South Korean Chaebol Hyundai had faced harsh criticisms in the past for their alienating business method of rapidly shifting their industry from heavy machinery to suddenly producing road cars which caused many to doubt the brand’s quality.
But then Hyundai had the last laugh, for they have risen from the ashes and have become a phoenix in the automobile industry and a real game changer—In 2010, Hyundai gave the world an amazing lineup of vehicles such as the popular Starex Van, fabulous SUVs Santa Fe and Tucson, the underrated Genesis sports car and the durable compact car Accent—which is popularly used in the public transport industry.
With the growing popularity of SUVs and Crossovers across the world, Hyundai sufficiently provided their Tucson and Santa Fe models to the demands but the market kept expanding so they introduced the mini crossover Kona to the world- with the Philippines included.
Sadly, the Kona failed to impress the Filipino motorists with its thirst for gasoline especially now that continuous price hikes have been expected to plague the country. Hyundai immediately pulled it out of the showrooms and dug into one of their other subsidiaries to which they retrieved the all new Creta to replace the Kona and to make its first mark in the mini MPV market, aiming to fight against the Honda BRV, Toyota Veloz and its sister car-the Kia Seltos.
But keep in mind, the Creta nameplate is not a new one for this vehicle that they have introduced here is the second generation of an already existing mini SUV positioned below the Tucson. The first-generation Creta was a top-selling vehicle in India, China, Russia, and Latin America.
With this second-generation Creta-Hyundai aims to attract young Filipino families and individuals with an active lifestyle. Already upon stepping into the vehicle, they would find themselves immersed in an extremely roomy cabin and a trunk that can swallow all the sporting and basic goods that they can carry.
“The interior, while nothing extraordinary in terms of design, features a clean and minimalist appearance. There’s even a drop-down table installed on the rear of the front seats,” a car magazine has reviewed the Creta, claiming it to be a rebadged Alcazar, as on-point and stylish to the rising minimalist trend.
With a ground clearance even higher than that of its older brother the Tucson, the Creta can certainly reach new heights and tackle the inevitable floods.
To soothe their journey along the way, the Creta has an easy-to-use infotainment with Apple car play & android auto and on the top-of-the-line variant. One can enjoy wireless charging and a chilled glove compartment for their drinks.
All this comfort, however, will most likely be shattered by a rough ride even with an adjustable suspension on the top model which has four settings: eco, normal, sport, and smart.
Along with a rough ride, The Creta is underpowered and slow due to the 1.5-liter engine which is hampered by the IVT transmission.
Though on a lighter side and to cope with its slow performance, The Creta is quite economical being able to achieve 23 km/L.
Despite this, 27-year-old law student Abigail has her eye out for the mini SUV. Having driven an SUV for as long as she can remember, the creta has become an ideal car for a solo girl living in the city.
“I had no choice but to drive an SUV because it was the only one my parents had left at home after moving to Europe. When I decided to move out, I browsed for cars that would better suit me now that I’m living alone. The creta is an absolute buzz,” she said.
Meanwhile, Jerry, who has been an accountant for three years said that he wants to upgrade to a Creta from the present mini-suv he is currently driving.
“After driving the second-hand SUV for long, I think it’s about time to treat myself and the minimalist design of the creta is just the tip of the iceberg as to why I’ve chosen it as my dream car,” he explained that Hyundai’s newest icon is at the top of his list of possible choices to replace his current vehicle.
And with its SRP prices starting at PHP998,000 to 1,332,000- By the looks of it, the Creta will be a top-tier choice for local buyers. There’s no doubt that Hyundai’s newest sensation will be the cherry on top to the South Korean Chaebol’s newest line of vehicles to reintroduce the brand to Filipino consumers.
No doubt, from single gals and adventurous boys living their best life in the city to small families taking nightly dinner joyrides, the Creta will be an amazing choice!