Calvin recently drove the new seven-seater version of the Hyundai Creta. When asked what it’s like he said, “Just like the Creta. But with seven seats.” He explains here.
It’s 4.5m long now, as opposed to the 4300mm of the five-seater version. Because people have knees. Interestingly, it’s therefore a smidge longer than the old Tucson (4480mm). So, ha!
I drove the 2l petrol Elite model, which comes standard with a sunroof, LED headlamps and tail lights, plus some styling exhaust tips. Also present, leather seats, an electric drivers seat and the second row gets trays (for juiceboxes and iPads) and shades, so middle row occupants can have a nap.
The 12.1 inch multiemdia system features (wired) Android Auto and AppleCarplay, and beneath it a wireless charger comes standard. There’s a rear view monitor (also standard) and the third row passengers get their own ventilation as well. It’s a comfy living space for certain. Especially for the driver of an Elite, which enjoys a
10.2 Supervision instrument cluster as well as ‘push to start’, park assist and more. I’m in the 2.0 MPI petrol engine, but there is also a diesel option in the 1.5 CRDI. No matter, the natural aspirated two litre makes 117kW and 191Nm and provides more than enough to put the suspension (McPherson struts upfront, torsion beam at the rear) to the test around the winding asphalt between the Cape and Hermanus and back. Albeit a bit on the droning side, especially when paired to this six speed auto. As a result, I’m struggling to keep my consumption under 10l/100km but if I’m being fair, I haven’t really tried that hard. Not on these lovely roads anyway.
VERDICT
The Hyundai Grand Creta is a great addition to the portfolio, but only if there’s a keen market for a seven-seater of this nature. Indeed, it makes a lot more sense than the Honda BR-V or even Renault Triber (someone call an Uber?) which are by no means rivals, but then neither is a Fortuner yet all of these cars will carry the same amount of passengers. The Grand Creta then seems to be the Goldilocks of the lot, a well-priced, well-appointed compact SUV from a brand much beloved in this country. That it straddles the half a million rand mark doesn’t hurt it either.
PRICING
Grand Creta 2.0 Executive MT R449 900
• Grand Creta 2.0 Executive AT R489 900
• Grand Creta 1.5 Executive Diesel AT R509 900
• Grand Creta 2.0 Elite AT R539 900
• Grand Creta 1.5 Elite Diesel AT R559 900