When the Hyundai Creta was launched in 2017, it arrived with the normal levels of razzmatazz prescribed for such events along with high levels of confidence from the local arm of the company it would shake up the market.
It has! Some 11 600 units have been sold since launch and now it is getting a limited edition with added bling.
Only 500 of the special Cretas ¬– with a ‘Limited Edition’ badge on the hatchback door – will be sold in South Africa. The special treatment is available for all three Creta variants: the 1.6 Executive manual, the 1.6 Executive automatic, and the 1.6 Executive turbo-diesel automatic.
Distinguishing features are:
• A black roof – to create a two-tone exterior with the white body paint finish;
• Exclusive two-tone 17-inch alloy wheel rims;
• A black and red interior, with red inserts on the dashboard and red stitching on the leather seats;
• An infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity. Customers can also buy an optional SD card at a price of R2 100 for an off-line navigation function if they do not want to use Google Maps, Waze or Apple’s Maps on Apple Carplay or Android Auto.
As with the other Creta derivatives, buyers of the Limited Edition also have the option of customising their compact Hyundai SUV further with the fitment of a black or chromed front nudge bar and black or chromed side skirts.
Convenience features in the Creta include air vents for the rear passengers, a rear armrest with cup holders, cruise control and rear park assist sensors and camera that displays its image on the screen of the infotainment system. The multi-function steering wheel, with remote controls for the sound system and buttons for the trip computer and system information, is also covered in leather.
Static bending headlamps that improve side visibility when the vehicle turns in a curve on the road or at crossroads is not only a convenience, but also comes standard and improves safety for the driver at night.
The three engine/gearbox combinations in the Creta range that will be available as the Limited Edition are:
Creta 1.6 Executive Manual – 4-cylinder 1,6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The engine delivers maximum power of 90 kW at 6 300 r/min, with torque peaking at 150 Nm at 4 850 r/min. Fuel consumption is claimed at 7,9 litres/100 km.
Creta 1.6 Executive Automatic – The same petrol engine as above but coupled with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The fuel consumption measured for this derivative is 8,4 litres/100 km.
Creta 1.6 Executive Turbo-diesel Automatic – This derivative uses a 1,6-litre turbo-charged diesel engine, together with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Maximum power delivery is 94 kW at 4 000 r/min, and its torque peak of 260 Nm is reached at 2 750 r/min. It has recorded a fuel consumption figure of 7,4 litres/100 km in a real-world, combine test cycle. The engine is equipped with a Variable Geometry Turbo-charger (VGT) that monitors the throttle and changes vane geometry accordingly, which in turn regulates turbo boost pressure for a smooth acceleration and maximum power at low engine speed.
Ride quality and road holding are achieved by a McPherson strut front suspension with gas dampers. An optimised caster angle delivers a more stable, smoother high-speed travel. At the rear, revised geometries of the dampers used with the coupled torsion beam axle deliver an increased lever ratio that generates gentle understeer for better cornering performance.
The Creta is one of the toughest and strongest SUVs in its segment. It is designed with a strong ‘Hive structure’ body shell that ensures high structural strength stability and sturdiness. The ring-shaped frames applied at B-Pillar, C-Pillar and engine bay brings a significant increase in body stiffness, which ensures precise handling while maintaining excellent ride quality.
Safety features in the Creta include dual front and side crash bags for driver and passenger, and curtain bags for protection of rear passengers as well. The Creta is also equipped with an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Braking Distribution (EBD).
Pricing
The prices of the Creta Limited Edition range are:
Creta 1.6 Limited Edition (manual) R 372 900
Creta 1.6 Limited Edition (automatic) R 397 900
Creta 1.6 Limited Edition Turbodiesel (automatic) R 438 900
Included in the recommended retail price of the Creta is Hyundai’s 7-year/200 000 km manufacturers’ warranty, while roadside assistance for 5 years or 150 000 km and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan adds further value to the package. Service intervals are 15 000 km.
