Considering Hyundai South Africa hasn’t had much to shout about in terms of new models in the past two years, the Korean carmaker remains the country’s fourth best-selling brand. In that time, about 100 Chinese compact SUVs have been unveiled.
There will be an uptick in activity from Hyundai in the months to come. The new Venue will arrive in November, the Stargazer will be here early next year, and the all-new Tucson should touch down in mid-2027.
But for now, it’s all about the Hyundai Creta, which we had the chance to take for a short spin at the media launch earlier this month.
Only two models
There are only two models in the range. The new 1.5 Premium with continuously variable transmission (CVT) replaces the previous manual 1.5 Premium, and comes in a full R45 000 less at R434 900.
The 1.5 Executive is also gone, and now there’s a sporty 1.5T N Line available for the first time, retailing for R569 900.
This decision was a strategic one. To push volume these days, you have to offer something lower down on the price scale, which is what the Chinese brands are so good at.
And then you need a halo model to keep your brand enthusiasts happy.
Range opener
We didn’t get to drive the 1.5 Premium, which produces 84kW of power and 144Nm of torque from its 1,5ℓ naturally aspirated engine.
Specs for this model include 17” alloy wheels, rear combination lamps, electric folding mirrors, USB charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth with voice recognition, automatic headlamp control, 4,2” supervision display, and keyless entry and start.
Safety features include front, thorax, and curtain airbags; ABS brakes with electronic stability control; hill-start assist control; ISOFIX child-seat mounting points; parking distance warning; rear-view monitor; and tyre pressure monitoring.
Sluggish starter
We did get to have a go in the 1.5T N Line. This model offers a 1,5ℓ turbo-petrol engine that produces 118kW and 253Nm. With the CVT swapped out for a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), you’d think this mix of power and a snappy gearbox would make this Hyundai Creta somewhat of a little pocket rocket.
But the reality is that the accelerator was a little slow to react when stomped on, even in Sport mode. And when the power did come in, it resulted in a wheelspin.
It was better out on the open road, and I’d like to think that an owner would get used to this issue and adapt their driving style to suit.
Good looks
Visually, the N Line is easy on the eyes. The upgrade sees you getting roof racks, 18” alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights, and a satin-black grille.
Inside, the N Line treatment continues with sport seats, red stitching, panoramic sunroof, Bose sound system, and steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles.
The safety spotlight is firmly on vehicle manufacturers in South Africa, and here, the Hyundai Creta scores highly. Alongside luxuries like rear parking sensors, a 360° parking camera, and adaptive cruise control, you also get blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning, pre-collision avoidance, fatigue detection, and driver, passenger, side, and curtain airbags.
What’s the verdict?
Without a plan to be price competitive, you’ll be dead in the water in this new Chinese-driven South African motoring market. Hyundai’s decision to lower the price of the entry-level Creta is a masterstroke.
Vehicle pricing
Creta 1.5 Premium CVT – R434 900
Creta 1.5T N Line DCT – R569 900
Pricing includes a seven-year/200 000km manufacturer’s warranty and a four-year/60 000km service plan.
