The all new Hyundai Creta SUV was launched locally in February last year and fills an important slot in the local model range having sold over 8 000 units to date. Following on the Tucson which we reviewed a few weeks back, the Creta has also received an exterior makeover comprising Hyundai’s trademark cascade grille with a chrome bezel; a new front bumper with dual-tone finish and skid plates; new fog lamps and LED Daylight Running Lights; and a new set of roof rails with a lower profile. The rear profile of the Creta has also been revised with slightly tweaked tail-lamps with LED inserts, repositioned reflectors and a new rear skid plate. As with the Tucson, the Creta sports a new alloy wheel design.

Hyundai Automotive SA has kept the same derivative line-up, engine and gearbox choices, and specification configuration for the Creta range. All three Creta derivatives are sold with the Executive level of standard features, which includes leather seats, leather-cladding for the steering wheel, multi-function remote controls for the Bluetooth telephone, sound and radio system, and an 8-inch touch-screen display for the infotainment system. The infotainment system in the Creta also offers an optional satellite navigation feature, which has to be activated with a SD card at a cost of R2 522. 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 a camera that displays its images on the screen of the infotainment system.

The three engine/gearbox combinations used in the Creta range starts with the 1.6 Executive Manual - 4-cylinder 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox. This engine delivers maximum power of 90 kW at 6 300 RPM, and 150 NM of torque peaking at 4 850 r/min. Fuel consumption was given as 7,9 litres / 100 km, which is very good for a mid-size SUV. Next up is the Creta 1.6 Executive Automatic, powered by the same petrol engine as the manual but coupled with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The fuel consumption for this derivative is given as 8,4 litres / 100 km – also very good. At the top of the range is the Creta 1.6 Executive Turbo-diesel Automatic, which is the derivative we drove at the launch. Powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine, mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, it develops its maximum power of 94 kW at 4 000 RPM with peak torque of 260 NM at 2 750 RPM. Hyundai advise that it has recorded a fuel consumption figure of 7,4 in the combined cycle, which incredibly, is equal to the trip computer reading we got after the ride and drive.

The interior of the Creta is everything one would expect in a modern Hyundai. The seats are covered in two-tone full-leather upholstery which looks good. The front bucket seats are fully adjustable to provide a comfortable driving position, while the rear bench seat, being wider than most in this segment, can accommodate three adults with reasonable comfort. The leather-bound four spoke multi-function steering wheel is adjustable, tilt only. It houses the remote controls for the sound system and buttons for the trip computer and system information. The center dash board console houses the infotainment and satellite navigation system with an 8-inch high-definition full-colour touch screen. The sound system's output can be customized to individual tastes and can act as a Mirror-link for an Android cell-phone or an iPod music display from an iPhone connected via a USB cord.

Safety features in the Creta include Dual front and side airbags for driver and passenger, and curtain airbags for protection of rear passengers as well. The Creta is also equipped with an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Braking Distribution (EBD).

The ride and drive route took us up the KZN North Coast and a little inland through the sugar cane territory, where the gravel roads were really very rough in parts but I must say that the Creta's excellent ride quality and road holding in the dirt, was very good, thanks to the new McPherson strut front suspension with gas dampers, and an increased caster angle for a more stable ride. At the rear, revised geometries of the dampers used with the torsion beam axle have delivered an increase lever ratio that generates gentle understeer for better cornering performance.

Start the engine and it is so quiet that even at idle, you’d probably not know that there’s diesel power under the bonnet. On the freeways, the Creta 1.6 Executive auto impresses with its surprisingly perky performance and smooth shifting, automatic gearbox. Start the engine and it is so quiet that even at idle, you’d probably not know that there’s diesel power under the bonnet. Travelling on the freeways at a steady 120 km/h the motor spins at just 2 500 RPM and when it gets to the “twisties”, the road-holding is excellent for an SUV despite its 190 mm ground clearance. Comfortwise, wind and tyre noise are well controlled and it’s so quiet in the cab that normal conversation is clearly heard.

Just out of interest, I wondered where Hyundai got the name Creta from and on checking the encyclopedia, it turns out that “Creta” is the name of the largest of the Greek Islands.

The Creta comes in 5 colours: Polar White, Fiery Red, Sleek Silver, Marina Blue and Star Dust. The recommended retail prices for the new Creta range is R339 900 for the Creta 1.6 Executive manual,R359 900 for the Creta 1.6 Executive automatic and R399 900 for the Creta 1.6 Executive Turbodiesel automatic. All prices include a 5 year / 90 000 km service plan; a 7 year / 200 000 km warranty (comprised of Hyundai's 5 year / 150 000 km warranty, with an extended 2 year / 50 000 km drivetrain warranty); and roadside assistance for 5 years or 150 000 kms.