With over 33% of the new passenger vehicles being sold now falling under the SUV and crossover category in 2022, this is an important section of the market for automakers. One such manufacturer is Hyundai, which recently introduced an updated Creta that is now only available with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine. We have selected the mid-tier 1.5 Premium auto variant and will be comparing it with similarly priced derivatives of the Toyota Corolla Cross and Volkswagen Taigo to determine which offers the best value for money.
Practicality
The Toyota is the longest and widest product in this comparison, however, its boot is the same size as the Taigo's at 440-litres. The Hyundai is the smallest product here, with a 416-litre boot that expands to 1 384-litres with the rear seats folded flat.
Performance
In terms of performance, the Volkswagen has a clear advantage thanks to its low kerb weight and superior torque output versus the Hyundai. The Creta will likely be heavier on fuel than the Taigo in the real world as its naturally aspirated engine will have to work harder than its turbocharged counterpart. The Toyota appears to offer the best combination of performance and fuel economy, providing reasonable acceleration thanks to its hybrid powertrain, which also endows it with low claimed fuel consumption.
| Hyundai Creta 1.5 Premium auto | Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XS | Volkswagen Taigo 1.0 TSI Life | |
| Engine | 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol | 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder petrol coupled with electric motor | 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Power | 84 kW | 90 kW | 85 kW |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 163 Nm | 200 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 11.8 sec | 11.0 sec | 10.0 sec |
| CO2 emissions | 143 g/km | 98 g/km | 123 g/km |
| Fuel consumption | 6.3 L/100km | 4.3 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Price | R429 900 | R425 400 | R429 900 |
*This table was compiled with information sourced from www.duoporta.co.za as well as the official press releases of each model.
Specification
The Hyundai has a reasonably good set of standard features with alloy wheels. airconditioning, multifunction steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, rear park distance control (PDC), cloth-covered seats, cruise control, 2 airbags, reverse camera, front and rear electric windows, front and rear USB ports and colour touchscreen infotainment system.
The Toyota and Volkswagen trade blows in the specification department with the Taigo featuring 6 airbags to the Toyota's 5 and front PDC, but the Corolla Cross hits back with larger 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control leather seats, keyless entry/start. Like the Creta, both the Corolla Cross and Taigo feature colour touchscreen infotainment systems, reverse cameras, rear PDC, multifunction steering wheels, ISOFIX child seat anchor points and LED headlights, among others.
Safety
The Creta received a 3-Star rating from Global NCAP, scoring 3-Stars for adult and child occupant safety. The Corolla Cross was evaluated by the ASEAN NCAP programme and received a 5-Star rating while the Taigo was tested by Euro NCAP, where it achieved the maximum 5-Star rating. It is challenging to compare crash test ratings given by different programmes, however, it is safe to assume that the Toyota and the Volkswagen are the two safest vehicles in this comparison.
Warranty and maintenance
In the warranty department, the Hyundai and Toyota have an advantage. The Creta comes with a 5-year/150 000km car warranty as well as an additional 7-year/200 000km drivetrain warranty and a 4-year/60 000km service plan. The Corolla Cross gets a 3-year/100 000km warranty and an 8-year/195 000km hybrid battery warranty as well as a 6-service/90 000km service plan. The Volkswagen offers a 3-year/120 000km warranty and a 3-year/45 000km service plan.
Verdict
Looking at the data, the locally-produced Toyota Corolla Cross appears to offer the best value for money, with solid performances in each category. Despite the victory for the Toyota, both the Hyundai and Volkswagen are impressive products in their own right.
