Creta nulls electric mobility

The greater motoring world wants us to believe that diesel vehicles are bad for the planet. That hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) are the way forward. Now I’m sure that there are grounds for such beliefs, but the truth of the matter is that those kind of vehicles are still just too out of reach for most South Africans. In a Utopian future where the masses can afford such niche vehicles, a hybrid or EV would probably be everyone’s first choice. It’ll be unwise to discount the advantages of these vehicles and the positive effect it’ll have on both your wallet and the environment, but we’re not (yet) living in that Utopian future. We have to take care of our wallets with the vehicles currently available in the new car market.

If you want an EV you’d have to fork out at least R650 000. So in the South African context it’s best to look at alternatives lower down the price scale; to something that’s more attainable and won’t cause much damage at the pumps. And that’s where the diesel-powered Hyundai Creta comes in.

With a price tag of R414 900, this is the only diesel model in the revised Creta range. And, like its two petrol-powered siblings, it’s only available in Executive trim. This means that the Creta has enough technology and gadgets to make it relevant both in its segment and the broader market. When the revised range landed late in 2018, the SUV still had the familiar traits we’ve come to recognise it by. Traits such as the straight-up position, compact diameters, and recognisable headlights. But Hyundai did add daytime-running LED lights around the front fog lights and made the grille a tad more aggressive.

The Creta is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre diesel engine that churns out a very delightful 94kW and 260Nm of torque; the latter available at a heady 2700rpm. A six-speed automatic gearbox sends power to the front wheels and is there always ample of power to keep your chosen gear engaged. Testament thereof was when I stopped at the foot of a hill before scaling it. Once I’ve reached 120km/h, I activated cruise control and did the Creta, still scaling the hill, not cog down a gear for any reason. The comfort at which the engine works makes you believe Hyundai’s claim of a 7.4 L/100km fuel return. At one point, after driving 300km, average consumption read as 5.8 L/100km, at a constant speed of 110km/h. At the end of the weeklong test tenure and 2300km covered, the on-board computer gave a final reading of 7.0 L.

The blend between performance and fuel economy is a standout feature of the Creta’s and does it shed new light against the industry’s inclination towards hybrids and EVs. South Africa’s economy is suffering and can we brace ourselves for more fuel price increases. But the diesel Creta wants to address those issues. And for a few hundred bucks you can refuel your tank and easily get 700-800km out of it – depending on your driving style.

So while the world is going the hybrid and EV route, don’t regard the tried-and-trusted formulas.

Article: Charlen Raymond Photos: Supplied