Latest Hyundai CRETA bears many Tucson traits

Everyone is calling the new Hyundai CRETA the baby Tucson. Considering that the Tucson is a 2017 South Africa Car of the Year finalist, not to mention strikingly styled, this is a favourable association to be made, stirring up the next wave of momentum from the Korean manufacturer.

Outside

Up front the Hyundai CRETA sports projector headlamps with LED positioning lamps, a dual tone bumper, triple slat chrome radiator grill and creased hood lines to grant a glimpse into its SUV-like nature. To show it’s wired with DNA from the rest of the Hyundai range, the rear sees a dual layered step tail gate design, paying homage to Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy. To round off the SUV appearance and increased practicality, the CRETA wears a pair of roof rails and 16” alloy wheels.

Inside

Stepping inside the Hyundai CRETA is a different experience – in a good way. With exterior looks of an SUV one would expect the interior to correspond but instead the inside represents the easy ergonomics of a light city car. One of the biggest highlights of the interior is the ability to comfortably fit five adults inside and it’s more than likely that none of the adults rear occupants will complain about leg room.  The CRETA sports a desperately needed 8-inch infotainment system including navigation, two-tone leather seats, a multifunction leather steering wheel, rear air vents, and a rear arm rest with cup holders.

Under the bonnet

The 2017 Hyundai CRETA is available in three derivatives – two petrol variants and one diesel.

The first of the petrol is the 1.6 Executive manual, which features a 1.6-litre four-cylinder  engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission producing 90kW and 150Nm maximum torque and a fuel consumption figure of 7,9 litres per 100km.

The automatic transmission petrol variant, the CRETA 1.6 Executive automatic , uses the same 1.6-litre petrol engine but has a slightly higher fuel consumption at 8,4 litres per 100km.

Last but not least is the CRDi derivative, which offers the most torque and best fuel consumption of the three with a maximum power output of 94kW, 260Nm of torque and an average fuel consumption of 7,4 litres per 100km. The 1,6-litre turbodiesel transfers power to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission

Driving Impression

The diesel motor, with its naturally broader torque range requires less time for speed build up which makes power delivery smoother than the petrol variant. However the manual transmission on the petrol powered Hyundai CRETA is rather satisfying when it comes to gear selection.

The suspension seemed to be the strong suit of the CRETA. Hyundai has implemented an all-new design for the front suspension which results in rather excellent ride quality.  From smooth cruising on paved roads to bumpy unpaved roads, the CRETA comes with the usual high quality noise insulation to match very supple suspension that’s perfectly suited to our roads.

throughout.

Pricing

CRETA 1.6 EXECUTIVE M/T                           R319,900

CRETA 1.6 EXECUTIVE A/T                            R339,900

CRETA 1.6 EXECUTIVE DIESEL A/T              R369,900

The CRETA comes with a 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a 2 year/50 000 km powertrain warranty and a 5-year/90 000km service plan.