By Mpho Mahlangu

Recently we attended the launch of the all-new Hyundai Creta. The Creta finds itself in a very competitive segment of compact SUVs, which is quite popular with South Africans. We spent time at launch with the range-topping 1.4-litre TGDI Executive DCT two-tone.

Exterior

The new Creta features much significantly bolder styling at the front and rear and although styling is a subjective topic, we think Hyundai has done a good job at setting themselves apart from their competitors on that front. Two trim models are available with the Creta, namely: the Premium and Executive. Premium models come standard with 16-inch alloy wheels whereas Executive models feature 17-inch alloy wheels. Executive models include LED daytime running lights as well as LED taillamps. Executive models also include front fog lights. Standard on both trim models are electric side mirrors with integrated indicators.

The Creta has seven colour options on offer, namely: Glaxy Blue, Lava Orange, Phantom Black, Polar White, Red Mulberry, Titan Grey and Typhoon Silver. Polar White as well as Lava Orange are available in a two-tone colour combination on the Executive trim.

The Creta not only gained new styling but also underwent changes in dimensions. The new vehicle sees an increase in length of 20mm, an increase in width of 10mm, a decrease in height of 10mm and an increased wheelbase of 20mm. The ground clearance stays the same at 190mm.

Interior

The Executive model we spent time with at launch features a black leather seat trim with a black dashboard that includes red highlights. 1.5-litre petrol and diesel models however feature grey and black seat trims with a grey and black dashboard too. In Premium models, the seats are covered in grey and black cloth whereas on Executive models, the seats are covered in grey and black leather.

The cabin does however feature quite a lot of hard plastics but offers decent storage in the door bins, underneath the armrest as well as on the centre console. All models feature as standard a multifunctional steering wheel, voice recognition Bluetooth, manual air conditioning with rear air vents, rear park assist sensors, rear park assist camera, ESC, hill-start assist control and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Executive models feature a wireless charger, an electro chromic mirror and 6 airbags. A large touchscreen infotainment system is standard and includes Apple Car play and Android Auto connectivity.

The seating position in the Creta is quite decent thanks to height adjustment in the seat and this results in overall good viewing angles out of the vehicle. The steering wheel has height and reach adjustment which we appreciated as it meant that we could easily get into the perfect driving position.

Currently, only 5-seater options are available for the Creta however Hyundai South Africa will be adding a 7-seater option to the line-up in 2021.

Engines

The Hyundai Creta is on offer with a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel offering. The first is a 1.5-litre MPI petrol engine which delivers a humble 85kW and 144Nm of torque. This engine may be paired with either a 6-speed manual or Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission. The second engine offering is a 1.5-litre U2 CRDi diesel engine which delivers 85kW and 250Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.  Lastly, on offer is the engine variant we tested which is the 1.4-litre Kappa Turbo GDI petrol engine which makes an eager 103kW and 242Nm and is paired with a 7-speed DCT.

The turbocharged engine we tested worked well with the 7-speed DCT as it shifted quite quickly and effortlessly, and still managed to allow for power to be readily available when required. The Creta however is not a performance vehicle and as such it does require the driver to be patient and gradual when building up speed. At higher speeds, the Creta felt quite well balanced and offered good comfort levels with minimal wind or tyre noise, thanks to the revisions that Hyundai has made to the new vehicle. Prospective customers wouldn’t have any issues taking the Creta on long journeys with the entire family. The Creta managed to only use 9.4L/100km on our combined route, which included highway and city driving. This could be much better long term. Our test route was short and included a lot of stopping and restarting.

Pricing

The pricing for the Hyundai Creta is as follows:

• 1.5 Premium MT –                              R374,900
• 1.5 Executive IVT –                             R429,900
• 1.5 Executive IVT 2 Tone –                 R434,900
• 1.5 Executive Diesel AT –                   R469,900
• 1.5 Executive Diesel AT 2 Tone –       R474,900
• 1.4 TGDI Executive DCT 2 Tone –       R484,900

Prices include a 7-years/200,000km manufacturer warranty, a 4year/ 60,000km service plan and 7-year/ 150,000km roadside assistance.