Business Day (Nigeria)

Locally assembled new Hyundai CRETA launched in Nigeria

- CALEB OJEWALE

Alocally assembled allnew CRETA by Hyundai Motor Nigeria has been launched, with the redesigned SUV model expected to create unparallel­ed driving experience­s for customers across the region.

Unveiled during a press launch at the weekend, the second-generation CRETA has been transforme­d into the ultimate sub-compact SUV for any terrain.

The locally assembled second generation of CRETA SUV follows the company’s local assembly initiative since 2014, which has seen it delivering world-class vehicles to the Nigerian market, from local assembling.

Building on the earlier CRETA model, the new variant is more spacious, boasts improved features and utilizes state-of-the-art technologi­es to meet the complete needs of working profession­als, young peer group and families.

As official dealers of the brand in Nigeria, Gaurav Vashisht, head, Sales and Marketing at Hyundai Motors Nigeria, explained one of the main benefits for buyers is the fiveyear warranty, which ensures any issues arising from manufactur­ing faults are covered free including labour. He also noted that the vehicles are not made of excessivel­y complex technologi­es so are easy to maintain for users.

Central to Hyundai’s vision of delivering a superior experience is performanc­e and the CRETA is installed with highly evolved powertrain engines, which will bring more power and cleaner emissions.

“Developing high- quality vehicles are at the core of our vision and this is reflected with the allnew Hyundai CRETA model,” said Vashisht.

According to him, “Since the first model was launched, the CRETA has become one of the most popular vehicles and the latest version is set to be a game-changer in the subcompact SUV segment. From top to bottom, we have crafted the car carefully, pushing the boundaries to ensure that it stands out on the road and is equipped with a wide range of improved features that will deliver even more fun-loving driving experience­s.

“Ultimately, the new CRETA is no like no other vehicle. It’s a true urban crossover with loads of versatilit­y that is modern, sensuous and sporty in design.”

The all- new Creta comes with a choice of three engines. The Smart stream G1.5 ( maximum power of 115ps/ 6,300rpm and ma x i mum t orq u e of 14.7kgf.m/4,500rpm) and the Kappa 1.4T- GDI ( 140ps/ 6,000rpm and 24.7kgf.m/1,500-3,200rpm) are both gasoline engines, providing better fuel economy on the roads.

Offering more choice is the diesel U2 1.5 VGT (DSL) engine, which has a maximum power of 115ps/4,000rpm and a maximum torque of 25.5kgf.m/1,500-2,750rpm.

To match the performanc­e, Hyundai has made significan­t improvemen­ts to both the interior and exterior including the size. At 4,300mm (length) and 1,790mm (width), the outside of the CRETA is 20mm and 10mm bigger respective­ly than the first model.

The masculine personalit­y on the front is reflected through the grille’s bold and rectangula­r latticewor­k, holding a bigger and more striking H-logo as well as distinctiv­e two-tier headlamps. The addition of sinewy character lines over the clamshellt­ype bonnet also reinforces the masculine identity.

The quality of the exterior is replicated inside with the increase in size providing more space, comfort and convenienc­e.

The vehicle is to retail for N12.9 million, with a second option of N11.9 million that has a slight difference in some features. For both options; shape, size, dimension, engine, transmissi­on remain the same, while difference­s come in leather seats, infotainme­nt, and rear parking camera for instance.

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