Hyundai’s Creta range has been treated to a midlife upgrade which includes more convenience and safety features as well as a price reduction on certain derivatives. The Creta will now also be offered with two new Matte Edition derivatives that offer an exciting premium look.
The Creta range continues to include three derivatives and two specification levels, namely Premium and Executive.
Fresh new styling
The striking exterior styling, which includes an attractive front grille and lighting design remains unchanged. The LED daytime running lights, are still incorporated into the parametric jewel pattern grille which makes the Creta look like a smaller sibling of the Tucson.
An exciting new feature to the range is the addition of an optional matte exterior paint finish which is available in three colour options including Midnight Matte Black, Magnetic Silver Matte or Optic White Matte as an option on both Premium and Executive derivatives.
Apart from the striking finish Matte Edition models also feature a few subtle changes to the lower part of the nose and rear design.
Matte Edition derivatives are also distinguished by unique glossy black 17-inch rims. The A and C pillars, door handles and mirrors of the Matte Edition cars are finished in high gloss black while the front and rear skid plates feature a matte black colour as opposed to the silver or body colour for these parts on regular Creta models.
The new Creta model range is available in a total of nine colours including Magnetic Silver, Optic White, Titan Grey Metallic, Midnight Black Pearl, Dragon Red Pearl and Galaxy Blue Pearl as well as the three Matte Edition options in black, silver and white.
Slightly updated interior
The interior remains unchanged and features a clean, minimalistic fascia and trim. Rear passengers now benefit from the added comfort of a centre armrest with cup holders that folds out of the backrest. The driver’s seat height can now be adjusted, which along with the telescopic and height adjustment of the steering allows drivers of all shapes and sizes to find a comfortable driving position.
Premium derivatives are now fitted with artificial leather covering for the seats, gear lever knob and steering wheel as well as automatic up or down one touch electric control of the driver’s window.
All Matte Edition variants boast a start button that works in conjunction with the smart key entry. Standard convenience features across the range include a multifunction steering wheel with remote buttons for the infotainment system, trip computer and cruise control. Executive models add a wireless charging pad as well as remote control buttons for the operation of the lane Departure Warning and Lane Follow Assist to the offering.
Centrally located in the fascia is an eight-inch infotainment system that incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A Bluetooth system with voice control enables the driver or passengers to select several functions through voice commands.
Charging ports include a USB connection in the centre console, an extra 12V power socket as well as a USB charging socket in the rear air conditioning console for rear seat passengers.
Parking is made easy thanks to rear park assist sensors and camera. An electronic park brake with a Hill-start Assist Control function frees up space in the centre console.
Under the bonnet
All Creta derivatives are powered by a four-cylinder, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that offers 84kW at 6 300rpm and 144Nm at 4 500rpm. This engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or an Intelligent Variable Transmission, which is the only option on Executive models.
Great ride and handling qualities
The Creta offers a comfortable ride both on tar and gravel roads thanks to the use of McPherson strut front suspension and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear as well as 200mm of ground clearance.
Standard safety equipment
The Smart Sense Safety package fitted to Executive derivatives includes Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, a Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Follow Assist, Driver Fatigue Detection with a warning function, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
All Creta derivatives are fitted with front airbags for the driver and front passenger. Elite derivatives add to this with the addition of side and two curtain airbags that offer protection for rear seat passengers too.
Electronic Stability Control offers added safety while a tyre pressure monitoring system gives an early warning of a flat tyre.
Model range and pricing
All Creta derivatives are sold with a seven-year/200 000km manufacturer’s warranty, a four-year/60 000km service plan and roadside assistance for seven years of 150 000km.
Creta 1.5 Premium MT R449 900
Creta 1.5 Premium IVT R479 900
Creta 1.5 Premium IVT (Matte Edition) R484 900
Creta 1.5 Executive IVT R519 900
Creta 1.5 Executive IVT (Matte Edition) R524 900
