Can Hyundai’s compact SUV/crossover, the Creta, be another success story for the South Koreans? CHARLES THOMPSON got behind the wheel.
Pravin Gordhan’s delivering his annual budget speech as I drive to the launch of Hyundai’s latest vehicle, the Creta. If I’m listening to the subtext correctly, poor old Pravin will have to pull another rabbit out of a hat to keep the numbers out of the red.
The rand and the economy are in my head again the next morning while Hyundai’s sales and operations director, Stanley Anderson, fires off some numbers. It’s no secret that many vehicle manufacturers, especially those who have to import vehicles, are suffering in the current economic climate.
But that’s not the case with Hyundai. Despite a slumping economy they’ve actually managed to grow their market share, with the Tucson selling so well that it owns 20% of its segment, where it competes with popular names like the Toyota RAV and Volkswagen Tiguan.
Overseas, it’s already going well with the Creta, Hyundai’s new competitor in the segment for small SUVs and crossovers, with 10 000 vehicles sold every month in India.
Under the hood
Two engines are available for the South African Creta – a 1.6-litre petrol developing 90 kW power and 150 Nm torque, and a 1.6-litre diesel with 94 kW power and 260 Nm torque. The petrol engine is available in manual and automatic (both with six gears), while the flagship diesel is only paired to the autobox. It’s also the first vehicle in its class to offer a diesel auto model.
Bu hikaye Drive Out dergisinin April 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Drive Out dergisinin April 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
The pinch of the pump
In a time where every penny counts, you should be cautious about where to spend it, says Neels van Heerden.
Is the Jimny suitable for overlanding?
He has a theory on whether the Suzuki Jimny is suitable for overlanding, but he is also about to find out for himself, says Mic van Zyl.
Klein-Kariba chronicles
His family has camped so often at ATKV Klein-Kariba that they now consider this popular resort their holiday home, says Roelof van Eeden of Witbank.
So ugly it's cute
Longing for the good old days when vehicles took inspiration from aircraft? Citroën has the compact mobile home just for you.
WHO'S THE BAKKIE KING?
Eight brands, seven categories... and one overall winner. We find out which double-cab bakkie performs best when towing a caravan and off-roading.
Viva, Amarokoroko!
We take a spin through the Western Cape's Cederberg to See if the Ford-built Volkswagen Amarok retains its poshness.
Hook, line and tune
That exhilarating rush you feel when something tugs at your hook and races away with your line is what perpetually draws him back to the angler's paradise, says singer Bok van Blerk.
Discover Dinokeng: beyond the Big Five
The Dinokeng Big Five Reserve is a favourite for weekend getaways, but just past its borders lies an untapped haven waiting to be explored.
Life's a farm in Bonnievale!
Bonnievale presents a unique setting where kids, camping and church come together for a unique family holiday.
Into the heart of the Cederberg
From Duiwelsgat to Heuningvlei, from Wupperthal to the Biedouw Valley. Drive through a world where poet Boerneef's mountain goose sheds a feather and author Jan Rabie's dreamland begins.
