"The new Creta comes in five derivatives with two specification levels — Premium and Executive. A 1,5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine, a 1,5-litre turbocharged diesel engine and a 1,4 turbocharged petrol-engine are the power sources for the range. They are used in combination with a manual transmission, an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) and a dual-clutch automatic transmission for the flagship Creta TGDI Executive", reports Hyundai SA.
Here's how much the local line-up of Cretas cost:
Creta 1.5 Premium (manual), R 374 900
Creta 1.5 Executive IVT, R 429 900
Creta 1.5 Executive IVT (2-tone), R 434 900
Creta 1.5 Executive Diesel (automatic), R 469 900
Creta 1.5 Executive Diesel (automatic) (2-tone), R 474 900
Creta 1.4 TGDI Executive DCT (2-tone), R 484 900
Related: Hyundai Creta (2021) First Drive Impression
1. Entry- and mid-range models: A naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine
The 1,5-litre naturally aspirated engine powers the entry-level Creta 1.5 Premium (6 MT), and the Creta 1.5 Executive with the new IVT. This engine delivers 85 kW peak power at 6 300 r/min. and 144 Nm maximum torque at 4 500 r/min.
"Among other improvements, Hyundai has equipped the new 1,5-litre petrol engine with two injectors per cylinder and applies advanced valve timing, called Middle Position Lock CVVT, to improve efficiency", states Hyundai.
Hyundai's figure for fuel consumption is rated at 6.5 litres per 100 km, and one tank should give you around 769 km. Please note that this is the manufacturer's figure and is likely to be around 1-3 litres per 100 km higher. Hyundai reckons the IVT model will give you 6.3 litres per 100 km and its range is 794 km.
0 - 100 km/h sprint time for the manual model: 12.2 seconds. The 1.5-litre IVT model is 0.2 seconds slower.
2. One 1.5-litre turbodiesel
The new turbodiesel, with 85 kW of peak power at 4 000 r/min. and 250 Nm maximum torque between 1 500 and 2 750 r/min., delivers power in the Creta 1.5 Executive Diesel. It is mated to a 6-speed auto 'box.
"The cylinder block’s weight has been trimmed by 5 kg and power output and fuel efficiency improved by a new fuel injection system", says Hyundai.
The diesel is my favourite in the line-up, with consumption of only 5.9 litres per 100 km and an even quicker 0-100 km/h sprint time of 11.7 seconds. Range is estimated to be 848 km.
3. A turbocharged, 1.4-litre petrol engine in the flagship model
"The new 1,4-litre turbocharged petrol engine is reserved for the flagship derivative — the Creta 1.4 TGDI Executive with the 7-speed DCT and a two-tone exterior colour finish."
This engine delivers 103 kW peak power at 6 000 r/min., and 242 Nm maximum torque between 1 500 and 3 200 r/min.
This dual-clutch automatic derivative consumes 7.2 litres per 100 km and crosses the 0-100 km/h finish line in only 7.2 seconds. Range is said to be 694 km.
Verdict
While the turbodiesel model is my first choice, it's not cheap, costing R40 000 more than the naturally-aspirated, 1.5 Executive at R429 900 with a CVT gearbox. Better yet, opt for the entry-level model, but remember that you'll only be getting 2 airbags instead of 6 and it's only available in manual configuration.
The turbo-diesel is the efficiency winner but if you're counting pennies, rather wait for a demo model or buy a nearly-new lightly-used, low mileage Creta with this specific engine. Pre-facelift models can also be had at decent prices.
Related: Top safety features on a new Hyundai Creta
Source: Hyundai SA
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