Facelifted Hyundai Creta

Hyundai South Africa introduces a facelifted version of its Creta SUV to the local market, with a smaller range but the addition of a new powerplant. We attended the South African media launch to learn more.

Few brands cover the SUV segment as comprehensively as Hyundai SA does. There is a product for just about every use case and, more importantly, for just about every budget as well. The Hyundai Creta has a been a sales success for the automaker, racking up nearly 5 700 sales since introduction about four years ago. It is products such as these, and the sales they add, which help Hyundai remain one of the leading players in the SA passenger car market.

So, what’s new?

As mentioned, the Creta has undergone a bit of ‘surgery’ returning with a new face and rump. The changes up front are most noticeable. The latest version has new facia that brings it closer in line to the likes of family members such as the Alcazar and Santa Fe. This new look, which can be seen below, adds slim headlamps and a body-wide strip to the front of the Creta, quite a change from it predecessor.

The rear, too, has been redesigned. A completely new taillight design flanks a centre panel. There is also a reprofiled bumper that seems more squared off. There is plenty new on the facelifted Creta, a lot more than some manufacturers who simply change the shape of the foglamps and referred to it as a ‘redesign’. It’s obvious that the designers have been busy earning their keep.

If you look at the pic of the two grey cars, you will also note that the ‘regular’ version has a different appearance from the N Line. Incidentally, this is the first time that Hyundai offers the Creta with the sportier N Line version. Aesthetic changes include larger, 18-inch alloys, N Line badges and a roof spolier.

New inside, too.

The same can be said about the interior. If you look at the older car versus the new, you will note a different treatment across the dashboard. The touchscreen infotainment system is coupled with digital instrument cluster. Both fared into the dashboard, which, in our eyes, is far neater than a screen that looks stuck on after the fact.

Shrinking the range

Hyundai has taken an interesting approach with the introduction of this revised version. The three derivative range has been shrunk to two. Hyundai SA has done away with a manual version. The entry-level variant is the Premium, which is powered by a 1,5-litre petrol engine. This naturally aspirated unit produces 83 kW and 145 N.m of torque. Most interestingly, the Premium is now R44 000 cheaper than before. That should make it far more appealing to new buyers.

A quick drive

It was the N Line derivative we drove at the launch event. From behind the wheel we noted the slightly different interior treatment. The are touches of red about the cabin, to underline its sporty character. The shift leaver is also different, slightly slimmer than the other version, and a three-spoke steering wheel. N Line versions also come with a panoramic roof and premium Bose hifi as standard.

The newcomer has lively performance from the turbocharged engine. It’s no hot hatch, but there is a good deal of poke for the small car, particular for quick pull-aways and when overtaking, which is far more important. Kudos to Hyundai SA for offering this engine. However, the additional power comes at a price (see below).

Summary

Hyundai was once the ‘upstart’ or newcomer to the SA motoring space. The Korean brand was trying to do then what the Chinese brands are doing in SA today. In essence, it was trying to take a slice of the SA new car market by offering products at highly competitive prices. Today Hyundai is seen as a ‘legacy’ brand, trust by countless SA households, many of which have owned multiple Hyundais over the years.

Products such as the Creta help Hyundai maintain its hard-earned place in the SA context. Although there are plenty of options in the R450k-R500k range, Hyundai continues to offer products that are well priced and of a high quality, such as the Creta.