The all new Hyundai Creta SUV was launched locally in February last year and fills an important slot in the local model range, having sold over 8 000 units to date. The 2019 Hyundai Creta range, launched locally just a few weeks ago, comprises three derivatives, starting with the 1.6 Executive manual, then up a notch to the Creta 1.6 Executive automatic then to the top of the range Creta 1.6 Executive Turbo-diesel automatic which is the model we feature here this week.

The new Creta range has received an exterior makeover comprising Hyundai’s trademark cascade grille with a chrome bezel, a new front bumper with dual-tone finish and skid plates, new fog lamps and LED Daylight Running Lights; cornering lights, and a new set of roof rails with a lower profile. The rear profile of the Creta has also been revised with slightly tweaked tail-lamps with LED inserts, repositioned reflectors, a new rear skid plate, rear wash and wipe, a shark fin antenna and an all-new alloy wheel design, which on the test car was shod with 205/65R16 Goodyear radials plus a full-sized wheel and a tyre under the boot-board.

The seats are covered in two-tone full-leather upholstery which looks good. The front bucket seats are fully adjustable to provide a comfortable driving position, while the rear bench seat, being wider than most in this segment, can accommodate three adults with reasonable comfort. The leather-bound four spoke multi-function steering wheel is adjustable, tilt only. It houses the remote controls for the sound system and buttons for the trip computer, and system information. The center dash board console houses the infotainment and satellite navigation system with an 8-inch high-definition full-colour touch screen. The sound system's output can be customized to individual tastes and can act as a Mirror-link for an Android cell-phone or an iPod music display from an iPhone connected via a USB cord. The infotainment system in the Creta also offers an optional satellite navigation feature, which has to be activated with a SD card at a cost of R2 522. Convenience features in the Creta include; electric windows front and rear, fold-in electric exterior rear-view mirrors, auto-dip interior mirror, air vents for the rear passengers, a rear armrest with cup holders, cruise control and rear park assist sensors and a camera that displays its images on the screen of the infotainment system. The Creta accommodates five people quite comfortably; there are five headrests, two in front and three for the rear seat passengers with about 208 litres of boot space that can be increased to 992 litres with the rear backrest folded down.

Safety features in the Creta include; Dual front and side airbags for driver and passenger, and curtain airbags for protection of rear passengers as well. The Creta is also equipped with an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Braking Distribution (EBD). The Hyundai Creta 1.6 Executive Turbo-diesel 6-speed automatic, as tested, is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-charged diesel engine, mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. It develops its maximum power of 94 kW at 4 000 RPM with peak torque of 260 NM at 2 750 RPM. The tank holds 55 litres.

Hyundai quotes a fuel consumption figure of 8.4 litres per 100 km but over the period I had the Creta, I did a little better than that with the trip recorder reading just 8.2 liters per 100 kms in the combined cycle, which incredibly, is very good. In acceleration tests, leaving the automatic gearbox in manual mode, just floor the accelerator, and with a chirp from the front tyres, the Creta takes off and at the 4200 red line on the rev counter, the auto moves up to the next highest gear and passes the 100 km/h mark in 4th gear in a fraction under 12 seconds and on to a top speed of 180 km/h. And to scrub off the speed, the Creta has very good brakes bringing the SUV to a complete stop from 100 km/h in just under 3 seconds.

Driving the new Creta is an absolute pleasure, the vehicle is so well put together that with its luxurious leather upholstery, the interior is easily comparable to the more expensive vehicles. Start the engine and it is so quiet that even at idle, you’d probably not know that there was a diesel-powered unit under the bonnet. Travelling on the freeways, the Creta 1.6 Executive Turbo-diesel automatic impresses with its surprisingly perky performance and smooth shifting, automatic gearbox. Traveling at a steady 120 km/h, the motor spins at just 2 500 RPM in 6th gear, and when the road starts to twist and turn, the road-holding is excellent for an SUV despite its 190 mm ground clearance. Comfort wise, wind and tyre noise are well controlled and it’s so quiet in the cab that normal conversation is clearly heard.

I also tested the capability of the Creta on a gravel road which gets quite tough in sections, but I must say that the Creta's excellent ride quality and road holding in the dirt, was very good, thanks to the new McPherson strut front suspension with gas dampers, and an increased caster angle for a more stable ride. At the rear, revised geometries of the dampers used with the coupled torsion beam axle have delivered an increase in lever ratio that generates gentle understeer for better cornering performance.

The recommended retail price for the new Creta 1.6 Executive Turbo-diesel automatic is R414 900.00 and includes a 5 year / 90 000 km service plan, a 7 year / 200 000 km warranty comprised of Hyundai's 5 year / 150 000 km warranty, with an extended 2 year / 50 000 km drivetrain warranty, and roadside assistance for 5 years or 150 000 kms.