When you have only 1.3–1.4 million rubles in your pocket and desperately need a crossover, most people make the obvious choice - buy the super-popular Creta in Russia. Every fifth SUV in the country is of this particular model. But what if we look at the similar in cost, but larger and better equipped “Chinese”? Wouldn't they be better than the bestseller?

If we talk about the most popular types car bodies in Russia, the championship will go to sedans, and crossovers will inevitably take second place. According to official AEB statistics, 14 of the Top 25 most popular models are crossovers of different classes. More than half! The most popular are compact class B models. We decided to find the most profitable one on the market.

It is difficult to say with complete certainty how many buyers consider the “raised” XRAY hatchback as a good alternative to the most popular crossovers in Russia, but AvtoVAZ marketers speak firmly on this matter: they consider the main competitors of their latest new product, the XRAY Cross, to be Hyundai Creta And Renault Duster. In our comparative test Instead of Duster, which is long overdue for a generation change, a “younger” but structurally similar Kaptur took part. At the same time, we compared cars with three types of transmissions - manual, CVT and automatic.

The new economic reality that emerged in Russia in 2014 led not only to a decrease in the capacity of bottles with sunflower oil and beer, but also to the emergence of new small-sized hits automobile market. Yesterday's idols have become too expensive, we have to choose smaller heroes. One of them was Hyundai crossover Creta, which appeared in August 2016, was, as they say, at the right time and in the right place. In 2017, with sales of 55,305 units, this car became the leader among all SUVs, and in 2018 it is also ahead. It is already possible to put together the advantages and disadvantages noted by tens of thousands of owners.

Our recent tire experiment involving popular all-wheel drive crossovers Hyundai Creta and Renault Captur gave very unexpected results. It turned out that on a climb with the so-called mixed slope - when there is ice under the wheels of one side and snow under the others - the difference between studded and non-studded tires is insignificant. Even after stopping on the slope, we were able to start and drive up both on spikes and on Velcro. What if we complicate the task and fill the entire rise? That’s what we did, and at the same time we bought a set of cheap Chinese Velcro and drove a Lada 4x4 on Michelin studs, which will perform outside the competition.

Spikes or “linden”? Almost a religious question, if you think about it. Different parts of our country answer it differently. The Far East completely rides on “fat Velcro”; Siberia and the West prefer spikes. the site decided to hold a series of demonstration races on different types rubber on ice to understand what is the strength of the studs and what is the “linden” strength. To begin with, we took affordable crossovers with plug-in all-wheel drive. We filled the runway on the rise with ice and tried to drive in. The first series of our tests is devoted to this experiment. We read and watch.

This was perhaps the most predictable test drive in my practice, because I knew its outcome in advance. And yet I went with hidden hope: what if? I was one hundred percent sure that with the base 1.6-liter engine the Creta “wouldn’t go”: even if our editorial car with a 2.0-liter engine couldn’t accelerate beyond 11.5 seconds, what should we demand? from a less powerful version? But suddenly the Koreans, in addition to the conclusion new modification, listened to the feedback and did the first work on... no, not errors, but, shall we say, shortcomings?

The popularity of crossovers is not in doubt: their sales are growing even when the entire market is falling. At the same time, a considerable proportion of such cars are offered in versions with only one axle drive, and some models do not have all-wheel drive modifications at all. Does it make sense to purchase a crossover if you can get a classic station wagon for the same money? What do the owners of both lose and what do they gain? We decided to check this in the next test.

It's no secret that about 70 percent of small crossover buyers choose configurations with front-wheel drive. This is understandable: the ground clearance for single-wheel drive and all-wheel drive modifications is usually the same, the main habitat of such cars is the city, and you can save a fair amount by purchasing a “neutered” version. Is there any difference between these cars in everyday use? Which one will be better off-road? Is it possible to do without all-wheel drive by using, for example, snow chains? Today, our editorial Creta and Capture will be tested in the snow by their siblings, but in front-wheel drive versions.

