Hyundai is fast gaining an enviable reputation as a purveyor of high-quality and aspirational sport-utility and crossover vehicles and its current model onslaught has gained even more traction with the local introduction of the Grand Creta.
The Creta nameplate is no stranger to South Africa, but the newcomer has a bit more up its sleeve than its lesser five-seater siblings: it has two extra seats, a longer body and wheelbase, an extensive list of standard kit and a superior ride. It also has distinctively different design features. And best the best news is that all of this comes at a very competitive price. With two specifications levels (Executive and Elite) and a combination of two different engines and gearboxes available, the Grand Creta line-up of five derivatives offers a wide choice to customers.
Exterior
The Grand Creta pairs a bold and tall stance with elegant design. The prominent front grille with its dark chrome accents immediately draws attention and while there’s a synergy with the rest of the Hyundai range, it gives the Grand Creta an identity of its own.
LED daytime running lights are standard on all derivatives and form part of the neat headlight cluster. LEDs are also used for the headlights and the rear light cluster on all derivatives. Viewed from the side, the body appears obviously longer, despite an increase of only 15 cm in wheelbase when compared to the smaller Creta. It certainly strikes an impressive pose, with bold wheel arches further enhanced by 17-inch wheels on Grand Creta Executive derivatives and 18-inchers on Elite models. At the rear, a dark chrome strip between the rear light clusters, a bold Hyundai logo above it and twin-tip, rounded square exhaust outlets round of the design.
Interior
The cabin of the Grand Creta smacks of quality, complete with premium dual-tone finishes and artificial leather seats in all derivatives. Key features of Elite models include a 10.2-inch Supervision cluster, push-button start, a sunroof, automatic climate control, blue ambient lighting strips and curtains for the rear windows that slide out of the door panels. Also part of the Elite package are electrically adjustable and cooling seats.
An infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen and connectivity for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto forms part of standard luxury features across the range, as is a steering wheel with multi-function buttons for the sound system and cruise control. Wireless smart-phone charging in the centre console is offered in all derivatives.
A highlight is – of course – the two additional seats that fold out of the floor of the boot area. Adults probably won’t be too comfortable in them, but they do make the Grand Creta a very practical and versatile vehicle. The second-row seatbacks can be folded down in a 60:40 ratio, which enables several seating configurations.
Safety
Several active safety features combine with static safety equipment such as frontal and side airbags for the driver and front passenger and two curtain airbags. Among the SmartSense active safety features are front and rear Park Assist for the Elite derivatives (front only for Executive level); Hill-Start Assist Control that prevents roll-back; and an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) for all versions. The outer seats in the second row are fitted with ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
Engine and transmission
The Hyundai Grand Creta comes with two powertrains that include a 2-litre Smartstream MPi engine and a Smartstream 1.5-litre diesel CRDi engine with options of a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission.
In the entry-level Executive versions, the 2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is coupled with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the turbocharged 1.5-litre diesel engine is linked with the six-speed automatic gearbox in an Executive and Elite derivative. There is also an Elite version with the 2-litre petrol engine and automatic transmission. All derivatives are driven through the front wheels. The petrol engine’s maximum power output is 117kW at 6 500r/min, and peak torque output of 191Nm is delivered at 4 500r/min. From the turbodiesel engine comes 85kW maximum power at 4 000r/min and peak torque of 250Nm between 1 500 and 2 750r/min.
The fuel efficiency of the turbodiesel models is worth a special mention. A consumption figure of less than 5 litres/100km can be obtained on the open road without too much effort, making the official combined cycle figure of 6.5 litres/100km very realistic. Fuel consumption for the petrol variants is listed as 8.5 litres/100km for the manual and 8.9 litres/100km for the versions with the automatic gearbox.
Suspension and drive modes
Elite derivatives of the Grand Creta have a front-wheel drive traction control system that makes it easier to navigate difficult driving terrain. Snow Mode is ideal for winter driving conditions, while Mud Mode will detect wheel slippage and distribute the torque to the wheel with the best traction. Sand Mode will ensure that the correct gear is selected and distribute torque between the front wheels to guarantee optimal traction.
In the Elite derivatives the driver can also select one of three drive modes. Eco delivers the best possible fuel consumption and Sport is for those times when more speed and power is needed. Normal is halfway between the two, offering the best of both worlds, so to speak.
The suspension consists of a MacPherson strut setup in front and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear. With the longer wheelbase of the Grand Creta it delivers a comfortable and quiet ride, with noticeably low levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), both on tarred and gravel roads.
Model line-up and Pricing
The prices of the Hyundai Grand Creta range are:
- 2.0 Executive MT: R 449 900
- 2.0 Executive AT: R 489 900
- 1.5 Executive Diesel AT: R 509 900
- 2.0 Elite AT: R 539 900
- 1.5 Elite Diesel AT: R 559 900
All Hyundai Grand Creta models have a 7-year/200 000km manufacturer’s warranty, a 4-year/60 000km service plan; and roadside assistance for 7 years or 150 000km.
