A Grand affair
Hyundai's Creta has always been something of a dark horse, never really having any real competitors to speak off. Its odd shape, size and styling cues ensure that we have never really been able to categorize where this machine sits in our local lineup.
Related: Hyundai Creta (2021) First Drive Impression
With the introduction of a new variant, things have gotten even more confusing, Hyundai has now introduced a 7 seater variation of the Creta, and we were on hand to give the new MPV-ish vehicle a shakedown.
Styling
The exterior of the new Grand Creta has given us a bit of insight as to what we can expect from the facelifted Creta that is coming next month. The Grand Creta keeps the long bonnet and rounded front edges but you now get LED lighting with DRL's and a reverse grille edged with chrome garnish. Things haven't changed much around the back, there are a few new flourishes such as the chrome exhaust tips and LED rear lighting.
Both grades of Grand Creta will get their own style of alloy wheels while the side profile does make one think of the recently released Tucson.
Interior
The Grand Creta's interior is also rather well-appointed. Depending on the grade, you can have a very work like space devoid of creature comforts, or you can get the upper spec that has all the bells and whistles you've come to expect from a Hyundai. Elite models get a 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated seats, sunroof, full leatherette interior and onboard drive mode management, where you can select between sport, eco or normal and going in the other direction with the selector switch, you can have options for terrain control, snow, mud etc.
We would be remiss if we didn't talk about the reason for the Grand Creta, the third row. Although the seating is very wide the available legroom is rather sparse with the row only really able to be used by small children comfortably.
Engine and drivetrain
There will be two options available, a 2.0 Smartstream petrol engine and a 1,5 diesel unit. The petrol engine will deliver 117kW and 191Nm while the diesel will pump out 85kW and 250Nm. Grand Creta's are available with a choice of 6-speed manual or Auto Transmission but will depend on the grade and engine as to which you will get. We tested the diesel variant in AT on our test ride and found it to be very agreeable with plenty of top-end poke and low down torque and never hunting for gears when trundling along a dirt road.
Models and Pricing
| Grand Creta 2.0 Executive MT | R 449 900 |
| Grand Creta 2.0 Executive AT | R 489 900 |
| Grand Creta 1.5 Executive Diesel AT | R 509 900 |
| Grand Creta 2.0 Elite AT | R 539 900 |
| Grand Creta 1.5 Elite Diesel AT | R 559 900 |
The Drive
Our drive took us through the backcountry of the West Rand where we were able to sample a number of different road surfaces ranging from smooth tar mack to muddy, rutted dirt roads. The suspension was very pliable absorbing much of the undulations in the road and making the drive very comfortable. The engine delivered seamlessly, and we barely marked the gear changes, a hallmark of an excellent auto transmission.
Outside of the barely conceived NVH levels, the drive was unremarkable with the vehicle delivering everything that was promised.
Verdict
We are sure that the Grand Creta will do well for Hyundai as we have seen the popularity of MPV type vehicles growing over the past few months. We can't help but feel that this is a vehicle that didn't need to made though as it bridges one too many gaps that actually didn't exist. For just a few more Rand you could have a new Tucson. As we mentioned at the beginning, the Creta and now Grand Creta are something of a mystery not really having any competition, one could argue a case for the Toyota Rumion, Volkswagen T-Roc or perhaps one of the marginally larger 7 seater SUVs, but we'd be left in short trousers.
The Grand Creta operates in a class of its own and therefore if you are looking for a vehicle that fits into that neat little box, the Grand Creta may just be what you're looking for.
