The latest version of the Creta is a winner - even if it is a bit quirky looking
Hyundai now has a sport-utility vehicle in virtually all niches of the market. At the budget end, you can have the oddly-named Venue. Fashionistas can go for the spunky Kona. Then you have the Tucson, aimed at families. Above that is the more luxurious Santa Fe, which will be joined by the even plusher seven-seater Palisade later this year.
And somewhere in the middle of all this is the Hyundai Creta. First launched in 2017, the model was designed to compete with cars like the Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport. The new version was launched towards the end of last year and, aside from being a significant improvement over its predecessor, it raises the bar considerably in the category overall.
We can talk about the controversial styling later. First we need to discuss the superb job achieved by the designers and engineers with the car's cabin. The materials used are far superior compared with the old model. Tacky-looking, scratchy plastics are gone in favour of softer-touch surfaces. The chunky steering wheel, with its flattened bottom, feels substantial. And the imitation leather upholstery looks like the real deal, with fine perforations that safeguard against a sweaty back.
My test unit was the 1.5 D automatic, transmitting 85kW and 250Nm to the front wheels via six forward gears.
It has ample torque for uphill climbs and brisk overtaking manoeuvres. The motor is remarkably hushed in operation, too. But the best part of the package is the obstinate fuel needle. After over 200km of driving, the dial had not moved a micron from its position at the letter F.
This is a new engine, lighter by 5kg than the one in the previous Creta and with a more efficient fuel-injection system.
It handles with real confidence as well, with minor revisions made to the suspension at both axles.
Other derivatives include a 1.5-litre normally-aspirated petrol (85kW and 144Nm) or a 1.4-litre turbocharged-petrol (103kW and 242Nm). The former has a six-speed manual, the latter uses a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic.
Now, about those looks. It's not going to appeal to all tastes, but it is eye-catching. It turns heads and piques curiosity, something that could never have been said about the previous model. It has a face like a disgruntled cyborg, with a gaping grille and LED slits for eyes. The rear is similarly futuristic, with a light bar spanning the width of the tailgate.
It's a far cry from the burgundy 1997 Accent 1.5 that grandad had, and the price reflects the current strength of the Hyundai brand. It kicks off at R385,500 for the basic 1.5 Premium and ends at R497,500 for the 1.4 TGDI Executive DCT.
Article from https://www.timeslive.co.za/
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