Reliable and Affordable used car: Hyundai Creta
November 14, 2022
Looking for a Compact Crossover SUV at an affordable price, but you don’t want to break the bank.
There are some great secondhand examples of the Creta out there which you may consider.
Here is a look at the 2017 Hyundai Creta.
Back in 2017 the Hyundai Creta was launched here in SA has caused quite a stir in the compact-crossover SUV market.
At the time the Creta launched it competed in a highly competitive market segment with the likes of Ford Eco-sport, Toyota CHR, Nissan Juke; Renault Kadjar; Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX-3, Opel Mokka X, Jeep Renegade to name only a few. The benefit the Creta had at the time was its pricing, making it one of the more affordable offerings in the segment but still a quality Crossover.
The 2017 Creta is smaller than its brother the Tucson at around 4.2m compared to the Tucson 4.4m. The boot space is not bad for a vehicle in this class at 402-litres. The cabin size is also generous and should seat 5 adults comfortably.
For an older vehicle the old Creta’s navigation and MP3/USB/Bluetooth infotainment system are operated by a large 20.3cm touchscreen, supplemented by buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.
Standard safety fare across the range comprises six airbags and ABS brakes (but no traction control)
The old Creta was only offered with two 1.6-litre derivatives: a normally-aspirated four cylinder petrol and a four-cylinder turbodiesel and driven by the front wheels
The petrol, available in a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, producing 90kW and 150Nm for a claimed top speed of 165km/h(manual) and 169km/h (auto), while fuel consumption’s claimed at 7.9 litres per 100km for the manual and 8.4 litres for the auto.
The 1.6 turbo diesel produces 94kW and 260Nm, fuel consumption is claimed at 7.4 litres per 100km/h. It delivers its power seamlessly and is a real pleasure to drive.
When new the diesel would have been top on m list, but now buying secondhand, the petrol versions will be less expensive to maintain out of warranty and on the long run.
At 190mm the ground clearance is higher than average for a crossover vehicle (higher even than the 172mm Tucson) This doesn’t translate into an overly top-heavy feel around corners and the handling is reasonably neat and nippy.
The electric power steering makes light work of taking tight corners but on straighter roads it’s not too good at self-centering, and the driver has to make small corrections to keep the vehicle in a straight line. Not a major issue, but it could become an annoyance particularly on long trips.
Pricing
When new back in 2017 prices ranged from around R320,000 to R370,000
You can now find proper secondhand examples from around R230,000 onwards.
The Creta came with a five-year/150 000km warranty and five-year/90 000km service plan, so you still might find some of them out there with a balance of warranty and service plan left.
Verdict:
The Creta has been proven to be a reliable option and a strong contender in the market.
Truly an option to consider.
