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The Makings of A Champion: Hyundai Creta Electric First Impressions

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Hyundai has been a prominent name in Nepal for as long as we can remember. The brand has not only established a strong presence but also managed to become a household name over the years. With countless Hyundai models gracing our roads, impressive sales figures, and even a one-of-a-kind assembly plant operating within the country, Hyundai’s impact is undeniable. The brand’s reputation for reliability is second only to Toyota, a testament to its quality and consistency. 

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This legacy owes much of its success to two iconic models. The Hyundai Santro, revolutionized city commuting with its compact design and practicality. Then came the Hyundai Creta, a model that took the SUV market by storm, further solidifying Hyundai’s place in the hearts of Nepali drivers.

The Hyundai Creta didn’t just stop at being a game-changer in the SUV market; it evolved into a symbol of trust and capability. And now, as the world shifts toward electric mobility, the Creta is keeping pace with the times. Hyundai has electrified its iconic SUV, introducing the Creta Electric—a bold step into the future of sustainable driving.

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But to better experience this milestone, Hyundai Nepal and Hyundai India joined hands to offer a select group of Nepali auto journalists an exclusive opportunity—a special first drive of the Hyundai Creta Electric in the heart of Hyundai’s manufacturing hub. Flying us to Chennai, Hyundai created an unparalleled experience, showcasing Creta Electric in an environment where innovation meets heritage.

And what an experience it was. From the moment we stepped outside the Chennai airport, we knew we were in for something exciting.

Read on to find out exactly what made this first drive an unforgettable journey into Hyundai’s electric future.

Our adventure began in Kathmandu with a quick debrief the day before our journey. Early the next morning, we hopped on a flight to Bhadrapur, followed by a 40-minute drive to Bagdogra, where we caught our connection to Chennai. As soon as we landed, we were greeted by a warm and cheerful representative from Hyundai India who instantly set the tone for the trip with his friendly demeanour.

From the airport, we boarded a comfortable coach bus and headed to our stay for the trip—the Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort. Located in Kovalam, right by the Bay of Bengal and just an hour’s drive from the airport, the resort was a gem of a property. With its pristine beachfront, lush surroundings, and luxurious vibe, it was clear we were in for something special. Greeted with chilled drinks and big smiles, we couldn’t help but soak in the coastal warmth—temperatures hovering between a pleasant 24°C and 30°C made winter feel like a distant memory.

Our rooms were the icing on the cake. We lucked out big time, landing one of the only four rooms with a stunning sea-facing balcony. The view was nothing short of magical—a perfect backdrop to start this experience. After freshening up, we made our way to an idyllic beachside setting, where the Hyundai India team awaited us. As the waves lapped in the background, they introduced us to the all-new Hyundai Creta Electric.

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The Creta Electric is offered with two battery options: a 51.4 kWh battery delivering 126 kW of power and an impressive range of 473 km, and a smaller 42 kWh battery offering 99 kW of power with a range of 390 km. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds and features like a battery heater ensure peak performance even in colder conditions. With 40% gradeability and the ability to withstand submersion in 420mm of water for up to two minutes, the Creta Electric is built to handle challenging situations safely.

Charging is seamless with the included 11 kW smart connected wall box charger, which charges the battery from 10% to 100% in just 4 hours, all while offering remote access via the MyHyundai App. For faster solutions, the DC fast charging option powers the battery from 10% to 80% in just 58 minutes. The Creta Electric also features Active Air Flaps (AAF) to enhance energy efficiency and aerodynamics.

Safety takes center stage, with more than 72 advanced features, including six airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, electronic parking brakes (EPB) with auto-hold, Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It also offers cutting-edge tools like a surround-view monitor (SVM), blind-spot view monitor (BVM), rain-sensing wipers, and front parking sensors.

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Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Level 2 includes Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Collision Warning, and Smart Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality. Additionally, regenerative braking linked to ADAS adjusts based on traffic proximity, while i-Pedal technology allows acceleration, deceleration, and stopping with a single pedal.

The Creta Electric also boasts a robust construction, with 75% Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) and High Strength Steel (HSS) for maximum structural integrity, enhanced further by extensive hot stamping for superior safety.

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Inside, the Creta Electric features a modern cabin loaded with technology. Highlights include dual 26.03 cm (10.25”) curved displays for infotainment and a digital instrument cluster, a Bose 8-speaker sound system with Jio Saavn music streaming, and Hyundai Bluelink offering over 70 connected features like remote vehicle monitoring and control. Luxury touches include touch-type dual-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats with two memory functions for the driver, a cooled glove box, and a cooled armrest storage.

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The panoramic sunroof can be controlled via voice commands, alongside 268 other embedded voice commands. The top variants even feature Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing you to power devices or appliances inside and outside the vehicle. The Creta Electric’s digital key, compatible with smartphones and smartwatches, adds further convenience.

With all these features, Hyundai has ensured that the Creta Electric stands out as a reliable, feature-packed, and future-ready SUV.

