 km combined figure is the lowest recorded, and its 1,270 kg kerb weight is also the lowest measured weight in the supplied data.
Choose the second-generation 2.0 AT with 149 hp and FWD for the strongest combination of fully measured performance and economy. It reaches 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds, tops out at 183 km/h and consumes 7.1 l/100 km combined. Against the second-generation 1.6 AT FWD, it adds 26 hp, cuts 1.6 seconds from the acceleration time and adds only 0.1 l/100 km to measured combined consumption.
Choose the second-generation 2.0 AT with 159 hp and FWD for maximum acceleration: 9.3 seconds to 100 km/h. Choose the 1.4 DCT if the highest torque figure matters: its 242 Nm exceeds the 159 hp 2.0 AT by 54 Nm, and its 7-speed Robotic transmission is the only such gearbox listed. Economy and weight are not measured for either version.
For AWD, the second-generation 2.0 AT with 149 hp is the faster choice at 10.9 seconds to 100 km/h, compared with 12.9 seconds for the 121 hp 1.6 MT AWD. Its fuel consumption is not measured, however. If AWD consumption must be known, the second-generation 1.6 MT AWD provides figures of 9.0 l/100 km city, 6.2 l/100 km highway and 7.2 l/100 km combined.
Choose the 1.5 MT or 1.5 AT Diesel for 221 Nm and Diesel fuel. The Manual version reaches 100 km/h in 11.3 seconds, making it 0.4 seconds quicker than the Automatic, while both have 115 hp and a 173 km/h top speed. Their consumption is not measured, so the data does not support an economy claim.
Finally, choose between the second-generation 1.5 MT Gasoline and 1.5 CVT primarily by transmission preference. Both produce 115 hp and 144 Nm, and both reach 170 km/h; the 1.5 CVT is 0.2 seconds quicker to 100 km/h. With consumption and weight not measured for both, that small acceleration difference is the only quantified performance advantage available here.