43 days after a serious accident on the 361st km of the M-9 Baltic highway insurance company AlfaStrakhovanie still made a decision on the so-called “total loss” vehicle" In other words, our Creta was still “totalized”, and now Drom is waiting for the full amount of insurance compensation (1,274,900 rubles) to be credited to his account, minus a deductible of 15,000 rubles. Thus, the final payment will be 1,259,900 rubles. Well, just recently - on March 4 - our dromomobile found its last refuge at the special parking lot of AlfaStrakhovanie, where we took the “usable remains” at the request of the company. How all this happened, what actions we had to take in the process of settling the loss - read in this material.

If so, then it is destined to catch fire or fade away in the spurs of Altai. Where the plain gives way to a picturesque gorge cut by the turquoise waters of the Katun River, an exemplary journalistic investigation takes place. The compact crossover Hyundai Creta is not yet guilty of anything, but it arouses a lot of suspicion among the public, in all respects.

And yet, despite the four-hour difference from Moscow, common sense overcomes the half-asleep consciousness. It’s hard not to notice that Creta, despite all its “globalism,” is something interesting, and above all, in design.

The styling of the car seems suspiciously familiar to me. A typical European, but what does he look like? You can throw stones, but the first one that came to mind was Mercedes GLK, only considerably reduced and in a special reading. The second, due to the shape of the front window frames, is the Skoda Fabia.

Of course, such associations are not a dogma... Everyone will find their own, but Creta’s emotionality will still not diminish. There are practically no smooth contours and slickness in it, but there are characteristic, immediately memorable features. For example, headlights and rear optics of identical shapes with a pronounced “makeup” eyeliner with outside, barely expanded wheel arches With plastic protection, moving onto the rapids. It is complemented by elegantly shaped door linings. Everything else is a combination of facets different sizes and configurations, from which a very attractive image emerged.

Can't do without retribution

As often happens, the manufacturer presented cars for testing in the maximum, out of three possible, versions - Comfort. For information: there is also a completely “empty” Start and a slightly more “packed” Active. The latter - with air conditioning and a heated steering wheel, but without the ability to even order a branded audio system with a touch screen for an additional fee - will apparently have to be additionally installed at dealers of some kind of non-original one (which not everyone will like). In general, the configurations are arranged in such a way that the “full stuffing” will certainly be in demand, and our test drive of the top version is for once not divorced from consumer reality.

A treasure trove of revelations

I don’t know what impression I would have got from the Creta’s launch interior, but the one offered at the top does not disappoint at all. Its style is identical to the exterior: chopped lines of the front panel, from the visor of a perfectly readable instrument panel with large dials and an LCD information display between them to the optional multimedia unit, also covered by a small sun visor, under which a strip of an electronic clock is built in. From this deliberate relief, emphasized by powerful vertical air duct deflectors framed in brushed aluminum, the only thing that slightly stands out is the climate control unit with a pair of control wheels and five additional keys.

There are a minimum of keys and buttons, which is quite rational for a small but not cramped interior. But they were positioned not only ergonomically, but also with thoughtful design. For example, a mini-unit for adjusting mirrors found a place on an insert in a vertically standing door panel handle. Cool and convenient solution.

At the same time, as in other Hyundai models, the thickness of the door trim is kept to a minimum. Therefore, the cabin width of 1,387 mm at shoulder level in front is quite sufficient even for two overweight men. There are no complaints about the height either: my height of 185 cm is not at all critical for a comfortable driving position, and besides, the range of seat adjustments both longitudinally and vertically is enough for the eyes. How can one not recall Creta’s main competitor, which, despite its external impressiveness, turns out to be quite cramped...

The only pity is that, despite all the comfort of the profiled backrest, the Creta seat cushion is short, and there is no way to compensate for the shortcoming by the angle of its inclination. If you come to terms with this, then getting comfortable behind the wheel is not a problem. In particular, due to the huge range of adjustment of the steering wheel for reach, which, like many other things, is not provided in lower trim levels.

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The desire of my colleagues to quickly try on the driver’s seat turns me to the role of a passenger – but I certainly can’t call it an unenviable one. True, the distance from the head to the ceiling is slightly less than in the front, and only two people are comfortable on the sofa. The revelation was that with the front seats moved completely back, my knees did not touch the backrests! And this despite the fact that wheelbase At 2,590 mm, the Creta is inferior to that of the Duster (2,673 mm) and Kaptur (2,674 mm). Well, there are absolute values, and there are realities of life.

