Page 17 - Motoring Autumn 2022

HYUNDAI SA LAUNCH

yundai are on a roll in SA at the
moment. Having reached the No.3 Hyundai Grand Creta
Hspot in sales, they are launching
updates and new models consistently. A
few weeks ago, it was the 4th generation
Tucson, now the all new model the Grand
Creta, and in just a few weeks there will be
the new performance models, the Kona N
and i30N.
The Creta has been around for a few
years, filling the role of a Crossover/SUV
very successfully in the range. What was
missing was a compact 7-seater model and
that’s where the new Grand Creta comes in.
With the extended rear section at
200mm longer than the 5-seater version, it
somehow looks more balanced overall. A
higher ground clearance of 200mm is best
in class and proved itself during a dirt road
section on the launch drive.
As the motor world is moving away
from diesel power, it’s interesting that
Hyundai have chosen to offer the Grand
Creta with either a 1.5l turbodiesel or
2l petrol powered motor. Also unusual in
today’s world is the option of a manual
transmission version or 6-speed automatic.
The launch drive was in a diesel
automatic in top spec Elite trim. The Elite
adds features like a panoramic sunroof,
two-tone leather trim, electric adjustment
on the driver’s seat, 18-inch alloy wheels
instead of 17-inch, keyless entry and push
button start.
The ‘entry level’ executive models are
still highly specced so it’s all about price
at the end of the day. The 3rd row seats
are definitely for youngsters but access
is easy by folding the middle seats. As
always, boot space is limited when the
extra seats are in use, but massive when
they are folded flat.
On the road, the diesel models are
unusually quiet with no noticeable clatter
normally typical of diesel. The drive was
smooth and comfortable and the fuel
consumption was showing 5.3l/100km for
the cruise out into the country.
With pricing from R449 900 to
R559 900, there is very little to compare in
this segment. n

Click here to watch our launch
video: https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=y0y8qLLdYo0

MOTORING | Autumn 2022 | 15