HYUNDAI introduced a fresh new face in their local SUV range in December: the all-new Creta, with eye-catching styling, extensive features and driving capabilities that are bound to make it an even more popular choice in this competitive segment of the South African car market.
The new Creta comes in five derivatives with two specification levels – Premium and Executive. The first-generation Creta was an immediate volume-seller in Hyundai’s South African SUV range since its launch in 2017. After a slight mid-term facelift the following year, the new, second-generation Creta arrived on our shores at the end of 2020 with striking exterior looks.
Fresh new styling – inside and out
The all-new Hyundai Creta boasts new styling and the two-tone colour scheme for the flagship Executive Derivatives. It is a visibly larger car than its predecessor and makes a dramatic first impression.
The headlights take an unusual shape, with the daytime running lights above and on the side of the headlight cluster. Below them the bumper houses the indicator lights and fog lights.
Bold, almost square wheel arches are accentuated by the design lines on the body panels above them.
The taillights of the new Creta repeats the design lines of the front end of the vehicle, with reverse lights located in the tidy black bumper. The attractive 17-inch alloy wheels on the Executive derivatives complete the picture. The Premium derivative comes with 16-inch alloys.
Seven body colours are available in the new Creta range: Galaxy Blue, Lava Orange, Phantom Black, Polar White, Red Mulberry, Titan Grey and Typhoon Silver.
On in the inside, the styling has also risen a few notches. It has red accents on the leather seats and air vents. The steering wheel, with a flat bottom part, also sports red stitching in the leather cladding.
The cabin is spacious. Tear passengers benefit from added comfort in the form of a centre arm rest with cup holders that fold out of the backrest for the middle seat in the rear bench. The driver seat’s height can be adjusted, and with the telescopic and height adjustment of the steering it creates a very comfortable driving position.
Seat trims are available in grey and black cloth for the Premium derivative; grey and black leather for the Executive versions; and black leather seat trim with red accents for the flagship Creta 1.4 TGDI Executive DCT.
Convenience features
A multifunction steering wheel with remote control buttons for the infotainment system, trip computer and cruise control and a wireless charging pad are two of the many convenience features found in the new Creta.
The Apple Carplay and androidauto connectivity of the infotainment system with its 8-inch touch screen enables the driver or passengers to select functions through voice commands.
Apart from the infotainment USB connection in the centre console, the new Creta has an extra 12V power socket, as well as a USB charging socket and storage place for the rear passengers.
Manoeuvring the new Creta in the city and in tight spaces is made easy with the rear park assist sensors and camera, which displays its view on the infotainment system’s screen.
New engines
Three new engines are used in the all-new Creta range in South Africa: A naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with a 1 497cc displacement; a turbodiesel 4-cylinder, with a 1 493cc displacement; and a turbocharged petrol engine with a displacement of 1 353cc.
The engines are mated in different combinations to either a 6-speed manual gearbox, a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission, a new 6-speed IVT that uses a chain belt and pulley system with an increased gear ration span, or a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). All derivatives are driven by the front wheels.
The 1,5-litre naturally aspirated engine powers the entry derivative, the Creta 1.5 Premium, and the Creta 1.5 Executive with the new IVT. This engine delivers 85kW peak power at 6 300r/min and 144Nm maximum torque at 4 500r/min.
The new turbodiesel, which pushes out 85kW peak power at 4 000r/min and 250Nm maximum torque between 1 500 and 2 750r/min, delivers power in the Creta 1.5 Executive Diesel, coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The new 1,4-litre turbocharged petrol engine is reserved for the flagship derivative – the Creta 1.4 TGDI Executive with the 7-speed DCT and a two-tone exterior colour finish. This engine delivers 103kW peak power at 6 000r/min, and 242Nm maximum torque between 1 500 and 3 200r/min.
Ride, handling and suspension
The McPherson strut front suspension and coupled torsion beam axle (CTBA) for the rear wheels have been tuned to give the new Creta a solid, surefooted feeling on road surfaces.
Decreasing levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) has also received attention through increased body rigidity along safety-critical structures with the expanded use of industrial-strength adhesives that augment spot welds.
Revisions to the engine mounts and redesigned intake/exhaust manifolds also played key roles in reducing NVH levels and lowering specifically acceleration noise.
Safety
There are front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, and two curtain airbags that offer protection for rear passengers ISOFIX child seat attachments are standard in all derivatives, as well as 3-point inertia reel safety belts with pretensioners.
Electronic Stability Control ensures control even in difficult conditions. A tyre pressure monitoring system gives early warning should a tyre run flat. Another luxury safety feature is Hill-start Assist Control.
Pricing
Creta 1.5 Premium (manual) – R374 900
Creta 1.5 Executive IVT – R429 900
Creta 1.5 Executive IVT (2-tone) – R434 900
Creta 1.5 Executive Diesel (auto) – R469 900
Creta 1.5 Executive Diesel (auto) (2-tone) – R474 900
Creta 1.4 TGDI Executive DCT (2-tone) – R484 900
All Cretas are sold with a 7-year/200 000km manufacturer’s warranty; 4-year/60 000km service plan; and roadside assistance for seven years or 150 000km.
Issued by: www.quickpic.co.za