Trunk volume

402 / 1,387 liters

You can criticize the trunk volume of 402 liters, but a suitcase or two, plus a backpack, will fit into it. How much more for a city car? In contrast to my opponents, I fold out the backs of the chairs in a few seconds - you will get your 1387 liters for seedlings, bicycles and other things during the beach and summer season. If that's not enough, there are hidden compartments near the full-size spare tire under the raised floor. You need even more - pile it on the roof, which won’t spoil it one bit appearance. After all, this is a small crossover, not cargo van. Of course, in pre-crisis times, but who already remembers this...

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The start with a 123-horsepower “mechanics” turned out to be completely predictable, because the curb weight of the Creta (1,345 kg) is almost 200 kilograms more than that of the Solaris (1,154 kg), and the engines are the same. However, the car does not show itself to be an outright weakling, especially at smooth road. But for normal dynamics, the engine must be turned to at least 2,800 rpm, especially if the car is loaded and the climb has begun.

It has become harder to overtake, you have to shift more often, but 6 gears are a real blessing, and they click easily and very accurately. Of course, if you put aside the desire to win five to ten minutes over a hundred kilometers, the engine does not cause any special complaints. In addition, like the 2.0-liter, which awaits me a little later, it readily digests 92 gasoline, which is important, and consumption does not go beyond 7 liters per hundred.

The 123-horsepower front-wheel drive Creta handles extremely nicely. Firstly, the multifunctional steering wheel, in our case with electric power steering, pleased us with its small stroke - 2.8 turns from lock to lock and a pronounced “zero”. Very light at the moment of starting the engine, it was filled with force in the very first second of movement, and remained so, according to the first impression, regardless of speed.

Hyundai Creta
Consumption per 100 km

Secondly, in the 1.6-liter single-wheel drive version rear suspension not a multi-link, like a front- or all-wheel drive “two-liter”, but semi-independent, with a torsion beam. The simple and inexpensive design has its own thrill. Both with and without a load at the rear, the car steers without much roll, without making the stabilization system nervous, but for serious off-road use the suspension travel is already a bit short.

Volume fuel tank

But what if you wander onto the boulder-strewn bank of the Katun? Alas, such a wild beach is of little use for a 1.6-liter engine with a manual transmission. The grip, which was light and comfortable on asphalt, turned out to be weak on such a surface. It’s almost impossible to move away without burning the disc due to the forced increase in revolutions at the start (oh, if only there was a little more torque at the bottom).

Well, that's it, give me a two-liter 149-horsepower version! Let's compare.

Full program

We couldn’t find any differences in the interior, with the exception of the leather-covered automatic selector, in the top-end version of the Creta, which is top-end in all respects and reinforced with three “packages.” Is it possible that the 2-liter Nu series turned out to be a little noisier at idling than the small 1.6 Gamma. I was so carried away by the study of technical sounds that I completely forgot about music. But there is one, and a good one, with six speakers and a USB input. Well, Vysotsky and “Farewell to the Mountains” with reliable lows and natural hoarseness? Yes, that’s right, but it’s too early to part with Altai.

If with a basic engine and front-wheel drive all my desires did not always correspond to the capabilities, then with a powerful all-wheel drive car they simply had to come true. Of course, I won’t rush to storm Belukha, the highest local point in Altai, but why not go to the gentle hills, velvety with herbs, of which there are more than enough in the surrounding area?

The most picturesque ones with heights over 1,000 meters are one and a half hundred miles away. Little things, unless it suddenly turns out that on a high-speed, albeit winding, road, steering stiffness is not always a sign of refined handling. I didn’t like constantly steering in fast turns, and the howl of the tandem engine and gearbox at more than 4,000 rpm didn’t add any pleasure. Not very pleasant facts, although compensation for them was not long in coming.

Brief technical specifications

Dimensions, mm (L / W / H): 4,480 / 1,855 / 1,655 Power, hp: 123 (149.6) Maximum speed, km/h: 169 (179) Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s: 12.1 (11.3) Transmission: 6-speed, manual (6-speed, automatic) Drive: Front wheels (all-wheel drive, AWD )

Curb weight

Altai dirt roads are mostly rocky, so all-wheel drive is justified only on steep climbs, where it is important not to skid on smooth crushed stone. There are almost no ruts with mud in the mountains, and 190 mm ground clearance, engine power and torque of 192 Nm at 4,200 rpm are enough for the eyes. They did not introduce any innovations into the Creta’s transmission, leaving everything as it is in the Tucson and its compatriots. It got rid of overheating several years ago thanks to an electro-hydraulic control drive, and taking into account the weight of the compact crossover, it works in automatic mode faster and more efficiently.

