Hyundai Creta 2025: First Impressions, Features, and Honest Review

IRSHAD Khan Admin

Jan 3, 2025

I attended the launch of the new Hyundai Creta this week in India Bedfordview hosted by Hyundai South Africa. After the refreshments, we got straight into the SUV and explored the updates from the chassis to the driving dynamics. Here’s my honest review of what Hyundai has brought to the table with the 2025 Creta.

Interior: Comfort and Technology

Hyundai has done a lot to the Creta’s interior, tech features and comfort.

Technology and Connectivity

The Creta’s infotainment system now has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I did have some connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay which was resolved partially by the dual USB ports at the front. Apart from that,t the tech package has several goodies:

Multi-Functional Steering Wheel: Ergonomic design so you don’t have to take your hands off the wheel.
Digital Instrument Cluster: User-friendly graphics and clean layout for better readability.
Wireless Charging Bay: No cables, no clutter.

Comfort and Style

The Creta’s interior has a premium feel with faux leather and power windows for front and rear passengers. Sitting in the back was very comfortable thanks to:

Ample Legroom: Spacious and well-designed for passenger comfort.
Rear USB Port and Air Vents: For long journeys.
Durable Storage Pouches: Instead of nets for added practicality.
Nice Roof Lining: The black lining in the top-spec Matte Edition adds to the premium feel.

But I did notice a small drawback, the driver’s door bottle holder sticks out a bit which may feel awkward ergonomically.

Exterior: A Stylish Refresh

Hyundai has tweaked the Creta’s design subtly but effectively so it doesn’t look overdone.

Reshaped Bumpers and LED Strips: Gives the car a modern look.
Matte Edition Finish: Unique and attention-grabbing, adds a premium feel to the SUV.

Boot Space and Practicality

The Creta has decent boot space with a parcel shelf to organize smaller items. There’s also a full-size back-up wheel under the boot floor which is a nice touch. But the parcel shelf can’t take heavier loads so pack carefully.

Driving: Balanced Performance

The Hyundai Creta has a 1.5-liter engine producing 84 kW and 144 Nm of torque with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).

Ride and Handling

Suspension: Soaks up bumps well, long drives are comfortable.
Steering: Light and responsive, urban roads are a breeze.
Noise: Engine whine at high RPMs is noticeable but the cabin is well insulated overall.

Safety

Hyundai has prioritized safety in the Creta with:

Active Lane Keeping Assist: Keeps the car in its lane.
Adaptive Cruise Control: For highway comfort.
Six Airbags: For all passengers.
3D Camera: For parking and visibility.

Pricing and Value

The Hyundai Creta is priced well:

Base: R449,000
Top Spec Matte Edition: R524,900

The 7-year/200,000 km warranty is a big plus for families and daily commuters. But the lack of premium features like sunroof and electric driver’s seat in higher variants may leave some wanting more.

Comparison

The Hyundai Creta competes with:

Kia Seltos
Haval Jolion
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro
Volkswagen T-Cross

While the Creta has a lot of value with the warranty and features the top-spec variant may be a bit pricey for those looking for more premium features.

Verdict: Is the Hyundai Creta Worth It?

The Hyundai Creta 2025 is a good all-rounder, with a comfortable ride, modern tech and a nice design. A practical choice for families and individuals looking for a reliable, stylish car with a long warranty.

Pros:

Comfortable suspension for a smooth ride.
Exterior updates are nice, especially on the Matte Edition.
Advanced connectivity and tech.

Cons:

Engine noise at high RPMs.
Lower trims miss out on the luxury features of a sunroof.

Should you buy the Creta? Yes, for practicality and warranty. But if you have a budget above R500,000 you may want to look at competitors with more premium features.