Bucket Seat: Hyundai Creta

The compact SUV market in South Africa has become one of the most competitive spaces in the motoring industry, especially with a growing number of Chinese brands arriving with feature-packed vehicles at aggressive prices. Hyundai has clearly taken notice, and the introduction of the new CRETA range seems to be its answer to a market where buyers are looking closely at exactly what they are getting for their money. The biggest talking point has to be the price. The new Hyundai CRETA 1.5 Premium comes in at R434,900, which is an impressive R44,000 cheaper than the outgoing 2024 model. At a time when new vehicle prices continue to climb, it is refreshing to see a manufacturer bringing a newer offering to market at a more affordable price point rather than simply adding another increase.

Under the bonnet, the CRETA Premium uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 84 kW and 144 Nm of torque. These figures are not going to set the world on fire, but for everyday driving, commuting and the occasional longer road trip, it should offer more than enough performance. Hyundai claims fuel consumption of 6.3 litres per 100 km, which should also make it relatively affordable to run. Where the CRETA starts becoming more interesting is with the technology and standard equipment. The Premium model comes with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth with voice recognition, USB charging, keyless entry and start, automatic headlights and a 4.2-inch supervision display. Safety equipment includes multiple airbags, ESC, hill-start assist, a rear-view monitor, parking sensors and tyre-pressure monitoring.

These features are important because this is exactly where the Chinese competition has been putting pressure on established brands. Manufacturers such as Chery, Haval, OMODA, Jaecoo and others have changed buyer expectations by offering large screens, cameras, advanced technology and long equipment lists at prices that were previously difficult for mainstream brands to match. The CRETA may not necessarily have the biggest touchscreen or the longest list of flashy features in its segment, but Hyundai still brings something extremely valuable to the table: a well-established brand, a strong dealer network and the reassurance that comes with the company's long-term presence in South Africa. The seven-year/200,000 km warranty and four-year/60,000 km service plan also add to that peace of mind.

For buyers wanting something with a bit more excitement, Hyundai is also introducing the CRETA N Line to South Africa for the first time. This is the more interesting model in the range from a performance and technology perspective. The N Line gets a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 117.5 kW and a healthy 253 Nm of torque, paired with a dual-clutch transmission. That is a significant step up from the standard Premium model and should give the CRETA a much stronger and more engaging driving character. Hyundai has also loaded the N Line with technology that helps it compete directly with the increasingly sophisticated Chinese alternatives. A 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning and pre-collision avoidance are all included. There is also fatigue detection, rear parking sensors and hill-hold assistance.

Inside and out, the N Line feels like a more premium and distinctive offering, with leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, a panoramic sunroof, LED lighting, roof rails and 18-inch alloy wheels. The satin-black grille and N Line styling also help give it a sportier personality. At R569,900, the CRETA N Line is entering territory where there is no shortage of alternatives, particularly from Chinese manufacturers offering plenty of space, technology and equipment for the money. However, Hyundai's advantage is that it is combining modern technology with a brand that South African buyers already know and trust.

The new CRETA range feels like Hyundai recognising that the market has changed. It is no longer enough to simply offer reliability and a good reputation. Buyers now expect technology, safety features, stylish design and value for money as standard. By dropping the entry price significantly while still offering modern equipment, and then introducing the much more powerful and technology-packed N Line, Hyundai has given the CRETA a stronger position in an increasingly crowded market. The Chinese brands may still have an advantage when it comes to offering the biggest feature list for the lowest price, but the new CRETA shows that established manufacturers are not standing still. Hyundai is fighting back with better value, improved technology and the confidence that comes with an established reputation in South Africa.

Bucket Seat: Hyundai Tucson 2.0D

While the Chinese invasion of our markets are still ongoing, you would have thought the Korean's would have surrendered to their fellow continental counterparts in battle but it doesn't seem like the case. Hyundai have long been firm favourites from the Korean's and their range has grown significantly over the years offering mainly SUV's but in almost every segment. Having tested the new SanteFe earlier this year, it was refreshing to see what Hyundai have planned for their new vehicles and they are firmly ready to take on the Chinese with some of their advancements in technology and power plants in their cars. Only recently have we started to get some diesel offerings from the likes of Haval but Hyundai have had this covered for a while now, I got to spend some time in the new Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Diesel, having test driven the exact same model in 2022, I was keen to see what has changed, here are my thoughts on the car. 

DESIGN

While the overall design of the Tucson remains largely the same from 2022, there has been some cosmetic tweaks to give it more character. There's more bulk and sharper edges to the new Tucson and it has a modern, slightly angular refresh with sharper grille details, revised bumpers and updated daytime running lights. The result is a confident compact-SUV look that reads more premium than its price suggests  especially in higher trims where larger alloys and sportier exterior cues lift the visual appeal. The design balances on-trend styling with practical details, the large profile tyres with the alloy wheels give it a sporty stance but knowing it can perform well on gravel as well. I love the mix of materials and colours on the exterior, it gives off premium vibes but with minimal pricing.

