Hyundai Creta range gets a flashy new flagship derivative!

Hyundai’s Creta range, which has been a stalwart in the brand’s local model line-up, has grown with the addition of a flagship derivative with several attractive styling cues that sets it apart from its siblings.

Only 500 of the special Cretas ­– with a “Limited Edition” badge on the hatchback door to denote the newcomer’s exclusive status – will be sold in South Africa. The special treatment is available for all three Creta variants: the 1.6 Executive manual, the 1.6 Executive automatic, and the 1.6 Executive turbodiesel automatic.

Apart from the Limited Edition moniker, the following features will distinguish the new addition from the other derivatives:

• A black roof – to create a two-tone exterior with the white body paint finish;
• Exclusive two-tone 17” alloy wheel rims;
• A black and red interior, with red inserts on the dashboard and red stitching on the leather seats; and
• An infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity. Customers can also buy an optional SD card at a price of R2 100 for an off-line navigation function if they do not want to use Google Maps, Waze or Apple’s Maps on Apple Carplay or Android Auto.

As with the other Creta derivatives, buyers of the Limited Edition also have the option of customising their compact Hyundai SUV further with the fitment of a black or chromed front nudge bar and black or chromed side skirts.

Since its launch in 2017 Hyundai Automotive South Africa has sold more than 11 600 Cretas and this model has constantly been at the top of its market segment. The Creta portrays a strong road presence and embodies the aggressive stance of an SUV in its own style. It slots in below its Tucson SUV sibling, both in terms of size and price.

Convenience features in the Creta include air vents for the rear passengers, a rear armrest with cup holders, cruise control and rear park assist sensors and camera that displays its image on the screen of the infotainment system. The multi-function steering wheel, with remote controls for the sound system and buttons for the trip computer and system information, is also covered in leather.

Static bending headlamps that improve side visibility when the vehicle turns in a curve on the road or at crossroads is not only a convenience, but also comes standard and improves safety for the driver at night.

The three engine/gearbox combinations in the Creta range that will be available as the Limited Edition are:

Creta 1.6 Executive Manual – 4-cylinder 1,6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The engine delivers maximum power of 90 kW at 6 300 r/min., with torque peaking at 150 Nm at 4 850 r/min. Fuel consumption was measured at 7,9 litres/100 km.

Creta 1.6 Executive Automatic – The same petrol engine as above but coupled with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The fuel consumption measured for this derivative is 8,4 litres/100 km.

Creta 1.6 Executive Turbodiesel Automatic – This derivative uses a 1,6-litre turbocharged diesel engine, together with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Maximum power delivery is 94 kW at 4 000 r/min., and its torque peak of 260 Nm is reached at 2 750 r/min. It has recorded a fuel consumption figure of 7,4 litres/100 km in a real-world, combine test cycle. The engine is equipped with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) that monitors the throttle and changes vane geometry accordingly, which in turn regulates turbo boost pressure for a smooth acceleration and maximum power at low engine speed.

The Creta’s exceptional ride quality and outstanding road holding are achieved by a McPherson strut front suspension with gas dampers. An optimized caster angle delivers a more stable, smoother high-speed travel. At the rear, revised geometries of the dampers used with the coupled torsion beam axle deliver an increased lever ratio that generates gentle understeer for better cornering performance.

The Creta can boast with class-leading noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels due to the use of enhanced sound absorption materials and advanced engineering design of the engine, transmission and body structural parts that ensures a quiet cabin.  NVH levels have been also been well contained with the use of dash board insulators, anti-vibration pads, a sound-deadener coating on the floor, optimized engine mounts, tunnel area rigidity and the application of a dual sealing structure on doors.

The Creta is one of the toughest and strongest SUVs in its segment. It is designed with a strong “Hive structure” body shell that ensures high structural strength stability and sturdiness. The ring-shaped frames applied at B-Pillar, C-Pillar and engine bay brings a significant increase in body stiffness, which ensures precise handling while maintaining excellent ride quality.Safety features in the Creta include dual front and side airbags for driver and passenger, and curtain airbags for protection of rear passengers as well. The Creta is also equipped with an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Braking Distribution (EBD).

Pricing

The prices of the Creta Limited Edition range are:

Included in the recommended retail price of the Creta is Hyundai’s 7-year/200 000 km manufacturers’ warranty, while roadside assistance for 5 years or 150 000 km and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan adds further value to the package. Service intervals are 15 000 km.