Two more seats and a bit of spit and polish here and there, Thys De Beer recently sampled Hyundai’s spruced up and elongated Grand Creta in the delightful Western Cape.
The Hyundai Grand Creta, also known as the Creta Grand or Alcazar in other markets like India, has just made its local debut. There are two specification levels available: the lower-specced Executive and the range-topping Elite. Three naturally aspirated 2,0-litre petrol models developing 117 kW and 191 N.m torque and two 1,5 litre diesel models developing 85 kW and 250 N.m, are on offer. Both derivatives are front wheel drive and no AWD models are available locally.
Looks and comfort
On first impressions the Grand Creta looks like a stretched ‘regular’ Creta, but it does look more premium. The redesigned back-end is somewhat more sedate and generic than its sibling, which enhances its overall styling.
The front-end remains the same, but later-on this year the new Tuscon-inspired front-end will be introduced locally on the Indonesian-built Creta but not on the Indian-built Grand Creta. Suffice to say that both siblings will be striking from the front, especially the Elite’s standard LED lights at the front and the back.
The cabin is pure Hyundai, i.e., ergonomically well-laid out and easy to navigate. The two-tone black and white interior makes for a welcome change in the oft somber black interiors of some of its competitors. We did however find some hard plastics could affect the overall perceived quality. The multi-function console’s plastics were a bit creaky but that shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.
The 8-inch infotainment system and 10,25-inch digital cluster screen are easy to operate, partly because one doesn’t have to wade through numerous screens to locate the climate control buttons. The audio volume settings can also be adjusted via a knob. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and USB points in all three rows are included to ensure that everyone stays entertained.
The Drive was Epic
The Beatles’ Baby you can drive my car was the first song on our playlist as we set off in our 2,0-litre Elite. We had three driving modes to choose from: comfort, eco and sport, as well as three traction control settings: snow, mud and sand. We were suitably impressed by the Hyundai’s handling as it took everything in its stride, with its longer body contributing to a smoother ride, especially over corrugated surfaces. Body roll was minimal, the steering precise and overall ride quality firm yet comfortable.
Safe and sound
All models feature six airbags, front and rear park assist, 2WD traction control and ISOFIX anchor points. Elite models also get an electronic park brake, too. The Grand Creta comes with the usual list of active safety acronyms, e.g., ABS, EBD, ESP and HAC (Hill-Start Assist Control). Pricing is competitive with the 2,0 Executive MT starting at R449 900 and R489 900 for the automatic. The 2,0 L Elite AT is priced at R509 900, and the two diesels will set you back R539 900 for the 1,5 Executive AT and R559 900 for the 1,5 Elite.
Peace of mind included
Hyundai’s 7-year 200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, its 7-year 150 000km roadside assist and 4-year 60 000km maintenance plan are included. Maintenance plans however can be bought separately.
In Summary
The Hyundai Grand Creta offers a compelling package – a comfortable ride, a competitive specifications list and good value for money. Competition however in this market segment is tough with the VW Tiguan, Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage (the all-new model is launching soon), Haval, Mazda CX-5 and newcomer Chery Tiggo 8 Pro all vying for market share. With Hyundai’s high brand equity and substantial SUV/Crossover market share, the Hyundai Grand Creta is bound to do well in South Africa, though.
Keyword: DRIVEN: Hyundai Grand Creta 2,0 Elite Auto