Climbing up a more than 30-degree slope after Niva turned out to be quite a realistic task. However, after a couple of tens of meters I prefer to lock the clutch with a button - the climb is too steep. Fixed traction along the axles in a ratio of 50:50 is simply necessary on it. Next is the manual mode of the automatic transmission and the stabilization system disabled. Another minute and... here it is, the top. But rolling down is much more scary, even with the “descent assistant” turned on. Alas, 10 km/h on such a slope is already a lot, and you can’t do without step braking. It seems that Creta has passed the most severe test of its life...

Even a mowed field with stubble, pitted with ditches, where the body does not creak and the interior panels do not squeak, seems like children's entertainment. The suspension also held up, breaking through only once in the front, but the rear multi-link turned out to be much stronger than MacPherson struts. In comparison with the design of the Creta's twin, the Hyundai ix25 for China, it was strengthened by springs and shock absorbers installed almost vertically with a reduced valve cross-section. However, the entire system was borrowed from - naturally, with modifications. And if several years ago almost all owners complained about the excessive softness of the Hyundai chassis, then Creta is unlikely to disappoint anyone in this regard.

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So what's the bottom line? As already noted, Creta does not like high speeds and sudden maneuvers. The crossover was not tailored for them, but they were taught to drive in “civilian modes” correctly, I would say – academically. At the same time, the car was also made truly modern and comfortable. Only time will tell how reliable it is. But now Renault-Nissan with their crossovers on the B0 platform, as well as Ford with EcoSport and Peugeot since 2008, are worth thinking about. There were more than enough sparks in the Creta.

Materiel

Dmitry Yurasov website columnist

For all its novelty, the Hyundai Creta, also known as ix25, was not created from scratch. And it’s clearly not just the design concept that explains the fact that the configuration of the A-pillars and door frames copies one to one Kia Soul, - it is obvious that the entire frame of the front part of the two models is as unified as possible, although the outer panels of the Creta are original. The front module of the platform is almost identical, because the McPherson suspension on a subframe, disc brakes and steering mechanisms (with hydraulic or electric power, depending on the modification) are common to all compact Hyundai-Kia models, including Elantra/i30 and Cerato/cee"d , the differences are only in the settings. Here is the rear part of the smallest Hyundai crossover: for the purpose of obtaining all-wheel drive modification Koreans used a slightly modified multi-link suspension from the “older” Tucson/Sportage with an electro-hydraulic Magna Dynamax friction clutch, which required increasing the “Soul” wheelbase by two centimeters. And the semi-independent suspension of the single-wheel drive version had to be “tightened in geometry”: elongated trailing arms and other mounting points for “high” shock absorbers improved off-road kinematics. The base 1.6-liter engine for the Russian specification (a 1.4-liter version is also offered in other markets) was also shared with the Creta by Tucson and Elantra. This is an aluminum 16-valve G4FC unit with a timing chain drive, belonging to the Gamma family, like the Solaris engine, but it has a simplified version with a phase shifter only at the inlet, and here there are two of them. This does not give an increase in power, there is a small gain only in efficiency, and modifications with direct injection G4FD gasoline, which is equipped with Soul, Crete, and more budget model, is not expected, not to mention the turbocharged G4FJ, which acts as the top engine for the Tucson. Here it was given to an atmospheric two-liter “four” of the Nu family, also with phase shifters on the intake and exhaust, a timing chain and multi-point injection with a variable configuration intake manifold. The same Tucson, the new Elantra, and the more respectable i40 are sold in Russia with such engines. Of course, the “all-Hendevan” gearboxes are the six-speed manual M6CF1, which is combined only with the 1.6-liter unit, and the “automatic” A6MF2, which is combined with both engines. Six-speed hydro manual transmission own development Hyundai-Kia in various modifications in terms of the amount of transmitted torque, it is installed on many models, from the same Solaris to the large crossover Grand Santa Fe. By the way, Cretu is similar to the latter in that, regardless of the engine and transmission, it has disc brakes on all wheels.

