Why Hyundai gets the motor running
What a sweet surprise members of the Hyundai vehicle fleet proved this Valentine’s Day with their pricing, styling and practicality.
Since the brand arrived in the country during the 1990’s it has been fighting an uphill battle against public perception.
But over the last two decades Hyundai has steadily impressed SA consumers with its warranties, affordability and ever-improving design.
Following a test-drive in Port Elizabeth with the impressive Santa Fe, the nimble and nippy Accent, and the memorable Creta, the braai time chatter of “buy German” was somewhat challenged.
Kelston Motor Group afforded World of Wheels (WOW) and other journalists and influencers the opportunity to see why, since its inception, Hyundai SA has managed to establish a network of more than 110 dealerships in Southern Africa, including Namibia and Botswana.
And while the Hyundai cars were one of the four manufacturing brands on offer to test drive, the Creta Executive 1.6 diesel easily encouraged WOW to instead spend Valentine’s Day falling in love with the brand.
The bigger grill, chrome finished bull-bar, comfortable leather interior, modern dashboard and touch screen setup all allow the car to come to the fore and compete in the popular mid-sized sports utility vehicle (SUV) market.
The stiffer suspension coupled by the 94 kW engine producing 260 Nm provide a particularly enjoyable drive on rough roads.
The cheaper, 91 kilowatt, 156 Nm, Accent 1.6 is very responsive and serves it purpose as a practical daily ride to a tee.
The sleek styling, spacious interior and “mafia sized boot” as well as the claimed 6.1 per 100 km fuel economy all play in its favour.
However neither compare to the robust Sante Fe.
The robust grill, 2.2l turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine putting out 144 kW and 436 Nm, and surprising amount of interior extras ranging from heating and cooling seats to its elaborate cockpit-styled dash put the seven-seater all-wheel drive vehicle in the big leagues– with a much smaller price tag.
All three vehicles come standard with the iconic seven year/ 200,000km Hyundai warranty and a host of optional extras.
The Creta is competitively priced starting at R349,000, while the Accent starts at R249,000 and the Sante Fe at R599,000.