Finally was able to see the beast in flesh while the dealer was shifting it to his yard. Oh boy, it really looks macho. I also got a chance to explore it a bit and stole some snaps in between unofficially. Disclaimer - I am not an automobile expert. Observations below are solely my opinion, and may differ from reality.
It seems the yard had around 8-9 cretas available, but only two color variants - red and white. Both diesel and petrol variants was available in Sx and Sx(o) options. Visual differentiators between these options were 17" alloy wheels, bigger touch screen and curtain airbag symbols on the seat. Rest of options including push button start were common across both variants. No ATT was available there.
The USP will be the looks plus bells and whistles attached. I was unable to take my eyes of the top end version, especially the 17" alloys. Its a visual treat. It surely has the road presence and will definitely beat its counterparts in action.
They had petrol and diesel variants and from the engine noise, both of them seems to be well refined. Interiors are good, but the leather seats in top end is not as attractive as verna or similar premium siblings. Fit and finish is great, and is far far better than duster. Doors gave a strong feeling of an SUV when we open, and the metal seems to be of a higher gauge than verna. Has many higher end features like rear aircon vents, ACC, navigation, touch screen entertainment, push button start etc.
The looks, for both colors - red and white ones are truly majestic. From some angles it looks truly macho, but there are some feminine characteristics built in which gives it a balanced look. The black cladding gels well with the colors and looks, and that is the main thing which gives it that SUV feel. Interiors look classy, and has lot of space and options to store your goodies. There is a 12v power outlet in the rear. instrument clusters are as expected, but gives a smart look when switched on. The beige strip on the doors give it a great look, and blends well with the interiors. Boot is large with illumination, and adequate for an average family. Shark fin antenna and chrome strips above number plate may have takers, but in my opinion it is hampering looks.
From specs available online, GC was mentioned as 200mm, but I felt it was bit lower than that. I hope I am wrong. The gear knobs were normal, and gear shift feeling (when parked) is just ordinary like grand i10. I feel ecosport and scorpio (I havnt driven xuv, so comparing with scorpio now) gives you a better gear shift feeling than this one, but can be excused.
Since it is a 6 speed gearbox, for reverse you need to pull up the gear knob and move to the reverse slot
Headlamp cluster looks bit protruding to the side, which may be similar height as of a bike handle. In maddening city traffic I hope it will not cause an issue, as replacements will end up eating several thousands.
The biggest disappointment was the driving position, which I feel is much lower than duster, ecosport or scorpio. A vehicle claiming to be an 'almost SUV' should definitely give a commanding position to drive, but unfortunately I felt I am seated in a verna or city, rather than an SUV. Why Hyundai, why?...
Being five and a half foot tall (an average Indian), I was barely able to see the front ends from driver seat which I feel is a bit risky stuff. It will definitely take some time for owners to get adjusted to this position.
To sum it up, there are some drawbacks but overall it is a sweet package. From initial feel, it is well built and better than its competitors now. The goodies offered are much more than anyone else in same league. Fit and finish is top notch, and style and safety are not at all compromised. First in the segment diesel ATT is going to be the icing in the cake. If the pricing is right and below verna, this is going to be the next block buster in Indian auto industry.