PERFORMANCE

The engine remains the same as previous with some tweaks but the 2.0 CRDi still produces 137kW and 416 Nm of torque low in the rev range delivers easy, relaxed overtaking and solid in-gear flexibility ideal for highway cruising and towing/light loads. The 8-speed automatic keeps the engine in its usable band and contributes to composed, non-fussy progress. Hyundai claim real-world economy combined figure of 7.4 L/100 km which is more than easily achievable, but the thing with this car is the torque, it just fly's off the start and it becomes addictive so I found myself driving in economy mode most of the time as some Golf drivers thought I was racing them off the line! The torque isn't just for racing cars off the line but makes city traffic and hills effortless, while the gearbox is tuned for smoothness not rapid shifts. If you value brisk performance (0–100 km/h in the low-to-mid 9s is quoted for diesel exec), this is acceptable but not sports-car quick. 

COMFORT

Hyundai’s updated Tucson interior is one of its stronger points: a panoramic, curved display (12.3-inch infotainment + digital instrument cluster on upgraded trims), cleaner centre console with conventional knobs, and improved fit-and-finish versus earlier generations. Leather upholstery, heated seats and better acoustic insulation are available on Executive/N Line grades, making longer highway stints more relaxing. Practical touches (USB-C ports, decent rear legroom, 60/40 split seats) mean day-to-day family use is comfortable and sensible. South African reality check: Road noise and suspension harshness are mitigated in higher trims thanks to improved insulation, but lower spec cars may still transmit coarse surfaces; for frequent long trips choose Executive/N Line or fit higher-quality tyres. The refreshed Tucson packs modern safety aids on upgraded trims: blind-spot detection, rear occupant alert, improved driver-assistance packages and a larger infotainment cluster with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on some levels. These upgrades bring the Tucson in line with segment expectations and improve both day-to-day usability and occupant safety. Good usable rear seat space for two adults; boot space is competitive for the class (fold-flat rear seats expand cargo versatility). 

VERDICT

The Hyundai Tucson 2.0 diesel is a very sensible, well-rounded compact SUV for South African conditions especially if you do regular highway miles, tow occasionally, or want strong in-gear performance. The diesel engine’s torque, combined with an 8-speed auto and the availability of AWD in the N Line, makes it practical and composed in real-world use. The interior refresh and upgraded tech raise its perceived value and comfort to near premium level, which is important in this class. If your usage is mostly long-distance commuting, weekend trips or you value low-rpm torque for hills and towing, the 2.0D Executive is likely the best value pick; pick the N Line AWD if you want top trim kit, a sportier look and extra traction. The most surprising thing about this new model is that since 2023, the price has only gone up R4,000! With all these extra tech that is damn impressive pricing strategy by Hyundai.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0L Turbo Diesel
Gear Box	8-SpeedAutomatic
Torque	416Nm
Power	137kW
Top Speed	201km/h
Price	R709,900

 

Bucket Seat: Hyundai Palisade

When Hyundai first launched the Palisade back in 2018, everyone's immediate thought was "that is one big car" and they were not wrong. At the time, the Korean motor manufacturers largest SUV offering was the Santa Fe which also had a 7-seater offering but Hyundai decided to up the anti with this model, which was targeting the likes of the Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner but offering a more premium level of comfort and style. From the launch model, I always said that the Palisade looked like a Cadillac Escalade and this updated version of the model cements my opinion as the styling, which I will touch on in a bit is very American. While the size of the car might intimidate some, you come to realise quite quickly that it's about the same size as their H1 vans, so the intimidation factor goes down.  I had the opportunity to spend a week with the new Hyundai Palisade in June, hoping to make the most of it over the long weekend and with all the family down, here is how it went. 

DESIGN

Hyundai's modern design language is doing all the things with their latest designs and with the Palisade adopting this, takes it from looking like an awkward giant to something beautiful. This is all thanks to the new front end which has that eye catching black chrome flat, mutli-panel grille and a revised head lights that look fitting to be part of Optimus Primes face. The bold styling is definitely doing it's job on this one with it being bold. The car gets noticed miles away and clears traffic on the fast lane almost as quick as those guys with the blue lights, and with the calming interior, it won't invoke any road rage to make you want to get out the car to cause physical harm to any other motorist. Maybe some of these VIP protection units should invest in these, also they look the part! The styling is still reminiscent of the American SUV and while this particular model came in Shimmering Silver, I played around with the configurator on the website and Abyss Black Pearl is the one to go for if you want to let your inner Rap star out. The headlamp design is rather interesting with C clamp shaped day-time running LED's and adjacent to it is the headlamp hub with a clear cover which exposes the three LED bulbs. Now, if you like me was wondering what the lights that extend out of the grille are, that my friends are the indicator lights, which form part of something cool which I will touch on later in the review. The rest of the design is very similar to the original Palisade with the side profile receiving minor upgrades and the tail getting revised LED lights and bolder styling. A new 20-inch black rim design adorns the large wheels on the Palisade which accentuates that macho look. The interior remains the same as the previous model and funny enough, the same as the Santa Fe but everything is designed pretty well and easy on the eye. 

