Hyundai South Africa has an SUV to cover just about all requirements. Its local offerings start with the little Venue (which we reported on here) to the large and spacious Palisade. In the middle of these two lies the Creta, a family-sized SUV that has been available locally for some time. As of this week, a facelifted Hyundai Creta is now on sale in SA.

Follow Double Apex on Facebook and Instagram, where we share more car content.

New Looks

The facelifted Hyundai Creta sports a new appearance. The most obvious changes take place on the front end of the vehicle. This latest version has, what Hyundai calls, a parametric jewel-pattern grille. Keen observers may note that is similar to the front-end treatment of the Tucson. 

Read our Tucson launch report by clicking this link.

Interestingly, Hyundai will maintain a slightly different look for the seven-seat Grand Creta (which you can read more about here). This remains as the two models are sourced from different plants. In addition it helps set the two variants apart in the minds of the consumer.

Facelifted Hyundai Creta comparison front and rear

The visual changes continue in profile. Viewed side-on you can see a a silver accent line that runs along the roof and terminates as the C-pillar. There are also darker-coloured alloys. The last of the exterior changes is a resculpted rear. The restyled rump has a sort of X-motif on the tailgate, doing away with the body-wide light strip. You can see all the changes on the new car (red) versus the old (white) in the pic above.

Less Obvious

Less noticeable, certainly to onlookers, is the fact that the two-tone interior of the pre-facelifted version has been replaced by a full black treatment. The seat coverings are cloth in lower spec derivatives and faux leather in the Premium-spec. Incidentally, all versions have the large infotainment screen with rear-facing camera display, manual air-conditioning, multi-function steering, cruise control and a digital instrument cluster as standard fitment, among others.

Read about the range-leading Hyundai Kona N at this link.

Under-the-skin Changes

The facelifted Hyundai Creta has one major under-the-skin change. Hyundai has done away with the 1,4-litre turbocharged petrol and the turbodiesel engines. A 1,5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit is now the sole engine option. Maximum power is rated at 84 kW along with a peak of 144 N.m of torque. This engine can be mated with manual or automatic transmission. 

Brief Taste

We attended the Western Cape presentation of the facelifted Hyundai Creta. At the event we got to experience the revised model first-hand. The new looks are quite fetching and really give the Creta a distinct appearance when compared to most of its rivals.

From behind the wheel we could also try out the new powertrain. We have to admit, the fat wedge of torque offered up by the previous turbocharged range-topper is missed. The naturally aspirated engine really does have to be revved to get the best out of it.

Summary

If you are shopping for an SUV under a million rand, Hyundai will have an option for you. The revised Creta, near the middle of the ladder is a compelling model for a family that needs a mid-size model. 

Across the Creta range there are options at a few price points (see below) each with an increasing level of standard equipment. Factoring in the peace-of-mind afforded by the service plan and warranty adds a level of competitiveness that will easily account for the number of new Cretas you’ll soon see on the roads.

Facelifted Hyundai Creta Pricing

Premium MT R409 900
Premium IVT R429 900
Executive IVT R469 900 

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.