Hyundai Creta 1,6 Executive
Does the entry-level Creta offer enough substance to complement Hyundai’s popular range of family SUVS?
R324 900
H12,41 sec 90 kw/150 N.m 165 km/h YUNDAI South Africa may have taken its time before officially launching the Creta into the local market, but with monthly sales of this small crossover having quickly risen to levels consistently complementing those of the company’s chart-topping Tucson SUV, the decision to wait for optimal market conditions appears to have been an inspired one.
Sharing a platform with its somewhat more characterful Kia Soul cousin, the local Creta range consists of only three derivatives, the most affordable of which features the company’s naturally aspirated Gamma 1,6-litre petrol engine with a six-speed manual gearbox. Although not necessarily the most fashionable transmission type, as we’ve recently been reminded via a number of similarly powered test units of late, 9,48 L/100 km 162 g/km there’s still much to like about a well-engineered manual drivetrain; not least the purchase-price discount associated with opting to self shift. In the case of the Creta 1,6, this translates to a R20 000 saving compared with the sixspeed automatic version with this powertrain.
With 90 kw and 150 N.m of torque available at 4 850 r/min, the slick workings of this Creta’s manual transmission are appreciated, especially with fairly regular shifts required in order to maintain positive momentum in a model that topped our scales at nearly 1,3 tonnes. That said, once up to speed, the tallest two ratios make for suitably relaxed cruising; just be ready to downshift well ahead of any planned overtaking manoeuvres.
As noted in our previous test of the range-topping 1,6 CRDI Executive (March 2017 issue), and, indeed, currently being appreciated in our long-term example of that same model, the Creta is impressively well put together. The cabin, with its good level of perceived quality, plays its part in making this Indian-built Hyundai feel suitably upmarket and premium, certainly aligning itself nicely alongside its more expensive Tucson sibling.