In a move that is sure to stir up the South African SUV market, the Hyundai Grand Creta 1.5D Elite has made its debut and is set to turn heads. This compact 7-seater SUV has landed in our long-term fleet garage, and over the next 6 months, we will be putting it through its paces to see how it stacks up against the competition.
A Unique Proposition in the Market
The Grand Creta enters a market where 7-seaters are typically either MPVs, bakkie-based vehicles, or luxury monocoque SUVs. However, Hyundai’s offering brings something different to the table. It’s a 7-seater SUV with a focus on functionality and family-friendliness.
Interior Comfort and Convenience
One of the standout features of the Grand Creta is its thoughtful interior design. USB ports are scattered throughout the cabin, ensuring that mobile devices can be charged from the front row to the boot—a boon for families embarking on long journeys. It also includes private rear windows and a panoramic sunroof, adding to the overall spacious and airy feel.
The standard inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes staying connected on the go a breeze. The front seats are ventilated for added comfort, and the driver’s seat is electrically adjustable. Even the rearmost passengers benefit from the Grand Creta’s extra 15 cm of legroom compared to the standard Creta, making it surprisingly comfortable for all occupants.
Efficiency Meets Performance
Under the hood, the Grand Creta is powered by a 1.5-liter turbo diesel engine with modest power outputs of 84 kW and 250 Nm of torque. While it might not be a powerhouse, it shines in the fuel efficiency department. Early reports indicate a fuel consumption rate of 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers in urban driving conditions, providing a range of approximately 840 kilometers from its 50-liter tank. The goal is to achieve a range of 1,000 kilometers on an extended trip—a feat that we will be reporting on soon.
Riding in Comfort
The Grand Creta impresses with its suspension damping, which handles road imperfections with ease. Its 18-inch alloy wheels and thick sidewall tires contribute to a comfortable ride even on unpaved roads. LED headlights provide exceptional illumination at night, and the digital instrument cluster adds to the overall cabin ambiance.
The Value Proposition
While the price of the diesel Elite model may initially seem steep, considering the extensive list of standard features and exceptional fuel efficiency, it makes a compelling case for itself—especially in the face of current fuel prices.
What Lies Ahead
As we continue to acquaint ourselves with the Grand Creta, we’re eager to explore its positives and quirks in more detail. In our next update, we’ll be putting the vehicle through rigorous testing to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what this compact family crossover brings to the table.
The Hyundai Grand Creta 1.5D Elite has certainly piqued our interest, and we look forward to sharing more about this South African SUV contender in the months to come. Stay tuned for our in-depth analysis and real-world testing results.
