New Hyundai Creta rejigs sub-compact SUV segment

Hyundai is making bold presence in the sub-compact SUV segment and driving into Africa and the Middle East markets. Penultimate week, Creta was formally ushered in by the motoring journalists drawn from the Middle East and Africa region with an exciting test-drive in Mauritius.

Prior to the regional media road test in the Indian Ocean-locked Mauritius, and following positive media reviews across the globe, the new compact sport utility vehicle made a very impressive outing at the last Dubai International Motor Show. The Hyundai Creta competes with other older segment peers like Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster, Nissan Juke and Nissan Terrano.

Starting from $13,500 (below N4 million), depending on market and specification, the Creta combines a classy ‘Modern Premium’ interior and exterior with a robust body structure and impressive performance and handling. On the road this dynamic SUV makes a strong visual statement thanks to Hyundai Motor’s acclaimed ‘Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 Design philosophy’.

Giving an insight into the new kid on the block, Jin (James) Kim, vice-president and head of operations for Hyundai Motor Company Africa and Middle East, said: “This is a SUV that has been designed for a new generation of customers who are looking for vehicles which demonstrate forward-thinking design and world-class quality at an affordable price. The Creta is a true expression of the future of our brand and is perfectly equipped to perform strongly within the highly competitive sub-compact SUV segment.”

Creta’s front elegant and distinctive character is illustrated by the triple slat chrome front grille, smoothly creased hood, LED-integrated headlamps, stylish skid plate and dual tone front bumper. The vehicle’s dynamic look is accentuated from the side by the rising beltline and sloping roofline while split type tail lamps with chrome edges, a sporty bumper and a stylish shark fin antenna complete the modern look at the rear.

In line with Hyundai Motor Company’s Modern Premium brand direction, the interior delivers class-leading levels of comfort and convenience. With plenty of space for five passengers, use of high-grade materials is complemented by best-in-class noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance thanks to the combination of enhanced sound absorption materials and advanced engineering design, all ensuring an exceptional travel experience.

Affordable, yet impressively well-equipped, it offers a number of advanced features more usually found on more expensive cars. Highlights include a smart key and push button start, a rear parking assist system and a rear view camera linked to the five-inch central display unit. A central cluster ionizer and mood bar is also available.

The Creta is driven by a choice of refined, powerful and efficient engines, available depending on market. The petrol version, a1.6 MPI unit (which is likely to be made available in the Nigerian market by Hyundai Motors Nigeria, a division of Stallion Motors) in the first few months of next year, is mated to 6-speed automatic transmissions.

The most spacious SUV within its segment, Creta exudes the kind of quality feel more normally found in more expensive cars. Measuring 4270mm in length, 1780mm in width and 1630mm in height, the 2590mm wheelbase allows it to comfortably seat five passengers whilst offering generous rear seat legroom.

Occupants can be rest assured that they are inside the safest car in the segment thanks to its unique, ‘Hive structure’ body shell which has been developed using advanced engineering techniques and which uses ultra-high tensile steel for more body rigidity and structural strength.

It can also be specified with four connected systems – ABS (Antilock Breaking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), and six airbags – all of which are very useful in preventing collision, and reducing the impact (if it occurs).

ABS and EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution, another system for some markets), which automatically control the brake pressure to ensure stable braking, are more usually found in vehicles with a higher price point. When combined, these systems result in uncompromised performance and skid avoidance at all times as stability and steer-ability is maintained.

Mounted audio and Bluetooth controls provide increased connectivity. Separate AC vents in the rear deliver optimum cooling performance for passengers – ideal for those hot African and Middle Eastern summers. This addition to Hyundai Motor Company’s car line-up marks the brand’s debut in this fast-growing segment and is set to appeal to buyers looking for an affordable SUV in a stylish, high quality package.

Creta comes across like a more alluring and smatter version of the Santa Fe with a hexagonal chrome grille and the triple horizontal slats. With its confident poise- particularly the good looks the wide bonnet and swept-back headlamps confer on it, the vehicle is expected surpass the success recorded by the (Tucson) ix35, which was one of the bestsellers in its segment in Nigeria some years ago.