Is the new Hyundai Creta good for new drivers?

The well-specified Hyundai Creta arrived in South Africa in 2017, and we were impressed straight away. Here was a quality crossover with plenty of space and safety features, perfect for families, couples, pensioners, or all of the above. Fast-forward to 2021 and the Creta now looks completely different; some love its futuristic face, others not so much. It has also gained several modern features but is still not really within the financial grasp of most new drivers, but a select few will be lucky enough to receive a Creta as their first car. Here's why it's such a good choice.

 

1. It's safe

All new Cretas have ABS, hill-start assist, stability control, a full-sized spare wheel, a tyre pressure sensor, steering wheel controls, an infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ISOFIX fittings, daytime running lamps, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors and automatic headlamps. The entry-level model, the 1.5 Premium, has two airbags; the other models all have six, as well as front fog lamps. Roadside assistance for 7 years or 150 000 km, whichever comes first, is also included.

 

2. It's economical

The 1.5-litre petrol models, 1.5-litre turbodiesel model and the 1.4-litre turbocharged model may not come cheap to purchase, but are all light sippers. Average fuel economy ranges from 5.9 litres per 100 km (1.5D turbodiesel model) to 7.2 l/100 km in the turbocharged petrol model, the 1.4T. This is the manufacturer's figure, however, and will most likely be somewhat higher under real-life driving conditions.

All Cretas are sold with a 7-year / 200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty and a 4-year / 60 000 km service plan, which is generous, and will give new drivers (or their parents) additional peace of mind.

 

3. It's roomy 

The Hyundai offers a spacious cabin and a large (433-litre) boot, and the roof rails in the Executive models aren't just there for show. Three friends will be quite comfortable on the back seat, plus they'll have air vents to keep them cool. The legroom in the second row is very good!

 

4. It's reliable

Hyundai enjoys a good reputation for reliability here in South Africa. And servicing the Hyundai Creta won't be expensive — plus, parts pricing is known to be affordable.

 

5. It's big on comfort features

New drivers will be delighted by all the onboard convenience features, such as dual USB ports, one in front and one for rear passengers. We've already mentioned Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, whose digital assistants will read out Whatsapps or play your preferred playlists via streaming apps, or find addresses in Waze or Google Maps. The cabin layout is young and fresh but functional - one of the best in the segment. It scores top marks for ergonomics, too.

Other comfort features include cruise control, 4x electric windows, vinyl seats (in Executive models), electrically adjustable side mirrors, and a front armrest.

 

Model line-up and pricing

Hyundai Creta 1.5 Premium, R377 900

Hyundai Creta 1.5 Executive, R432 900

Hyundai Creta 1.5D Executive, R472 900

Hyundai Creta 1.4T Executive, R487 900

(Correct at the time this article was published, but may increase without prior notice.)

 

Did you know that you can buy a used Creta for under R200 000?

Let's face it, new cars are expensive; that's why the used-car market is thriving. On AutoTrader, there were 234 Creta models listed in our used cars section at the time this article was written. In the price bracket of R180 000 to R220 000, you will find 1.6 Executive models from 2017 and younger that are in decent condition and mileage that isn't too high. This model does not have stability control, but ABS, EBD, and 6 airbags are standard, as are the central touchscreen, rearview camera, Bluetooth, and audio streaming/screen mirroring capabilities. Arguably, the interior build quality on the first-generation Creta was better, too.

Here is a prime example of a 2017 first-generation model.

 

Got a bit more to spend? 

From R260 000 you can buy a pre-loved, low-mileage Hyundai Kona. Also, look at a used Suzuki Vitara from about R220 000 and up. The recently launched Suzuki Vitara Brezza  (2021 models — from about R230 000 for a lightly-used model) and Toyota's Urban Cruiser also make compelling first cars, while the new Renault Kiger (R200 000 and up for a brand-new model) should also meet a new driver's needs nicely. 

 

How about other (used) alternatives?

We can wholeheartedly recommend the slightly larger Hyundai ix35 (which used to be the Tucson, until it became the ix35, and is now the Tucson again).