Hyundai’s Creta range in South Africa has received another mid-life boost with the addition of two new Matte Edition derivatives, more convenience and safety features, and a reduction in the price of certain versions of this medium-size SUV.
What is it?
The Creta range still comprises three derivatives with two different specification levels: Premium and Executive, both using a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as the power source in combination with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), which is the only choice for the Executive.
An exciting new feature of the range is the addition of an optional matte exterior paint finish, which comes with three options: Midnight Black Matte, Magnetic Silver Matte, or Optic White Matte – available in both the Premium and Executive specification versions.
Exterior:
The Hyundai Creta’s exterior styling remains the same but, apart from the new exterior paint finish, the new Matte Edition has undergone a few subtle changes to the lower part of the nose and rear design.
The daytime running lights, LEDs on all derivatives, are still incorporated into the parametric jewel pattern grille.
Apart from the different body paint finishes, special glossy black 17-inch black rims distinguish the Matte Edition versions from the other Cretas in the range.
The A and C pillars of the Matte Edition cars are finished in high gloss black, and the front and rear skid plates sport a matte black colour versus the silver of the other Cretas. Door handles and outside rearview mirrors of the Matte Edition also have a high gloss black finish.
Six body colours are available in the 2024 model year Creta range: Magnetic Silver, Optic White, Titan Grey Metallic, Midnight Black Pearl, Dragon Red Pearl and Galaxy Blue Pearl. Added to this are the three Matte Edition options in black, silver and white.
Interior:
On the inside, the Creta sports the same cabin with its clean, sometimes minimalistic fascia and trim. It is a spacious car, also for rear passengers, who benefit from added comfort in the form of a centre arm rest with cup holders. The driver seat’s height can also be adjusted.
The Premium derivatives in the Creta range now also come with artificial leather covering for the seats, gear lever knob and steering wheel, and automatic up or down one-touch power control of the driver’s window.
Matte Edition versions, in Premium as well as Executive guise, are equipped with button start control and smart key entry.
The Smart Sense Safety package in the Creta Executive version contains Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, a Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Follow Assist, Driver Fatigue Detection with a warning function, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert to warn about passing cars, cyclists or pedestrians behind the car.
Engines:
A 4-cylinder petrol engine with a 1 497cc displacement is used to power the Creta. It is linked to either a 6-speed manual gearbox for the Premium or an automatic Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) for both Premium and Executive versions, and the car is driven through the front wheels.
The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine delivers 84kW peak power at 6 300r/min and 144Nm maximum torque at 4 500r/min.
Pricing:
With the addition of the Matte Edition, the prices of three of the 2024 model year derivatives have seen a slight reduction. The pricing of the new Creta range is:
Creta 1.5 Premium MT (R449 900), Creta 1.5 Premium IVT (R479 900), Creta 1.5 Premium IVT Matte Edition (R484 900), Creta 1.5 Executive IVT (R519 900) and the Creta 1.5 Executive IVT Matte Edition (R524 900).
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