Let's be honest, SUV's in South Africa are a dime a dozen. It's by far the most popular vehicle in the country, and Hyundai makes some of the best. They recently released the latest version of the Creta, so we sent Robin to take a look.
There was a time when Hyundai was a meek and relative newcomer to South African motorists. The Korean automaker first dug its roots into local soil back in 1999, where models like the Accent and Elantra did duty for prospective consumers.
Fast forward to 2023, and they are in the best shape of their life, selling the fourth-highest number of vehicles in South Africa during May with 2,745 units – trailing only the likes of Toyota, Suzuki and Volkswagen. Hyundai has one of the country's most-stocked SUV lineups (seven in total), with models like the Venue, Creta, Grand Creta, Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe and Palisade on offer.
We had the Creta on test in its top-of-the-range Executive guise to see what the compact SUV was all about. As a refresher, the first-generation Creta debuted in South Africa in 2017 and was a hit amongst consumers, mainly for being a value-for-money offering. The current generation, launched in 2020, has been improved with a modern design and more technology.
More about the model
Premium and Elegance are the only two derivatives with a single engine option, a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine with figures of 84kW and 144Nm, on offer. Premium models can be coupled with a six-speed manual or IVT transmission. At the same time, the Executive is only available with the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) system. Hyundai claims a fuel consumption figure of 6.5 litres/100km for the manual and 6.3 litres for the automatic. There's, unfortunately, no 4WD drivetrain available, with power sent exclusively to the front wheels.
As for aftersales, the range ships standard with a five-year or 150 000km mechanical warranty, a four-year or 60 000km service plan, and an additional two-year or 50 000km powertrain warranty that includes seven-year or 150 000km roadside assistance. Compared to its rivals, that's the best on the market, and one customers factor into their decision-making.
The exterior has undergone a massive transformation compared to the first generation. The front sees the addition of a scale-like black grille complete with LED headlights and daytime running lights. There's also a fresh design language at the rear with a horizontal bar across the boot lid and the bolded 'CRETA' name. A 17-inch alloy wheel is offered as standard on all trim levels.
Furthermore, customers can choose from a range of body colours like Magnetic Silver, Optic White, Titan Grey Metallic, Midnight Black Pearl, Dragon Red Pearl, and Galaxy Blue. What I particularly like about the Creta range is that you get a broad scope of features from entry-level to top-of-the-range, bar differentiating exclusivities. Features like wireless charging, parking assist, a parking camera and a tyre pressure monitor all come standard, no matter the spec.
Minimalist interior
One thing that really impressed us about the Creta was its no-fuss interior. Sometimes simpler is better. Often, the interiors of some vehicles seem to be overcomplicated where the basics would've done. The 8-inch infotainment system (standard across the range) is easy to use, while the 3.5-inch TFT cluster shows you all the real-world information you need to know.
The Executive version comes with black artificial leather. At the same time, the Premium has cloth seats, but the latter is by no means a dealbreaker. There are front and rear USB ports and a power socket insert for occupants to keep their devices charged. The steering wheel design is excellent and feels good in the hands.
Who does it compete against?
The SUV market has plenty of competition, and the Creta goes up against formidable options. Its closest rivals consist of the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, Haval Jolion, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-3 and Toyota C-HR with starting prices of R308 900, R344 950, R440 995, R397 300 and R487 500, respectively.
Pricing for the Creta range starts from R446 900, which is aggressively priced. Still, even so, the Korean brand managed to sell a respectable 148 units during May, as a reference point. That's not bad for an SUV priced just under R450 000. For a holistic perspective, there's also the pricier Grand Creta (priced from R497 900) that sold 85 units, bringing the Creta grand total to 233.
The Creta's biggest challenge is going up against the free-selling Chinese models that are also considerably cheaper and attractive to most buyers. That said, Hyundai's reputation speaks volumes, with many customers still committing debit orders to the Korean brand and their stellar aftersales package.
Spec and pricing
Premium Manual – R446 900
Premium IVT – R466 900
Executive IVT – R509 900
How is it to drive?
Though not noticeable, the ground clearance has increased by 10mm to 200 from the previous generation. An SUV is supposed to accommodate rear passengers with relative ease, and the Creta ticks that box. There is sufficient legroom, and the head-to-roof distance is no issue, but if you really want bucketloads of space, there's the Palisade in the range.
While there is nothing wrong with the petrol engine, we would have liked a diesel unit also to choose from, which was available in the previous generation. That being said, we managed an average fuel consumption figure of 6.6-litres/100km which is not far off the claimed 6.0-litre mark and can be reduced further with nicer driving habits. The transmission was more subdued in noise compared to the regular run-of-the-mill CVT.
There are no creaks, squeaks or rattles anywhere in the cabin or suspension – an annual test we do to test for build quality. The steering was prompt and felt different – but in a good way, and upon speaking to a Hyundai consultant, we were told that the power steering system is motor-assisted.
Even though the Creta is not the cheapest option, its range is comprehensively specced for buyers who want a solid offering. Hyundai's futuristic design language makes the Creta look worth more than the price tag.
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