Hyundai’s Creta range has received another mid-life boost in southern Africa with the addition of two new Matte Edition derivatives, more convenience and safety features, and a reduction in the prices of certain versions of this medium-size SUV.

The Creta range still comprises three derivatives with two different specification levels: Premium and Executive, both using a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine as the power source, in combination with either a 6-speed manual gearbox, or an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), which is the only choice for the Executive. An exciting new feature of the range is the addition of an optional matte exterior paint finish, which comes with three options: Midnight Black Matte, Magnetic Silver Matte, or Optic White Matte – available for both Premium and Executive specification versions.

Fresh new styling for Matte Edition

The Hyundai Creta’s exterior styling, particularly the attractive front grille and lights design, remains the same, but, apart from the new exterior paint finish, the new Matte Edition has undergone a few subtle changes to the lower part of the nose and rear design.

The daytime running lights, LEDs on all derivatives, are still incorporated into the parametric jewel pattern grille – as with the Hyundai Tucson – and makes the Creta almost appear like a smaller sibling of the Tucson.

Apart from the different body paint finish, special glossy black 17-inch black rims distinguish the Matte Edition versions from the other Cretas in the range. The A and C pillars of the Matte Edition cars are finished in high gloss black, and the front and rear skid plates sport a matte black colour versus the silver of the other Cretas. Door handles and outside rearview mirrors of the Matte Edition have a high gloss black finish too.

Six body colours are available in the 2024 model year Creta range: Magnetic Silver, Optic White, Titan Grey Metallic, Midnight Black Pearl, Dragon Red Pearl and Galaxy Blue Pearl. Added to this are the three Matte Edition options in black, silver and white.

Cabin and convenience features

On the inside, the Creta sports the same cabin with its clean, sometimes minimalistic fascia and trim. It is a spacious car, also for rear passengers, who benefit from added comfort in the form of a centre arm rest with cup holders that fold out of the backrest for the middle seat in the rear bench. 

The driver’s seat’s height can be adjusted, and with the telescopic and height adjustment of the steering wheel, it creates a comfortable driving position.

The Premium derivatives in the Creta range now also come with artificial leather covering for the seats, gear lever knob and steering wheel, and automatic up or down one-touch power control of the driver’s window. 

Matte Edition versions, in Premium as well as Executive guise, are equipped with button start control and smart key entry. 

The multi-function steering wheel with remote control buttons for the infotainment system, trip computer and cruise control, and a wireless charging pad (in the Executive), are among the many convenience features of the Hyundai Creta.

The steering wheel in the Executive version also has remote control buttons for the lane departure warning and lane follow assist, which forms part of the Smart Sense Safety features’ package in this derivative (read more under the Safety heading).

Located in the middle of the fascia is the infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and features an 8-inch touch screen. A Bluetooth system with voice recognition enables the driver or passengers to select several functions through voice commands. The Executive version comes with 4 speakers and 2 tweeters, opposed to 4 speakers for the Premium derivatives.

A firm, yet comfortable ride makes a journey in the Creta enjoyable, both on tar roads and gravel routes. 

The McPherson strut front suspension and coupled torsion beam axle (CTBA) for the rear wheels have been tuned to give the Creta an even more solid, surefooted feeling on both road surfaces than before.

The CTBA, which includes trailing arms and carriers on which the rear wheels are mounted, offers improved compliance characteristics that are noticeable when the Creta encounters a mountain pass or a bumpy road.

With a handsome 20-cm ground clearance, the Creta is capable of venturing off tarred roads onto the gravel with confidence, helped by the adequate 60-profile tyres on 17-inch alloy rims.