New styling for Hyundai Creta
The Hyundai Creta, the Korean brand's compact SUV has become a popular sight on our roads since it was introduced into the market. Hyundai South Africa has recently introduced the updated Creta which features new styling both inside and out. Here is what you need to know.
The latest Hyundai Creta sports fresh, new exterior styling, particularly the very attractive front grille and lights design which makes a dramatic first impression. The daytime running lights of the Executive derivative are incorporated into the parametric jewel pattern grille – as with the new Hyundai Tucson – and makes the Creta almost appear like a smaller sibling of the Tucson.
Viewed from the side, the new Creta’s styling upgrade includes an attractive silver inset that runs from the A-pillar to the C-pillar. New 17-inch alloy wheels, with different styling for the Premium and Executive variants respectively, complete the picture. At the rear, a new design has also been applied to the tailgate with the Creta model name in bold chrome letters underneath the company’s logo.
On the inside, the styling of the new Creta is clean, sometimes minimalistic. The cabin is spacious, also for rear passengers, who benefit from added comfort in the form of a centre armrest 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 comfortable driving position.
The infotainment system is neatly placed and offers niceties such as Apple Carplay and Android Auto links wirelessly to one’s smartphone in the new Creta, and the Executive version offers wireless phone charging as standard equipment. 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 in a very useful console for the rear passengers. This console also contains rear air vents for the Creta’s manual air conditioner.
The Creta is powered by a naturally aspirated 1,5-litre engine that delivers 84kW peak power at 6 300 r/min. and 144 Nm maximum torque at 4 500 r/min. Hyundai has equipped the 1,5-litre petrol engine with two injectors per cylinder and applied advanced valve timing to improve efficiency.
Engineers have enhanced the underpinnings as well. The McPherson strut front suspension and coupled torsion beam axle for the rear wheels have been tuned to give the Creta an even more solid, surefooted feeling on various road surfaces than before.
Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) have also received attention through increased body rigidity along safety-critical structures with the expanded use of industrial-strength adhesives that augment spot welds. Specially designed engine mounts and intake and exhaust manifolds also play key roles in reducing NVH levels and lowering specifically acceleration noise.
Also worth a look: the Hyundai Creta: Matte Edition Headlines 2024 Refresh and the IONIQ 5 N Wins TopGear's 2023 Car of the Year.
FAQ
Q: What does the new Hyundai Creta cost in South Africa?
The updated Hyundai Creta starts from around R389,900 for the base model, while the Executive variant with all the bells and whistles will set you back approximately R459,900, making it a competitive option in the compact SUV segment.
Q: Is the new Hyundai Creta worth buying?
Absolutely, the refreshed Creta offers excellent value with its updated styling, spacious interior, wireless smartphone connectivity, and solid build quality, all while maintaining Hyundai's reputation for reliability and decent resale values.
Q: What are the main differences between the Hyundai Creta Premium and Executive variants?
The Executive variant gets the fancy parametric jewel pattern grille with integrated daytime running lights, different 17-inch alloy wheel designs, wireless phone charging, and additional premium features, while the Premium focuses on core functionality at a lower price point.
Q: How does the new Hyundai Creta compare to competitors like the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger?
The updated Creta offers more interior space, better build quality, and superior after-sales support compared to the Magnite and Kiger, though it does cost about R50,000 more, making it the premium choice in this segment.
Q: What engine options are available in the new Hyundai Creta?
The refreshed Creta continues with Hyundai's proven powertrains, typically offering naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol options ranging from around 83kW to 103kW, paired with either manual or automatic transmissions depending on the variant you choose.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, you should definitely consider the updated Hyundai Creta if you're shopping for a compact SUV under R460,000 in South Africa. The refreshed styling makes it look more upmarket than its price suggests, particularly with that striking front grille that gives it a family resemblance to the pricier Tucson. At R389,900 for the base model, it offers excellent space for families, practical features like wireless smartphone connectivity, and Hyundai's solid reliability record. The Executive variant at R459,900 is worth the extra spend if you want the full premium experience with wireless charging and those gorgeous integrated daytime running lights. Sure, you could save some cash with a Nissan Magnite or Renault Kiger, but the Creta's superior build quality, better dealer network, and stronger resale values make it the smart long-term choice in this price bracket.