Hyundai Creta-Solaris among crossovers. Inexpensive when compared with its competitors, the cost of the minimum configuration on the market is 800 thousand rubles, the “maximum speed” will cost 1.2 million rubles. The crossover is pleasant to look at; externally, the model is practically no different from its fellow tribesmen, at least for the worse. Good quality finishing materials, comfort and ergonomics are ensured. However, there are several significant “BUTs” that make operating the Korean crossover a real nightmare and a big disappointment for the new Crete owners.

We have collected some of the most glaring facts indicating that the crossover from Korea is far from the most best option for purchase.

The Hyundai Creta body is rotting!

The first and most terrifying fact about the Hyundai Creta is that its body rots literally just a few months after leaving the assembly line! This is news!

This fact was spoken about by a considerable number of motorists who managed to take ownership of the crossover, and what they said was shocking, they simply couldn’t believe it. Nevertheless, all the stories turned out to be true, a number of automotive publications that you can trust wrote about this, including information published on the website of the magazine “Behind the Wheel.”

According to data from forums, from a quarter to a third of owners have encountered this unpleasant ailment. And it would be nice if the bottom of the car was covered in rust, at least you can “remove” it. But traces of metal decomposition appeared on the body panels and even on the roof. How is that? You can read more about the study in the article “Why the new Hyundai Creta rusts - the “Behind the Wheel” investigation”

And in order not to slander the Korean automaker, we note that according to official data, the number of car owners who are faced with a rust problem on the Hyundai Creta is very small, not 1 percent.

Therefore, there is no need to panic. However, it is best to keep in mind that there is a similar problem.

In order not to tarnish its reputation, Hyundai will change the necessary technical processes anyway (or have already made changes) and new batches will get rid of the unpleasant disease. But a residue will remain...

A crossover with a 1.6 liter engine, automatic and all-wheel drive has slurred dynamics

The second annoying disappointment of the owners is that the Creta is equipped with a 1.6 liter engine, automatic transmission and it doesn't work with all-wheel drive at all.

Let us immediately note that this is almost the maximum configuration and it costs more than 1.1 million rubles.

According to the passport, acceleration is 13.1 seconds, not fast, but it would seem possible to live, since we are not taking a sports car. In life, everything turned out to be somewhat worse (according to a forum member), since acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is not the only driving mode in real road conditions, much more often you need to quickly accelerate from 3rd or 4th gear, and here everything turns out to be completely bad. A car with a 123-horsepower engine does not pull, acceleration is sleepy and does not quite fit the realities of modern road life.

However, the disease can be treated very simply, take a model with a 2.0 liter engine, overpay a little (60-100 thousand rubles), but immediately raise the operational safety by several points.

P.S. People have differing opinions about the dynamics in the discussions. For some, the power and torque are quite enough and they do not understand the essence of the claims of other owners. Forum club-creta.ru

Minimum equipment - no, no!

Hyundai differs from many in its rather budget-friendly approach to pricing, but according to the old and bad tradition, if you want to buy a car as cheaply as possible, don’t do it, otherwise you’ll lose. For 800 thousand rubles in the Start package you will get the look of a crossover with a single-wheel drive on the front axle, two front airbags, 16″ steel wheels and a set of “options” that are even available in the Lada Kalina, such as classic electric windows, central lock and immobilizer.

Tell me honestly, would you buy a completely “naked” car for 800 thousand? This is a crossover, whatever one may say, and not a Lada car. With all due respect to the efforts domestic auto industry get out of the impenetrable dense darkness. Our fellows are great at this, they inspire optimism.

Creta is an expensive pleasure

Yes, we say that the crossover is budget, read, inexpensive. But if we put it aside minimum configuration and choose a more or less worthy one, it turns out that it is better to purchase a model for only 1 million rubles. ONE MILLION, Karl!

How is that? Is it inexpensive?! Expensive of course.

We understand that a crossover has always been an expensive pleasure and the manufacturer cannot sell its products at a loss, but... Creta is a really expensive model from Hyundai in the budget segment.

