Hyundai’s new Creta lands in SA with choice of three improved engines

Hyundai has launched its redesigned Creta in the local market.

Since its launch in 2017, the Creta has proved a popular compact SUV. It sits between the Kona and Tucson in Hyundai’s product portfolio.

The new Creta has grown slightly larger. It is now 20mm longer, 10mm wider and has a more generous wheelbase. Those dimensions mean that passenger comfort has been marginally improved.

Hyundai Creta embodies daring design language

Hyundai has embraced a more daring design language of late and Creta features some dramatic styling details. Its split-level LED head- and taillights give this Korean SUV a lot of presence.

As one would expect from a Korean vehicle, the Creta’s infotainment and digital convergence is excellent. It syncs seamlessly with either your Apple or Android smartphone and also offers the convenience of inductive charging, assisting you to avoid the admin of additional cables in the centre console.

Specification upgrades are electrochromic rear-view mirrors, fold-way wing mirrors and roof rails. Ergonomics have also been improved with depth-adjustable steering.

NOT SHY OF SOME GRAVEL TRAVEL

With 190mm of ground clearance the Creta should track confidently over whichever gravel road you wish to travel along. Compared to its most significant rivals, the Creta has 30mm more ground clearance than either Mazda’s CX-3 or Toyota’s CH-R.

A useful technical improvement, in terms of vehicle monitoring, is the presence of a tyre pressure monitor.

Hyundai has also added three new engines as part of the redesigned Creta. These engines feature reshaped cylinder heads, which aid cooling, and improve efficiency.

The entry-level 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine is good for 85kW and 144Nm. It is available with either a six-speed manual or CVT gearbox option.

Diesel option

Customers who prefer the long-distance driving economy of a diesel, have option on the Creta 1.5 TDI. This four-cylinder engine is now much lighter than Hyundai’s previous 1.5-litre diesels, delivering the same 85kW, as its 1.5-litre petrol sibling, but a great deal more torque, at 250Nm.

There is only one gearbox available with the Creta 1.5-litre diesel, that being a six-speed automatic.

Hyundai’s most potent Creta engine is the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol. Engineers at Hyundai have increased the injection pressure to 200 bar and managed to integrate the engine’s exhaust system. The result is peak power of 103kW and 242Nm.

On our short test drive, the 1.4-litre Creta was notably refined. Road and mechanical noise were excellently suppressed and the responsiveness to throttle inputs, appropriately interpreted by the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Hyundai is pricing its new Creta range from R374,900 to R484,900.