After an in-depth presentation, we were treated to a delightful cocktail party paired with a sumptuous dinner by the sea. For some, it was a first-time experience; for others, it was the perfect opportunity to leave work behind and simply unwind. Either way, the setting was magical—sipping on cocktails, indulging in delicious food, and feeling the sand beneath our feet as the moonlight cast its glow over us.

We took our time soaking it all in, savoring every moment of the serene atmosphere. As the evening wound down, we headed back to our rooms, filled with excitement and anticipation for the test drive awaiting us the next morning. The next morning, after indulging in what was easily one of the best breakfasts we’ve ever had (three servings, no less), we were ready to hit the road.

Each of us was handed the keys to the Hyundai Creta Electric, with a 120 km drive ahead to the charming city of Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry or simply Pondy.

As we zoomed along the scenic East Coast Road, the Creta Electric quickly lived up to its title as Hyundai’s fastest Creta yet. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in under 8 seconds, it didn’t just build speed effortlessly—it maintained impressive stability on the highway.

The steering felt well-weighted, and the suspension did an excellent job of smoothing out road imperfections. The 200mm ground clearance was particularly useful when tackling rough patches, though it did result in some body roll during high-speed cornering.

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Inside, the cabin felt plush and comfortable, though we did find ourselves wishing for more soft-touch trims. Still, the Creta Electric’s interior offered a premium feel overall. The ADAS features worked seamlessly, accurately detecting lane markers, traffic, speed signs, and more. The adaptive regenerative braking, which adjusts automatically based on the traffic ahead, was especially fascinating to experience firsthand—it felt like a glimpse into the future of driving.

But the standout feature for us was the physical buttons in the cabin. At highway speeds of 130 km/h, where focus and precision are critical, these buttons made adjusting the AC, navigating music, tweaking the mirrors, and cooling the seats incredibly simple—and, most importantly, safe. Hyundai’s decision to retain physical buttons is a move we wholeheartedly applaud, and one we wish more brands would embrace.

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We started the drive from our hotel with a 96% charge, and upon arriving in Pondicherry after 120 km, the battery still showed 71% remaining. That translates to an impressive efficiency of 4.8 km per percent of battery, or roughly 480 km on a full charge under similar conditions—a fantastic range. Even if you do need to recharge, the onboard infotainment system in India comes equipped with navigation that highlights nearby charging locations. It’s a feature we’d love to see implemented everywhere.

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The drive was as thrilling as it was insightful, and the Creta Electric proved that Hyundai’s foray into electric SUVs isn’t just bold—it’s brilliantly executed. However, we were heartbroken when we discovered that we couldn’t drive the cars back another 120 km to the resort, as our itinerary had other plans.

Pondicherry, or Puducherry, is a coastal gem on India’s southeastern shore that beautifully merges its French colonial past with Indian culture. It became a French colony in the 17th century as France sought to establish a strategic trade hub in India, leaving behind a legacy that still defines the town’s character. The picturesque White Town, with its mustard-yellow colonial villas, cobblestone streets, and vibrant cafes, feels like a slice of Europe tucked within India. The serene beaches—Rock Beach, Serenity Beach, and Paradise Beach—add to the city’s laid-back charm, offering stunning views and tranquil escapes.

Beyond its colonial history, Pondicherry also thrives as a hub of spirituality and creativity. Auroville, with its iconic golden Matrimandir, stands as a symbol of unity and inner peace, while the Sri Aurobindo Ashram invites visitors seeking tranquility. Its culinary landscape is a delightful blend of French and Tamil flavors, from flaky croissants to rich seafood curries. Adding to its appeal are the artisan crafts—handmade candles, pottery, and textiles—that showcase the creativity of its people. Pondicherry isn’t just a place; it’s an experience where the past and present coexist in perfect harmony, leaving every visitor enchanted.

After a delightful seafood lunch and a leisurely walk around the charming streets of Pondy, we boarded the coach bus and made our way back to the resort. Upon arrival, we took some time to unwind—some even managed to sneak in a quick nap—before freshening up for the evening.

Later, we gathered for a lavish three-course seafood farewell dinner by the beach, a meal that we devoured with gusto. As we dined, conversations naturally drifted to the Creta Electric. Everyone agreed—it had thoroughly impressed us. Hyundai has a game-changing product in its hands, and with the right pricing strategy, the Creta nameplate is set to dominate the market once more.

We all fell in love with the Creta Electric that day, taking one last lingering look at it before retreating to our rooms. The next morning, after one final indulgent breakfast, we spent time chatting with the Hyundai representatives. As much as we wished we could extend our stay at the breathtaking Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort for another six months, it was time to say our goodbyes.

With memories etched in our hearts, we headed to the airport for our journey home, carrying the unforgettable experience with us.

The Hyundai Creta Electric left an indelible impression on us, as did the incredible hospitality of Hyundai Motor India Limited and Hyundai Nepal. The intimacy and attention to detail in organizing such an extraordinary event were unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. Now, we eagerly await the day we get to drive the Hyundai Creta Electric in Nepal.

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