Solid all rounder
Introduction: The 11-year-old version of the ix
(called an ix 25 in China) does an excellent job at standing out in this
subcompact crossover SUV market. Positioned above the Venue and below the
Tucson, the Creta offers a lot to its enlightened and naïve buyer. I see this exceedingly
aggressive market becoming more and more about how manufacturers deliver their
promise to a rapidly growing customer base that can make informed and educated
decisions thanks to the incredible availability of information on the web.
Marketers have their work cut out in this space, but Hyundai have nothing to
worry about as they do themselves proud in this very necessary link to the
product cycle.
Engine/ Economy/ Drive/ Comfort: The 1.5 Liter
petrol engine delivers 84 kW and 144 Nm. of torque to the front wheels. Hyundai's
Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) is an automatic transmission that
continuously adjusts the gear ratio for optimal performance and fuel
efficiency, much like the CVT on other vehicles. The IVT offers a smoother and
more responsive driving experience compared to traditional automatic
transmissions, according to Hyundai. I found the drive wonderfully comfortable
and the accelerator responsive to the foot with a decent amount of power when
needed. Hyundai mention a fuel economy of 6.5 Liters per one hundred kilometres,
but I reached eight while putting the Creta through the necessary paces while
testing.
Features: There are many but herewith a few: Anti-lock
Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and an
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist*
(BCA) and the intelligent Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)*, a 26 cm Bluetooth
infotainment screen (well positioned on the user-friendly dashboard) and comes
standard with Android Auto and Apple Car play with voice control too, a wireless
charging station well positioned near the gear shift, multi-function steering
wheel, 12 V socket and the A type USB and for the back seat passengers there is
a USB charging port too . Other nice to haves include, auto hold electric
parking brake, Cruise control, a rear camera, electric side mirrors, drivers
auto window, excellent air-conditioning, LED headlights, remote key entry,
transponder immobiliser, alarm, and floor mats.
Interior/ Exterior/ Boot: The interior is awesome and ticks all the
ergonomic boxes you would want and expect from a Hyundai vehicle. I loved the
look and feel of the dashboard and loved the durable materials used. It looks clean
and crisp and is both tactile and not cluttered. At an additional ZAR5 000
(included in the below price), the Creta can be ordered with a matte exterior
finish. Available in black, white, or grey, owners must sign an acknowledgement
of the care instructions associated with this finish. Example: You cannot go
through those car washes with rotating brushes. Included in this extra, are black
alloy wheels and a gloss black finish on the pillars, sills, side mirrors and
(in Executive trim) roof rails. I had the grey version, and it looked superb
and turned many a head at the local PnP when parking to shop for one of my weekly
braai’s. The boots 416 Liters of space is impressive and easily fits your
weekends luggage and groceries for a family of four. I loved the 200-millimetre
ground clearance that allows you the confidence to visit some of those places
in KZN’s gorgeous midlands, normally reserved for bigger SUV’s.
Price/ Warranty/ Service Plan: R524 900, with
a 5-year/ 150 000 km manufacturer warranty, 7 year / 150 000 km road
assist, 2 year/ 50 000 km powertrain warranty and a 4-year, 60000 km service
plan with 15000 km service intervals.
In Summary: Yes, I would buy this car without
even thinking twice about it. It looks good, is clutter free, drives well, is
spacious, offers good fuel economy, is comfortable, has an incredible ground
clearance, has a good-sized boot, has many features and is in my opinion, is an overall
Solid all-rounder.
*This article is written in my opinion only. For
detailed information on the specs, please contact Hyundai SA*
