The Creta has been one of Hyundai’s success stories for some time and now the new Creta is here.
It is now visibly larger that the previous model and a bit more aggressively styled, with a chunky, square-shaped front end, thicker creases over the wheel arches.
The interior on the other hand follows a minimalist design. The dashboard layout looks clean and neat and in front you get a rather elegant V-shaped flowing centre console design, which looks premium.
There are however hard shiny plastics used extensively in the cabin, but at least it looks and feels solid. Unfortunately, the plastics are not soft to the touch as in other rivals.
Standard tech on the Creta is acceptable for this day and age.
The base Hyundai Creta 1.5 Premium models ship with manual air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with device connect and reverse camera, cruise control, auto headlights, electric folding mirrors, 35-inch TFT supervision cluster and dual front airbags.
The 1.5 Executive model adds side and curtain airbags as well as LED headlights, roof rack, artificial leather seat trim and wireless phone charging, among other extras.
The model I sampled was the 1.5 Executive IVT Auto and it’s powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5 petrol engine good for 84kW and 144Nm
Although the power outputs seem a bit on the low side, the power delivery is really not bad at all. It is great for driving around town, but one might struggle a bit on the highway when taking the family out on holiday.
Overall it drives great, the steering is nicely weighted and it feels solid on road.
Fuel consumption is claimed at around 6.3 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, I managed around 7 which is acceptable.
For peace of mind you get Hyundai’s seven-year/200 000km warranty as well as a four-year/60 000km service plan and a seven-year/150 000km roadside assistance coverage.
Pricing is in line with the competition and starts off at around R410k for the base model and tops out at around R470k:
1.5 Premium MT – R409,900
1.5 Premium IVT – R429,900
1.5 Executive IVT – R469,900
*Pricing as at the beginning of September from Hyundai.co.za
So would I buy one ?
Yes I would, I feel this is a great value offering and does what it says on the box. But to save a but of money I would go for the 1.5 Premium IVT.
