It is a very rare occasion when car prices come down outside of some sort of mad discounting promotion but Hyundai has managed to add specification to the new Creta and bring down the price compared to the outgoing model – by 4,17% on the 1.5 manual Premium, 2,16% on the IVT Premium and 0,5% on the IVT Executive.
Exterior changes are relatively minor and involve a slight tweaking of the front and bumper and the front grille, both of these giving the SUV a more streamlined appearance without making any sort of bold and quickly dated statement.
It is on the inside where value has been added across the range that now comprises five derivatives including two matt black options.
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Creta MY24 Summary - Spec Changes vs MY23
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1.5 Premium MT MY24 | 1.5 Premium IVT MY24/ Matte
| 1.5 Executive IVT MY24/ Matte
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CONVENIENCE |
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SMART KEY(FOB) & BUTTON START | - | Y | Y |
WINDOW CONTROL POWER(DRIVER ; AUTO UP/DOWN & SAFETY) | Y | Y | Y |
SUPERVISION WITH 10.25" TFT LCD INFO | CONVENTIONAL WITH 3.5" | CONVENTIONAL WITH 3.5" | Y |
SAFETY |
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LFA (LANE FOLLOWING ASSIST) | - | - | Y |
BCA (BLIND-SPOT COLLISION-AVOIDANCE ASSIST); REAR | - | - | Y |
LKA (LANE KEEPING ASSIST); LINE/ROAD-EDGE and FCA (Forward Collison Avoidance) | - | - | Y |
EXTERIOR |
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ALLOY 17 INCH WHEELS | Y | Y (Black Alloys on Matt option) | Y (Black Alloys on Matt option) |
LED DRL | Y | Y | Y |
MATT EXTERIOR COLOUR | - | Opt | Opt |
INTERIOR |
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SEAT COVERING ARTIFICIAL LEATHER | Y | Y | Y |
LEATHER STEERING WHEEL & TGS KNOB | Y | Y | Y |
The additional specification, particularly for the base manual model moves the Creta much closer into contention with some of the similarly-sized Chinese SUV offerings and it is a fight Hyundai South Africa is taking seriously – even upping its parts stock orders by three months to offset the delays at the ports.
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The 1,5-litre engine produces 84 kW at 6 300 r/min and 144 Nm of torque at 4 500 r/min, which is inline with the likes of the Honda HR-V and Kia Seltos, although the latter does have more torque. Equally, fuel consumption at a claimed 6,3 l/100 km is within the ballpark of the other similarly priced competitors, making the Creta – even at Executive level – an attratcie proposition.
Although the dashboard and surrounds are plastic, both the look and feel are more upmarket and shy away from the ‘plasticky’ texture found in some cars.
A brief launch drive reaffirmed the Creta has a solid feel on the road, responding to both steering and throttle input swiftly and accurately. The light and responsive steering made manoeuvring through traffic and parking a breeze while still providing good feedback to the driver through faster corners.
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The matt variants look sensational but buyers need to understand this paint technology requires a major change in approach to cleaning and the car cannot be taken to a standard car wash and needs gentle, specific attention - all of which is explained in detail at the dealership.
A full Road Review will appear soon.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
proudly ALL THINGS MOTORING
