A Matte Edition Mid-Life Boost for the Hyundai Creta. And it looks cool!

 

Not one but two new Matte Edition derivatives, more convenience and safety features, and a reduction in the prices of certain versions of this medium-size SUV. That’s not a bad start to 2025!

The Creta range still comprises three derivatives with two different specification levels: Premium and Executive, both using a 1,5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as the power source in combination with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), which is the only choice for the Executive.

An exciting new feature of the range is the addition of an optional matte exterior paint finish, which comes with three options: Midnight Black Matte, Magnetic Silver Matte, or Optic White Matte – available for both Premium and Executive specification versions. 

Keeping it Fresh

The Hyundai Creta’s exterior styling, particularly the attractive front grille and lights design, remains the same, but, apart from the new exterior paint finish, the new Matte Edition has undergone a few subtle changes to the lower part of the nose and rear design.

The daytime running lights, LEDs on all derivatives, are still incorporated into the parametric jewel pattern grille. Apart from the different body paint finish, special glossy black 17-inch black rims distinguish the Matte Edition versions from the other Cretas in the range. The A and C pillars of the Matte Edition cars are finished in high gloss black, and the front and rear skid plates sports a matte black colour versus the silver of the other Cretas. Door handles and outside rearview mirrors of the Matte Edition have a high gloss black finish too. 

Cabin Convenience

On the inside, the Creta sports the same cabin with its clean, sometimes minimalistic fascia and trim. It is a spacious car, also for rear passengers, who benefit from added comfort in the form of a centre arm rest with cup holders that fold out of the backrest for the middle seat in the rear bench. The driver seat’s height can be adjusted, and with the telescopic and height adjustment of the steering it creates a comfortable driving position.

The multifunction steering wheel with remote control buttons for the infotainment system, trip computer and cruise control, and a wireless charging pad (in the Executive) are among the many convenience features of the Hyundai Creta.

Located in the middle of the fascia is the infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and featuring an 8-inch touch screen. A Bluetooth system with voice recognition enables the driver or passengers to select several functions through voice commands. The Executive version comes with 4 speakers and 2 tweeters, opposed to 4 speakers for the Premium derivatives.

Apart from the infotainment USB connection in the centre console, the new Creta has an extra 12V power socket, as well as a USB charging socket and storage place in a console for the rear passengers. This console also contains rear air vents for the Creta’s manual air conditioner. 

Under the Hood

A 4-cylinder petrol engine with a 1 497-cc displacement is used as the power source for the Creta. It is linked to either a 6-speed manual gearbox, for the Premium, or an automatic Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), for both Premium and Executive versions, and drives the car through the front wheels. The 1,5-litre naturally aspirated engine delivers 84 kW peak power at 6 300 r/min. and 144 Nm maximum torque at 4 500 r/min. Fuel consumption on long distances was a very modest 6.5l per 100kms. 

What’s the ride like?

A firm, yet comfortable ride makes a journey in the Creta smooth and enjoyable – both on tar roads and gravel routes. The McPherson strut front suspension and coupled torsion beam axle (CTBA) for the rear wheels have been tuned to give the Creta an even more solid, surefooted feeling on both road surfaces than before. A 20-cm ground clearance makes handling the Creta a breeze if you have to venture off tarred roads onto the gravel with confidence, helped by the adequate 60-profile tyres on 17-inch alloy rims.

Safety

The Smart Sense Safety package in the Creta Executive version contains Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, a Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Follow Assist, Driver Fatigue Detection with a warning function, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert to warn about passing cars, cyclists of pedestrians behind the car.

Front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, and two curtain airbags that offer protection for rear passengers too, are part of the Creta Executive’s safety package. Side and curtain airbags are not included in the Premium derivative. 

Pricing

With the addition of the Matte Edition, the prices of three derivatives have seen a slight reduction.

Creta 1.5 Premium MT R449 900

Creta 1.5 Premium IVT R479 900

Creta 1.5 Premium IVT (Matte Edition) R484 900

Creta 1.5 Executive IVT R519 900

Creta 1.5 Executive IVT (Matte Edition) R524 900  

All Cretas are sold with a 7-year / 200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty; a 4-year / 60 000 km service plan; and roadside assistance for 7 years or 150 000 km.