Top 10 reasons to love the Hyundai Creta

1. It looks like a baby Tucson

The previous, somewhat frumpy design is now a thing of the past. The new front end looks stylish and futuristic thanks to the daytime running lamps incorporated into the "parametric jewel pattern" grille. It's much more exciting than the older models! Viewed from the side the Tucson looks well-balanced and muscular, while the rear headlamp design is modern and trendy.

 

2. It's supportive in all the right places

The Executive model boasts faux leather seats with a simple but upmarket stitching pattern - you'd never guess that it wasn't real leather (vegans, rejoice)! They're very comfortable and supportive - not too hard, not too soft, and the ideal driving position is easy to find. It just feels right. The steering wheel can also adjust telescopically if you prefer it closer to your chest.

 

3. The layout is simple, elegant, and ergonomic

The unfussy and minimalist interior of the dash and instrument panel also makes my brain feel less foggy - being met with a smorgasbord of buttons and switches or ultra-complex driving tech can sometimes leave a person a little bamboozled. Everything falls easy to hand - and I love the clear, easy-to-read analogue speedometer and rev counter design.

The touchscreen is a no-brainer to use with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which can be utilised with your voice, and the graphics are crystal clear. 

Between the BAIC Beijing X55, Haval Jolion and Creta, which one has the best infotainment system?

 

4. Its second row is spacious and the cargo area is roomy

Adults have more than enough room on the rear bench and the boot is a generous 416 litres which can become 1384 if you fold the second row of seats flat. Carpooling is a pleasure with space for 3 kids' school bags and sports equipment - I've tested it! Another child's stuff would easily fit in there too. (Pictured below is just my beach bag and some flip-flops)

 

5. Standard specification is extensive

It's the little creature comforts that go a long way, like the two USB ports up front with a 12V power socket in the middle, the USB port for row 2, and another 12V power socket in the boot. I used this power socket to plug in my inverter and charge my laptop. The rear air vents keep the kids nice and chilled in summer. 

High Beam Assist is another useful feature, as is the electronic parking brake. There is also a heating/cooling function for your coffee or cold drink inside the front central cupholders.

6. Decent ground clearance for climbing sidewalks

If you're always looking for parking at your kids' school, rest assured that you need not bake in the sun in a normal spot while you wait for the bell to ring! The Creta's ground clearance is 20 cm and the wheels are definitely more suited to dirt and gravel than the race track, so it's easily done - plus the standard rearview camera ensures you don't drive into a tree or over someone's school bag.

 

7. Its ride quality is smooth and the engine is refined

The 1.5-litre engine can hardly be heard when you're standing next to Creta, that's how quietly it runs. The IVT gearbox doesn't have that annoying drone either. And, when you're driving along, there's very little road noise inside the cabin, allowing me to hear my two teenagers moan at length about how hard life is.

The suspension is pliable without being too soft. The 84kW /144 Nm engine also packs enough punch without getting too thirsty.

The McPherson strut front suspension and coupled torsion beam axle (CTBA) for the rear wheels have been tuned to give the Creta an even more solid, surefooted feeling on both road surfaces than before.The CTBA, which includes trailing arms and carriers on which the rear wheels are mounted, offers improved compliance characteristics that are noticeable when the Creta encounters a mountain pass or a bumpy road. - Hyundai SA

 

8. It's fuel efficient

Our average consumption came to no more than 6.4 - 6.7 litres of petrol per 100 km in the Creta which is almost as good as a downsized diesel engine's. It's a pity the petrol tank is a bit small but it's not an issue if you live in the city or suburbs. R300 of petrol will fill up the tank halfway, and a full tank yields up to about 550-600 km at a stretch. (Based on the petrol price for January 2023 at the coast).

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9. It's safe

Premium models have front airbags while the Executive model we tested was equipped with 6, while ISOFIX child seat anchorage points and 5x 3-point safety belts are standard. Other safety equipment includes stability control and hill-start assist. It gets a five-star safety rating for the segment by ASEAN NCAP. The latest Creta is now manufactured in Indonesia.

BAIC Beijing X55 vs Haval Jolion vs Hyundai Creta: Which one has the best infotainment system?

 

10. That 7-year warranty

Seems impressive, but is it? What does it cover? Let's take a look:

1. A full 5-year / 150 000km overall warranty, related to potential manufacturing defects. This excludes normal wear and tear, with reasonable limitations.

2. The additional 2 years / 50 000km (making up the remainder of the 7 years / 200 000km) cover the drivetrain of the vehicle against manufacturing defects:

“Simply put, the drivetrain of the vehicle consists of all the mechanical parts or components that make the vehicle move, e.g. the engine, transmission (auto and manual), differential, driveshaft, prop-shafts and wheel bearings,” - Hyundai SA

All of this makes ownership just a little bit less stressful. Because of the brand's large dealer footprint and positive history in SA, I'd rather commit to a Hyundai than a still relatively unknown Chinese brand like BAIC or Haval. Cars like the BAIC Beijing X55 just haven't been in SA long enough for me to place complete trust in them.

Search AutoTrader for all new and used Hyundai Creta models NOW>

 

Model lineup and pricing

Hyundai Creta 1.5 Premium, R428 900

Hyundai Cretea 1.5 Premium auto, R448 900

Hyundai Creta 1.5 Executive, R489 900 (our test model)

 

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ENDS