Hyundai Automotive SA has entered the busy sub-compact SUV market segment with the new Creta, which slots in just below the top-selling Tucson – in terms of price as well as size, with the bigger Santa Fe acting as the largest of the SUV trio.
Hyundai also adds a lot of value in terms of features and onboard technology and the Creta is no exception, as the centre dash board console houses the infotainment and satellite navigation system with an 8″ high-definition full-colour touch screen. On this touch-screen a route can be plotted, the sound system’s output can be customized to individual tastes, and it can act as a Mirror-link for an Android cell-phone or an iPod music display from an iPhone connected via a USB cord.
Music can also be streamed via Bluetooth from a cell phone or iPod to the sound system, and it allows hands free cell phone calls via Bluetooth with remote controls on the steering wheel. The infotainment screen also displays a rearview camera picture when one engages reverse gear, supplemented by reverse warning sensors.
In terms of engines, buyers can opt between the Creta 1.6 Executive manual, powered by a 4-cylinder, 1 591 cc naturally aspirated petrol engine linked to a six-speed manual gearbox. This multipoint electronic fuel-injection engine delivers 90 kW maximum power at 6 300 rpm, and 150 Nm maximum torque at 4 850 rpm. Fuel consumption measured on a combined test cycle was 7,9 litres per 100 km.
Then there is the Creta 1.6 Executive automatic, using the same 1,6-litre petrol engine coupled with a six-speed automatic gearbox. With the automatic transmission the average fuel consumption was measured at 8,4 litres per 100 km.
Finally, there is the Creta 1.6 Executive CRDi automatic which is the flagship of the range, with a 1,6-litre turbodiesel engine that delivers its power to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Maximum power is 94 kW at 4 000 rpm, with a healthy 260 Nm maximum torque delivered at 2 750 rpm. It sips fuel very frugally at a measured figure of 7,4 litres per 100 km.
All three Creta derivatives come with front-wheel drive and run on 16″ wheels. The fuel tank capacity is 55 litres, which gives the Creta a claimed range of close to 700 km on the open road.
Pricing
Creta 1.6 Executive manual R319 900
Creta 1.6 Executive automatic R339 900
Creta 1.6 Executive CRDi automatic R369 900
Included in the recommended retail price of the Hyundai Creta is the 5 year/150 000 km warranty, with Hyundai’s groundbreaking additional 2 year/50 000 km drivetrain warranty for even more peace of mind.
Roadside assistance for five years or 150 000 km and a five year or 90 000 km service plan adds further value to the package. Service intervals are 15 000 km.
In other motoring related news, Audi South Africa recently extended its Q family with a compact SUV, the all new Audi Q2.
