Car Review: Hyundai Creta
Last week we joined Hyundai in Kleinmont where motoring journos and dealers gathered in anticipation for the launch of the Hyundai Creta. While Hyundai is no stranger to the compact SUV world, since the success of its popular Tucson, the Creta introduces itself as the smallest SUV in the Hyundai range. This was an important launch for Hyundai while expectations to sell around 400 units per month might not be that far off.
The Creta is available in three derivatives: a 1.6-litre petrol manual, a 1.6-litre petrol automatic and the one most of us couldn’t wait to drive – the 1.6-litre turbo-diesel automatic. Having driven the 6-speed automatic diesel variant we have a feeling that this might just be Hyundai’s new claim to fame and a popular “value for money” option for its customers.
Walk around – bold yet sophisticated
When compared with the Tucson, the Creta is 205 mm shorter in length and 70 mm in width. Yet with a decent ground clearance of 190 mm and a total height (including roof rack) of 1665 its notably taller than the Tucson. Its overall length measures at 4, 270 mm.
A three-slated chrome grille houses the Hyundai logo while sharp headlamps house projector lamps and Static Bending Headlights as well as LED Daytime Running Lights. Bold fog lights just below these give the Creta its striking image together with a clean looking bumper.
Also read: Car Review Hyundai Tucson Turbodiesel
16″ diamond cut alloys are perfectly proportioned to the size of the car. The Creta’s clean look is seen all round while the back bumper is deceptively large. There’s a chrome strip above the number plate to give it a more sophisticated touch although we think it could’ve done better without it. The spoiler is however is nicely disintegrated into the design.
Step inside – everything you need!
Inside, the cabin is compact yet spacious, thanks to the Creta’s large wheel base. The first thing we noticed after hopping in was seating comfort provided by the two-tone leather seats and we found that there was little to no need to fiddle too much with seating adjustments. A leather multi-functional steering wheel is smooth to the touch and adds that bit of sophistication.
On the simple yet well-designed dashboard the vehicle’s infotainment system supports both Apple and Android devices and displays itself from a large touchscreen interface. The 8″Infotainment system includes navigation for convenience. It also supports USB and auxiliary connections as well as Bluetooth.
All-round finishes in the cabin are sleek and compact with no unnecessary styling.
60:40 rear folding seats offer further optional space for those long road trips or heavy shopping loads and legroom is surprisingly spacious despite the vehicle’s shorter overall length. With all the seats up the Creta can comfortably seat five adults.
As for boot space, despite being a compact SUV, the Creta offers a maximum carrying space of 400-litres.
Power and Performance
The smooth gearbox and engines are impressive, especially in the 1.6 turbo-diesel automatic which is much more punchy out on the highways.
The petrol derivatives offer 150 N.m of torque at 4 850 rpm while the 1.6 diesel engine offers 260 N.m at 2, 750 rpm. As for power the petrol engines push 90 Kw at 6, 300 rpm and the diesel engine reaches 94 Kw at 4, 000 rpm.
We loved being out on the open road with the Creta just as much as we enjoyed a bit of a drive on gravel. However we felt that the absence of traction control was something worth mentioning while there were moments we found ourselves sliding from side to side and where we needed to be super careful going around corners. As an off-road lover I’d probably be happy to trade the fancy infotainment system for traction control, but then again, the Creta is probably better suited to an urban lifestyle anyway.
When it comes to safety the Creta is equipped ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) and six airbags (driver and co-driver and side/curtain airbags. Safety ratings for adult occupants according to Latin NCAP scores 4/5 and 3/5 for children.
Pricing
The Hyundai Creta is currently retailing as follows:
CRETA 1.6 Executive (manual transmission): R319, 900
CRETA 1.6 Executive (automatic transmission): R339, 900
CRETA 1.6 Executive (diesel automatic transmission): R369, 900