PERFORMANCE

With a big car like this, many would be wary when they don't see a big V engine not present but Hyundai's 2.2-liter, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine is more than capable of powering this monster on the roads. The high torque factor which comes in at 440nm propels the all-wheel drive Palisade quite quickly off the line for a car this size even with a full load, picking up speed quite easily on the highways as well. The engine produces 142kW of power so its a good balance of power and torque to compensate for the load you have. Hyundai claim a fuel average of 10.5L per 100km and with a fuel tank size of 71L, that is very achievable over long distance travels. As I said earlier, the sheer size of the Palisade might be enough to deter some from driving it but once you hop in behind the wheel, you get used to it quite quickly, plus with all the driving aids the car has, you probably in more control of this than something smaller. Look, its not the most nimble car to handle on the roads but in saying that, the ride comfort is exceptional and handling is a breeze. There is hardly much body roll on urban driving and the same could be said on freeway driving with it as well. the Palisade comes with multi-terrain driving modes which are accessible via the jog-shuttle dial on the center console, the 8-speed automatic gearbox still is the push button style which I've become quite accustomed too. Overall, I was pretty impressed at how the Palisade handles itself on the roads and the engine output on it. 

COMFORT

I feel like I can't write enough about this topic about the Palisade because apart from having a kitchen and bathroom, this thing is practically a house on wheels. The seats are more like sofa's and the cabin space is second to none. When it comes to luxury and a good price, this nails the brief. There are two models available locally, both exactly the same cars but one with a 7-seat configuration and the other with 8 seats. The main change to these two models is in one, the second row gets a bench seat to accommodate 3 adults, and the other having two single seat captains chairs as the second row. The 3rd row remains a collapsible bench three seater which has a 60/40 split. All seats are finished in leather trim with neat stitching and extra padding around the shoulder area. The front passenger and driver enjoy electrically adjustable seating with memory settings for the driver. Heating and cooling functionality is also available for them as well as the second row captain chairs. The Palisade has a three-zone climate control with driver and front passenger getting dual zone with the second row having the controls to set the climate for the rest of the cabin. The Palisade comes with a dual sunroof with the rear being fixed panoramic but still has electronic curtain should the sun be too hot. The car has mobile app connectivity for both Android and Apple devices, there is a wireless charging mat up front with loads of USB C ports scattered around the car. The smart design with the raised center console makes room for extra storage space for the driver and front passenger. The center compartment also has a cooling function should you want to store some liquids there for long road trips. 

FEATURES

The Palisade is a big car, so making sure you keeping the car in the lane is simple enough thanks to the lane keep assist as well as lane departure warning. The car also notifies you if someone is getting too close to you while traveling on the road. Another handy feature is the surround view camera which can be accessed at low speeds and automatically turns on when reversing. What makes this even cooler, is the guide lights that illuminate your path in dark areas that is clearly visible on the camera when reversing, doing away with the computer generate guide lines on the screen like many other cars. Also when indicating, depending on the direction, the camera under the side mirror activates and displays the side view onto the digital cluster making sure you have clear visibility of where you are turning. Parking the Palisade is made easy peezy with all these driving aids and park distance control. The safety features list is endless on the Palisade and makes this one of the safest cars I've driven in a long time, so rest assured it would be very difficult to bump this big boy into something. 

VERDICT

Overall, from what I intended on using the Palisade for, transporting 7-people in style and comfort along with luggage, it lived up to and exceeding expectations. Even driving it around on my own was fun, the Infinity sound system was enjoyment to my ears, the natural light that was being let through the dual sunroof warmed the cabin up nicely during winters cold mornings and even with the large luggage compartment being extended when the third row seats were folded down made for a nice rest area after my weekend run. It really is a great vehicle for a large family that enjoys hitting the road. While the price is steep, it competes well against the likes of the Everest and the Fortuner and in some cases offers more. It's still a bargain if you have to put it up against some of the larger German SUV offerings so it all depends on the individual that is buying it and what purpose they using it for. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.2L Turbo Diesel
Gear Box	8-speed automatic
Torque	440Nm
Power	142W
Average Fuel Consumption	10.5L per 100km
Price	R1,121,900

