2023 Hyundai Grand Creta 2,0 Elite AT

Hyundai’s seven-seater Creta makes a grand entrance into a niche segment

Grand Entrance

The Hyundai Grand Creta, known as the Creta Grand or Alcazar in markets like India, has just made its local debut. There are two trim levels currently available: the lower-specced Executive and the range-topping Elite.

Three naturally aspirated 2,0-litre petrol models developing 117 kW and 191 N.m torque and two 1,5-litre diesel models good for 85 kW and 250 N.m are on offer. Both derivatives are front-wheel drive. Although 85 kW seems a tad low for a seven-seater, the diesel’s higher torque will likely ensure your nearest and dearest and mother-in-law arrive in Ballito for June vacation rested and on time.

On first impression, the Grand Creta looks a bit like a stretched “regular” Creta, but it does appear premium. The redesigned back end is more sedate and generic than its sibling, but enhances its overall styling. The front end remains the same. Later this year, the new Tucson-inspired front end will be introduced locally on the Indonesian-built Creta, but not on the Indian-built Grand Creta. Both will be striking, especially the Elite, with its standard LEDs at the front and the back.

The side profile is imposing, with a chiselled line running from front to back and a floating black C-pillar and privacy glass. Hyundai has opted not to embrace the faux trend favoured by so many automotive brands and the twin exhaust pipes are genuine. The exterior is neatly finished with striking two-tone 18-inch alloys on the Elite and 17-inch alloys on the Executive models.

The cabin is pure Hyundai: well laid out ergonomically and easy to navigate. The black and light-grey interior is a welcome change from the sombre black-on- black interiors found in so many of its competitors. On the downside, some hard plastics appear in the cabin, and that centre console sounded a bit creaky when pressed against. The ventilated artificial-leather seats are comfortable and the driver’s seat’s electrical adjustment in the Elite adds to driving pleasure. The third-row seats are surprisingly comfy, with decent legroom, but people over 180 cm may find it a bit cramped. The multi-functional flatbottomed leather steering wheel has the usual audio, mobile and cruise-control functions. The screen graphics of the 8-inch infotainment system and the 10,25-inch digital cluster screen are on par for this category and easy to operate; you won’t have to wade through numerous screens to locate the climate control. The audio volume can also be set via a knob. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard and USB points in all three rows will keep everyone entertained.

The Beatles’ “Drive my Car” was first on our playlist as we set off in our 2,0-litre Elite model. It offers three driving modes: Comfort, Eco and Sport, as well as three traction control settings: Snow, Mud and Sand. And drive we did … up Sir Lowry’s Pass, through Grabouw and Bot River via the dusty and corrugated Van der Stel Pass, all while trying to avoid the Absa Cape Epic cyclists and traffic police, and through zero-visibility dust clouds.

The Hyundai took everything in its stride as its longer body contributed to a smoother ride, especially over corrugated surfaces. Body roll was minimal, the steering was precise and overall handling was firm, but comfortable. The auto ’box did seem to enjoy third gear, often climbing to a noisy 6 000 r/min before switching to fourth.

All models get six airbags, front and rear park assist, two-wheel drive, traction control and Isofix anchor points. Elite models boast an electronic park brake while Executive models make do with a more conventional handbrake. Pricing is competitive. The 2,0 Executive MT starts at R449 900 and R489 900 for the Executive automatic. The 2,0 Elite automatic is R539 900, and the two diesels will set you back R509 900 for the 1,5 Executive AT and R559 900 for the 1,5 Elite.

A seven-year/200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, seven-year/150 000 km roadside assist and four-year/60 000 km service plan are included. Further maintenance plans, however, can be bought separately.

While the Hyundai Grand Creta offers a compelling package – a comfortable ride, competitive specifications list and good value for money – competition in this market segment is tough. The VW Tiguan, Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage (the all-new model is launching soon), Haval H6, Mazda CX-5 and newcomer Chery Tiggo 8 Pro are all vying for market share. That said, Hyundai’s high brand equity and substantial SUV/crossover market share mean the Grand Creta has plenty of potential in the local market.

01 Elegant interior; good overall perceived quality. 02 Distinctive four-spoke multifunction steering wheel is easy to operate. 03 Clear screen resolution on the reverse camera. 04 Large LEDs standard across the range.

01 Cooled ventilated seats. 02 Smooth six-speed auto. 03 Distinctive side profile; striking alloy design.

Practically packaged for a compact SUV some interior plastics + feel a bit cheap

TECHNICAL DATA2023 Hyundai Grand Creta 2,0 Elite AT

• Price: R539 900
• Engine: 2,0-litre, 4-cyl, petrol
• Transmission: 6-speed, automatic
• Max Power: 117 kW@6 500 r/min
• Max Torque: 191 N.m@4 500 r/min
• 0-100 km/h: 10,5 seconds*
• Top speed: 190 km/h*
• Fuel consumption: 8,9 l/100 km*
• CO. emissions: 170 g/km*
• Rivals: Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, Haval H6, Mitsubishi Outlander