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Hyundai means business with new Creta

Published:Sunday | September 10, 2023 | 12:06 AMKareem LaTouche - Automotives Coordinator

In the bustling world of city life, the 2023 Hyundai Creta emerges as a charismatic contender, transcending the boundaries of a mere crossover vehicle. This fully loaded compact SUV has captured the attention of new car owners and everyday commuters alike with its fusion of style, technology, and performance.

Aesthetic Allure

The 2023 Hyundai Creta exudes a captivating charisma with its dynamic design language. It embraces a harmonious blend of sculpted lines, elegant curves, and bold accents that create an immediate visual impact. The front fascia, adorned with Hyundai’s signature cascading grille, exudes confidence while the sleek LED headlights seamlessly integrate with the overall design, both enhancing visibility and adding an element of sophistication.

Elevated Comfort: Interior Elegance

Stepping inside the 2023 Creta, one is greeted by a nice blend of comfort and luxury. The cabin is nicely ergonomically designed, where every control and feature is thoughtfully placed for effortless access. This includes the climate-control buttons as well as the steering-mounted controls. The premium materials, such as the leather seats and meticulous attention to detail, elevate the ambience, enveloping passengers in a cocoon of refined luxury. The intelligently designed infotainment system, with its responsive touchscreen interface, seamlessly integrates with smartphone devices, ensuring a connected driving experience. A favourite of mine is the panoramic sunroof, which comes with an interior canopy that can be retracted to make the interior appear more spacious.

Engine and Handling

The Creta is powered by a 1.5-litre gasolene engine that produces 115 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), which is a smart version of a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The IVT delivers smooth and efficient power, which is useful for off-roading, where traction is low. There are also multiple driving modes including Sport and Eco, which alters the characteristics of how the vehicle performs.

I remember having to come to an emergency halt, and the responsiveness of the brake system was quite impressive. The same can be said of the steering, which accurately puts the vehicle wherever it is turned. Hyundai has really fine-tuned many of the simple things to boost driver confidence, along with its reputation.

Safety First

Hyundai takes safety seriously, and the 2023 Creta is a testament to this commitment. Loaded with an array of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, the Creta creates a protective cocoon around its occupants. This comprehensive suite of safety technologies not only enhances driving confidence, but also sets new standards for the segment. The feature that was most useful to me was the Auto Hold, which engages the brake whenever it detects it is on an incline and the accelerator is not being used.

The Creta has a reverse camera that can help you park and manoeuvre in tight spaces. But what is more interesting is that the camera stays on even after you shift from reverse to drive. This feature allows you to see what is behind you for a few seconds, which can be useful for off-roading, where visibility is limited. You can also avoid hitting any objects or plants that may damage your car.

Beyond Boundaries

The Creta transcends its role as just another small SUV. It is a symphony of style, comfort, performance, and safety, elegantly woven together to create an experience that os truly extraordinary. With its innovative design, advanced features, and spirited performance, the Creta sets a new benchmark for what a compact SUV can achieve. Whether you are navigating cityscapes or exploring open highways, the 2023 Hyundai Creta ensures that your journey is nothing short of remarkable.

Engine: 1.5-litre gasolene engine

Torque: 143.8 Nm @ 4500 rpm

Transmission: Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), FWD

Fuel tank: 50 liters

Gas consumption: 6.1 litre/ 100 km (highway)

Body Type: Crossover SUV

Competition: KIA Seltos, Honda HRV, Toyota CHR, Suzuki Vitara

Magna Motors Dealership LTD, 630-1511 / 577-3607, www.hyundaijamaica.com