All-new Hyundai Creta hits South African Shores

Having recently attended the Launch of the All-new Creta, the Hyundai brand aims to succeed the almost 15 000 units sold since its 2015 launch with this new model. Having successfully captured the South African Market with the right size and compelling pricing. The new Creta based on the sister car the Kia Seltos should be another smash hit. The Motorist’s Khanye Ngwenya took to the streets to find out.

2020 Hyundai Creta: Exterior

Having ultimately adopted a new look, the new Creta gains styling cues from the new Hyundai face family DNA. At the front, the looks can be somewhat subjective to most but create some very distinct individuality in the flooded sub-compact segment, through the almost puppy dog-like front styling. The Creta has gained substantial size by sharing the Seltos platform and like this has gained 20mm in length, 10mm in width and an increase to the wheelbase by 20mm. The plebeian spec Premium model features 16-inch alloy wheels and the two-sectioned headlamps in standard halogen trim. Simultaneously, the higher specification Exectilive gains foglamps LED Daytime running lights, LED 3-dimensional tail lamps in the same sectioned design and larger 17-inch wheels.

2020 Hyundai Creta: Interior 

The cabin features the standard mill of driver technology and user interface connectivity. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system now feels like it belongs in the vehicle rather than the dealer level addition of before. It features Andriod Auto and Apple Carplay, voice recognition and Bluetooth. The dash area does feature an impressive amount of hard unfavourable plastics, which could have been more ergonomically friendly even on the top-spec Exclusive, which is a near 500k car.

2020 Hyundai Creta: Specification and safety

All models are fitted as standard with an extensive list of standard kit, including multifunctional steering wheel, Bluetooth, manual air conditioning with rear air vents, rear park assist sensors, rear park assist camera, ESC, hill-start assist control and a tyre pressure monitoring system. The Exclusive model gains red accents on the dash, black leather seats, wireless charger, an electrochromic mirror and six airbags. The cabin does feel bountiful and spacious with plenty of storage compartments and shoulder room even in the rear, a contention not true of all of these ultimately family-focused vehicles. The Steering has both rack and height adjustment. In combination with the seating position, the perfect driving orientation is easy to find, and the comfort levels are high with comfortable, plush seats.

2020 Hyundai Creta: Engine Lineup

The choice of two petrol engines that are identical to that of the Kia Seltos power the Creta, a 1.5-litre Mpi naturally aspirated petrol and the 1.4-Litre Kappa turbo four-cylinder. Each engine produces 85kW and 144Nm and 103kW and 242Nm, respectively. The former is linked to a 6-speed manual or the IVT- Intelligent Variable Transmission, a fancy way of saying a CVT, while the 1.4T gains a seven-speed DCT. The Oil burner comes in the form of a 1.5-Litre CRDI turbodiesel, delivering 85kWs and 250Nm of torque via a traditional automatic. On test, we got the chance to sample the top Spec 1.4T, and it proved to be a reasonably rapid thing for a Sub-compact, the engine has already established itself immensely in the GT-LINE Seltos. Smooth and effortless shifts that keep the torque and power on tap and almost endless tractability. A massive improvement on high-speed stability from the Creta of old, which felt like you sat on the car rather than in it, means the drive is more comfortable and suitable for a vehicle of this class. It’s worth mentioning that fuel consumption on test sat around 9.7l/100, which is miles of the 7.2Claim but this should improve with a more run in motor, given our test unit hadn’t even broken 700kms.

2020 Hyundai Creta in South Africa 

The Creta has always been an outstanding offering to the segment, good value and the sheer volume of the 200 000km/year manufacturer warranty should speak leaps and bounds. The new model knows this and buyers should give the Creta a look-albeit many may find this problematic the Creta is solid and makes for a shortlist worthy contender in the Sub Compact boxing ring. 5-seater options are available for the Creta at this point, but Hyundai South Africa has confirmed it will be adding a 7-seater option to the lineup in 2021. 1.5 Premium MT R374,9001.5 Executive IVT R429,9001.5 Executive IVT 2 Tone R434,9001.5 Executive Diesel AT R469,9001.5 Executive Diesel AT 2 Tone R474,9001.4 TGDI Executive DCT 2 Tone R484,900Prices include a 7-years/200,000km manufacturer warranty, a 4year/ 60,000km service plan and 7-year/ 150,000km roadside assistance.