There are few brands that boast a range of SUVs/crossovers in the same manner as Hyundai. The Korean automaker offers products in this segment from under R300 000 to just over a million rand. That should cover just about anyone looking to buy a new crossover in the SA context. At the lower end of Hyundai’s offerings is the Hyundai Creta.

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We spent a few weeks with the facelifted Hyundai Creta at the start of the summer holidays. The car was loaned to us by the good graces of Hyundai SA. The Creta is a vehicle we have previous first-hand experience with. However, this extended loan period allowed us get a better sense of what its like to live with one.

1. Boasts a New Face

The Hyundai Creta recently returned fresh from the surgeon’s table. The new look brings it closer in line with other models in the portfolio, particular the larger Tucson. As it turns out, the new face is also quite recognisable. During our time with the loan unit we encountered a few Creta owners who own pre-facelift versions. One owner was quick to point out that the facelift arrived to soon after the Creta’s local introduction, and that there was no turbo option, so he was keen to hold on to the one he had.

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2. Chunky Wheels and Ground Clearance

Too many cars these days are fitted with large alloys shod with low-profile rubber. The Hyundai Creta has neither of those. A cushy ride is one handy consequence. The other is that we were not hesitant to climb up onto kerbs during the height of the Cape summer season. 200 mm of ground clearance also made it easy to utilise ‘unmarked’ parking spots near Cape Town’s busier tourist spots.

3. Wireless Connectivity

The latest Hyundai Creta has wireless connectivity for the Android Auto interface. In addition it has wireless charging for a mobile phone ahead of the gear lever. Both of these features came in handy during our loan period. The infotainment allowed us to navigate away from traffic-laden roads through our own mobile phone. The same screen doubles as the display for the standard rear-facing camera.

4. Power Delivery

Since Hyundai introduced the revised Creta there is single engine option. The 1,5-litre petrol engine produces maximum power of 84 kW along with 144 N.m of peak torque. Our test unit featured the automatic transmission option. The naturally aspirated unit doesn’t have a strong mid-range torque delivery when compared to turbocharged options, which means you really have to lean on the loud pedal to get going. The net result is that the fuel consumption suffers. Hyundai claims an average fuel consumption figure of 6,3 litres/100 km. We registered closer to eight over two tanks of fuel.

5. Chilly Cabin

Many new Hyundai products are sourced from India. This holds true for a few brands, including Honda and Suzuki. It stems from the fact that both markets drive on the LHS of the road, so we use RHD vehicles. We have observed previously that vehicles from the subcontinent have air-conditioning units that can blow out an icy wind, which also holds true for the Hyundai Creta. This was most appreciated during the hotter days of December. Hopping into a few cars owned by friends then returning to the Hyundai really underlined how effective and speedy the a/c is at cooling the cabin.

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Hyundai Creta Pricing

Premium MT R419 900
Premium IVT R439 900
Executive IVT R479 900

All prices include a seven-year/200 000 km manufacturer warranty, a four-year/60 000 km service plan and seven years/150 000 km of roadside assistance.