By Moses Akaigwe, 08111813034
Hyundai Motor Nigeria has unveiled the all-new, sporty Creta, which is already being tipped to seduce more lovers of crossover SUVs in the Nigerian market. Unveiled at a press launch on Saturday, the re-designed second-generation Creta has been transformed into the ultimate sub-compact SUV for any terrain.
Bigger in size and boasting state-of-the-art technology, the all-new Creta is following the trail of success blazed by its successor introduced into the local market about six years ago. And it has come well prepared, offering premium experience with more space, comfort and convenience features.
Thanks to this rich endowment, the vehicle ticks many quality boxes and customer satisfaction, which has stood the vehicle in good stead to create unparalleled driving experience for customers in all parts of the country.
Building on the success of the first model, the fresh-look Creta is, apart from the aforementioned roominess and improved features, utilises state-of-the-art technologies to meet the complete needs of working professionals, young peer groups and families.
Hyundai Motor Nigeria team explained that central to manufacturer’s’ vision of delivering a superior experience is performance and the Creta is installed with highly evolved power-train engines, bringing incredible power and cleaner emissions.
Introducing the vehicle at the media event, the Head, Sales and Marketing at Hyundai Motors Nigeria, Gaurav Vashisht, said: “Developing high-quality vehicles are at the core of our vision and this is reflected with the all-new Hyundai Creta model.
“Since the first model was launched, the Creta has become one of the most popular vehicles and the latest version is set to be a game-changer in the sub-compact SUV segment. From top to bottom, we have crafted the car carefully, pushing the boundaries to ensure that it stands out on the road and is equipped with a wide range of improved features that will deliver even more fun-loving driving experiences.
“Ultimately, the new Creta is like no other vehicle. It’s a true urban crossover with loads of versatility that is modern, sensuous and sporty in design.”
The all-new Creta comes with a choice of three engines. The Smart stream G1.5 (maximum power of 115ps/6,300rpm and maximum torque of 14.7kgf.m/4,500rpm) and the Kappa 1.4T-GDI (140ps/6,000rpm and 24.7kgf.m/1,500-3,200rpm) are both gasoline engines, providing better fuel economy on the roads.
Offering more choice is the diesel U2 1.5 VGT (DSL) engine, which has a maximum power of 115ps/4,000rpm and a maximum torque of 25.5kgf.m/1,500-2,750rpm.
To match the performance, Hyundai has made significant improvements to both the interior and exterior including the size. At 4,300mm (length) and 1,790mm (width), the outside of the Creta is 20mm and 10mm bigger respectively than the first model.
The masculine personality on the front is reflected through the grille’s bold and rectangular latticework, holding a bigger and more striking H-logo as well as distinctive two-tier headlamps. The addition of sinewy character lines over the clamshell-type bonnet also reinforces the masculine identity.
The quality of the exterior is replicated inside with the increase in size providing more space, comfort and convenience.
Fitted with a 4-speaker system, passengers can benefit from crisp and exceptional audio quality when listening to music on the go.
The premium interior is completed with a multi-functional 3.5inch TFT LCD cluster and the optional fully digital 7-inch supervision version, delivering information in rich detail with unprecedented speed and precision.
With the passengers’ safety the utmost priority for Hyundai, the Creta is safer than before. The body structure is made of advanced ultra-high tensile-strength steel, giving it exceptional crash resistance.
Rear disc brakes have also been installed while the driver can use the rear view camera when parking. To help avoid accidents, the front and rear suspensions have been improved to ensure a smoother journey while the gearbox options have been expanded to include a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission.
Customers can choose from eight colour exterior choices – polar white, typhoon silver, titan grey, phantom black, lava orange, red mulberry, galaxy blue and deep forest.
The two-tone interior colour options include black/grey and brown/beige with a choice of three textures – Tricot GL, Woven GL2 and Leather OPT. A black/orange interior is also available in either woven or leather.
Vashisht confirmed that, like all passenger cars in the Hyundai line-up in Nigeria, the all-new Creta is assembled in Lagos with semi-knocked down {SKD} sets which has impacted positively on the price to the benefit of the intending buyers.
For instance, the starting price tag for the Creta is below N13 million which gives it an advantage among the competitors.