 

Bucket Seat: 2022 Hyundai Creta Executive

The Hyundai Creta is probably one of the more popular compact SUV’s in the local market with the first generation doing remarkably well with sales. It offered the consumer a mid-to-large cabin with decent luggage capacity with great fuel economy and that is what the recipe of the Creta is in a nutshell, fast forward to the last model on the market, it’s definitely gotten better in looks and packs quite a bit of tech offering but still has those core values of the original model. I had the opportunity to spend almost 2 weeks with the Creta in which I traveled over 2,300km with it, so I got to know the car pretty well with my time with it, here are my thoughts on it.

DESIGN 

The revised Creta design sees major design changes to the front of the car that sports an almost identical face to that of the new Tucson. The bold new grill which incorporates the new headlights is a striking feature that catches your attention almost immediately, bold borders outline the shape which tapers off to the bottom to join the bottom bumper. The car which was in a metallic red/ maroon suited the car perfectly even with the silver brushed aluminium accents. The car has a great body design with clever lines adding to the bulk look, making it more of a crossover design than SUV.  The rest of the body is pretty similar to the previous model with subtle design tweaks to enhance the appearance. The biggest change on the rear sees the shape of the rear lights change a bit, still sticking to that C shape but with the top line extended, making it look like J now I suppose. They did well to break the design with distinct characteristics, such as the greys, blacks and borders, would have liked to have the roof in a full black colour since there was no panoramic roof offering. The inside remains pretty similar to the pre-facelift model with the cabin being very spacious, and comfortable place to sit in. 

PERFORMANCE 

Powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, there’s nothing to write home about in-terms of performance but after travelling around most of KZN and parts of the Free State, the true beauty of this car showed itself on the long open road giving me close to 650km on a single tank of fuel! With the engine producing 84kW and 144Nm of torque, it isn’t bad when you require the power and it does brilliantly when coasting, this is also helped a lot by the IVT gearbox that works like a charm, and isn’t as annoying as the CVT boxes found in the other cars. Being a small car, I expected the car to struggle at higher altitudes while cruising at high speeds but to its credit, the car managed to cope quite well, with my cruise control set to 120kph, the Creta breezed as I travelled through the N5 in Free-State. Where you did notice the climate taking a knock on the car was when the range started to drop dramatically, with the box type shape and not very aerodynamic, it was obvious it wasn’t managing well with the dry air outside but like I mentioned, getting close to 650km from a 45-litre tank is pretty good in my books and I while still doing decent speeds. 

COMFORT 

This for me is a critical talking point when it comes to SUV’s in the same segment as the Creta. While the offering may seem great, the manufacturers tend to add cheaper quality materials in the cabin to lower the prices of the cars and while I did complain about the previous model Creta being very plastic, not much has changed in this model but what I can say, the quality of plastic is good (not sure if that’s even a thing you can say), it’s still hard and sounds like crap when you knock on it but it will last you a long time so it’s pretty robust, rest assured it won’t crack or melt in extreme hot temperatures. The seats are great and comfy, sitting for 7 hour straight and I had no complaints, and even no back pains at my old age. The Creta doesn’t have climate control, just you conventional type aircon but it does have a very cool 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit which has built-in mobile apps which has wireless connectivity. There is two USB ports up front with a 12V power port and a wireless charging mat in this Executive model. The rear passengers have a bench type seat with vents for the air conditioning and one USB port for charging there devices. The cabin is very roomy with lots of headroom, even for a tall guy like myself which helps as you tend to feel claustrophobic in smaller SUV’s like this. The boot space is decent, you can get a set of clubs in there with no issue, and lots of bags as I found out on my multiple trips. Should you require more space, you can drop the rear seats which fold in a 60/40 split for additional loading capacity when required. 

VERDICT 

I wasn’t hugely impressed when I drove the previous model Creta, while the styling was different and they spec’s the interiors colours brilliantly, it didn’t really do much for me. This revised model though, is almost the complete opposite. I guess spending over 30 hours of driving with it meant I got the experience the car more and had time to digest what the car is all about. When taking all of this into consideration and looking at the price tag, you have to say Hyundai have done a great job with the Creta. Even with the entry model with the manual transmission, it’s a very decent offering to what else you have in the market at the moment. Overall, I quite enjoyed my time with the Creta, it’s a weird little car but it works and is great value for money, I suppose that’s the most important thing at the moment for most buyers and you certainly won’t go wrong with this model.

 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5-litre
Gear Box	IVT
Torque	144Nm
Power	84kW
Fuel economy	6.3L/ 100km/h
Price	R469,900