The compact SUV/crossover is an oversaturated segment in South Africa with a lot of serious and well-known contenders such as the Suzuki Vitara 1.4T, Mazda CX-30, Peugeot 2008 GT, and Kia Seltos. And Hyundai recently launched the second generation Creta to come to join the pack. The newcomer comes with bold styling, a new engine line-up, and wells several other features to steal consumers’ attention from the other manufacturers. I spent time with the mid-spec model Creta Executive in Diesel’s guise to see if it has enough juice to stand against its competitors, and here are my thoughts…
Model: Hyundai Creta 1.5 Executive Diesel
Engine: 1.5Litre 4-cylinder turbocharged Diesel
Power: 84kW & 250 N.m
Transmission: 6-speed torque converter Automatic
Fuel consumption: 5.9L (claimed)
Luggage capacity: 433L
Price: R 477 900
Exterior and Styling
The second-generation Hyundai Creta receives a modern and attractive makeover compared to its predecessor, a new look that has had people talking. some consider it excessive, but I seem to like it without any afterthoughts. now featuring a bold front-end with a new headlight box design with LED Day time Running Lights and a wider grille. The bold design is also carried on the side with subtle fender flares both at the front and rear, as well as sharper bold lines on the bonnet and doors. other design cues included faux skid plate both at the front and back, black side mirror integrated turn signal, and rear roof spoiler.
The executive guise benefits a set of stylish 17-inch alloy wheels over the standard 16-inch offered in the base model and a stylish two-tone appearance, which spices up the overall exterior look.
Interior and Practicality
Although it is mostly filled with squeaky hard plastic, a simple and neat interior, which is a bit of a letdown compared to its rivals. the new Creta interior boasts a stylish two-tone (black and white) look. families with toddlers might encounter a bit of a cleaning challenge since it seems a bit too easy to stain. In terms of tech, a user-friendly 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with reverse camera, compatible with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is fitted as standard. As well as a semi-digital instrument cluster, automatic headlamps, and electric window all around.
While the Creta misses out on the automatic climate control, which was available on the previous generation, it features a new wireless phone charging pad, 2x USB ports as well as faux(artificial) leather seats with the same back and white contrasting style making the interior look a bit more lively. Comfortable front seats, with height-adjustable driver seat which could use thicker padding for the lower back or a lumbar adjustment feature to make long drives a bit more comfortable. The rear passenger is as comfortable as the front with plenty of headroom and a fair share of knee room/legroom for above-average height passengers thanks to the increased wheelbase length.
With the boot capacity is claimed at 433L, the new Hyundai Creta beats its closest rival, Mazda CX-30 in terms of load capacity. The luggage space and be extended further, up to 1401Litre by folding the rear seats to a 60:40 split configuration, which will come in handy for loading long items such as, bikes and surfboards…
Safety
In terms of safety, the new Hyundai Creta comes packed with a total of 6 airbags; 2 front and 2 side airbags for the driver and front passenger, as well as two curtain airbags for the rear passengers. Also included as standard, a reverse-view camera with rear parking sensors, Anti Lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Assist, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
The Drive
When it comes to its mechanical ability, there are very few things to complain about. The 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine is quite frugal and peppy, with 84kW and 250 N.m mated to a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels. These figures may not seem like a big deal on paper, but they however work fairly well for this particular use. It is quite rumbly at a lower speed, with a bit of vibration penetrating the cabin’s floor. Something quite common in diesel-powered vehicles.
Other engines offered in the range include a 1.5L 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine paired to either a 6-speed manual or CVT transmission. As well as a 1.4L 4-cylinder turbo-petrol mated to a 7-speed DCT transmission on the range-topping model.
Generous fuel consumption of 6.0L/100km was achieved over the 5.9L claimed, after having driven in town, highways, and a fair amount of gravel road, which eventually resulted in an impressive range of about 800km on a full tank.
Smooth cruiser on tar roads, the new Creta stands 190mm off ground, which proved to be just high enough to tackle small holes and uneven terrain, while the suspension soaks up bumps with ease.
Verdict
While the new look may still be quite hard for some to accept, the new Hyundai Creta is a solid offering in the segment, with practical and useful space as well as good fuel efficiency, it should definitely be included in one’s potential purchase list. The mid-spec Hyundai Creta price tag sets it to stand against some serious rivals such as the Mazda CX-30, Peugeot 2008 GT, which are also worth looking at.
Pricing and after-sales
The new Hyundai Creta range is priced as follow
Hyundai Creta 1.5 Premium (manual) R 377900
Hyundai Creta 1.5 Executive IVT R 432 900
Hyundai Creta 1.5 Executive IVT (2-tone) R 437 900
Hyundai Creta 1.5 Executive Diesel (automatic) R 472 900
Hyundai Creta 1.5 Executive Diesel (automatic) (2-tone) R 477 900 (Tested)
Hyundai Creta 1.4 TGDI Executive DCT (2-tone) R 487 900
All prices include a 7-year / 200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty; a 4-year / 60 000 km service plan; and roadside assistance for 7 years or 150 000 km.
For more, please book a test drive here
