Creta raises the game

HYUNDAI RANGE: CUTS PRICES AND INTRODUCES MATTE EDITION

- Mark Jones

Hyundai's Creta range not only looks a little cooler now thanks to some subtle styling updates that include the addition of Matte Edition models that see the cars being offered in Matte Black, Matte Silver, and Matte White paint from the factory, plus more convenience and safety features, but pricing across the range has also been reduced to offer customers better value for money.

One could say that this strategy could not have come at a better time and goes a long way to explain the bold moves being made here by Hyundai SA.

If one looks at the sales performance of the Hyundai Creta and its step sibling, the Kia Sonet, up till the end of September compared to the same period last year, these two models have been slaughtered by the Chery Tiggo 4, the Toyota Urban Cruiser, and the Suzuki Grand Vitara, losing almost 40% of their market share, while these Top 4 have grown in the segment by around 30%.

Make no mistake, this is a segment that offers over 30 models, with more arriving each day. It's not a fun place to do business if you don't have products that are budget-priced with a whole lot of spec.