THE compact to midsize SUV segments may be burst¬ing at the seams with new high-value contenders from all over the world, including China but those who favour the more estab-lished brand like Hyundai, won’t be disappointed with the upmarket Creta. Here’s why :
It looks like a baby Tucson: The previous, somewhat frumpy design is now a thing of the past. The new front end looks stylish and futuristic, thanks to the daytime running lamps incorporated into the ‘parametric jewel pattern’ grille. It’s much more exciting than the older models! Viewed from the side the Tucson looks well-balanced and muscular, while the rear headlamp design is modern and trendy.
EXECUTIVE
It’s supportive in all the right places: The Executive model boasts faux leather seats with a simple but upmarket stitching pattern – you’d never guess that it wasn’t real leath¬er (vegans, rejoice)! They’re very comfortable and supportive – not too hard, not too soft and the ideal driving position is easy to find. It just feels right. The steering wheel can also adjust telescopically, if you prefer it closer to your chest.
The layout is simple, elegant and ergonomic: The unfussy and minimalist interior of the dash and instrument panel also makes my brain feel less foggy – being met with a smorgasbord of buttons and switches or ultra-complex driving tech can sometimes leave a person a little bamboozled. Everything falls easy to hand – and I love the clear, easy-to-read analogue speedome¬ter and rev counter design.
The touchscreen is a no-brainer to use with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which can be utilised with your voice and the graphics are crystal clear.
Its second row is spacious and the cargo area is roomy: Adults have more than enough room on the rear bench and the boot is a generous 416 litres which can be¬come 1 384 if you fold the second row of seats flat. Carpooling is a pleasure with space for three children’s school bags and sports equipment – I’ve tested it! Another child’s stuff would easily fit in there too.
Standard specification is extensive: It’s the little creature com¬forts that go a long way, like the two USB ports up front with a 12V power socket in the middle, the USB port for row 2 and another 12V power socket in the boot. I used this power socket to plug in my inverter and charge my laptop. The rear air vents keep the children nice and chilled in summer. High Beam Assist is another useful feature, as is the electronic parking brake. There is also a heating/cooling function for your coffee or cold drink inside the front central cupholders.
Decent ground clearance for climbing sidewalks: If you’re always looking for parking at your children’s school, rest assured that you need not bake in the sun in a normal spot while you wait for the bell to ring! The Creta’s ground clearance is 20cm and the wheels are definitely more suited to dirt and gravel than the race track, so it’s easily done – plus the standard rear-view camera en¬sures you don’t drive into a tree or over someone’s school bag.
from E449 900.
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