Queues to buy

At the same time, you will have to wait to buy Creta. The wait will be long. In some regions, the waiting list lasts almost six months. This is both a merit and a mistake of the manufacturer. On the one hand, the excitement is frantic, people want to get their hands on the Creta, on the other hand, it wouldn’t hurt to set up supplies or production in larger volumes. Discussion on the forum www.hyundai-creta2.ru

These were the top 5 most egregious facts about Hyundai Creta. Of course, car owners will find a bunch of other flaws or simply taste flaws in the car, and the forums are full of discussions of this kind. We will not list negative reviews, because in our opinion, this would be nit-picking.

What did we want to say with this material? Doesn't exist perfect cars. They don’t exist in nature; even super-reliable Toyotas break down. Think about the frames on Toyota SUVs after 7 years of operation. But in pursuit of imaginary savings, it is better to slow down and think, is it worth taking out a loan or giving away the money accumulated over the years to buy what looks like a crossover, but in fact is an ordinary city car called Creta? Maybe it’s better to take the brand new Solaris of the second generation, a proven, perfected bestseller on the Russian market over the years of production and not know the troubles? Or do you still think that it’s worth overpaying for all-terrain capabilities? crossover Creta? It's up to you to decide.

Quickly jump to sections

New compact crossover Hyundai Creta can only be called new conditionally. In fact, its release began in 2014, first in China, where it is known as ix25, and then in India, where it received its current name. Now the same small representative arrived in Russia.

Interesting detail. Appearance of models produced on different markets, practically the same. Probably because Cret's appearance is well balanced in terms of design and suits everyone. There is no feigned brutality of an SUV here, but there is no “girliness” either. The dimensions of the Hyundai Greta are typical for a car in the compact crossover class. In particular, the length is 4.27 meters.

Although the Creta is just a compact crossover, it nevertheless feels quite confident off-road. Fortunately, there are systems to help the driver. For example, descent assist from years. In addition, the Hyundai Greta now has an impressive ground clearance of 19 cm.

Even before the official presentation of the new Creta on the Russian market, all sorts of myths began to appear around the crossover. One of them is this: the new model is based on a rather weak, from a technical point of view, . Hyundai representatives, in turn, insistently claim that there is an Elantra inside, and an improved one. Indeed, the rear suspension is multi-link, and therefore the driver can comfortably steer with one hand, communicate with passengers and at the same time not watch the road too closely, even if it is quite rough.

A few words about the suitability of the new SUV for life outside the parquet. Reconfigured chassis copes well with troubles in the form of shallow rutting, gravel surfaces and relatively flat primers. But when there are more bumps, cracks and small holes, the suspension begins to get nervous.

As soon as high-frequency irregularities appear, you can immediately hear how they are transmitted to the interior and body. But the brakes do not lose their performance, even on very difficult terrain. One more pleasant thing should be noted technical feature new crossover. In any, even the simplest configuration, it is equipped with disk rear brakes. Of course, this car is not designed for regular driving on rough dirt roads, but for some time it will be able to withstand them.

Hyundai Greta video

Hyundai Greta test on asphalt

It looks like Creta is trying to please everyone at once. This is a good aspiration that can only be welcomed. Its positive influence is felt in the way the car looks, how practical it is and even in the way the driver's space is organized. It is clearly divided into zones: there is a multimedia zone, there is a climate zone. There is also a large digital clock area. The devices are excellent, they are simple in German, but easy to read. No cheesy blue backlighting usually found in Korean cars, not here.

According to the on-board computer, fuel consumption while driving on the highway was 10.8 liters. According to the documents, this is exactly how much the car should spend in city mode. Thus, the difference between the declared and actual fuel consumption is 2.5 liters. However, the cause of overspending can be not only the car, but also the driver, or rather his driving style.

Technical characteristics and specifics of Creta in Russia

The level of comfort that the driver is entitled to can be characterized as follows. There is an armrest, but only one of the automatic windows is the one for the driver. It says “auto” on its button. There are electric mirrors, keyless engine start, keyless access to the cabin, heated front seats, both driver and passenger. Moreover, there is a heated rear seat and even a heated steering wheel. This is the result of preparing the car for Russian conditions.

Hyundai test engineers drove 750,000 km across Russia, including the Arctic, in order to understand what the Russian buyer needs. As a result, we now have a fully heated windshield, heated steering wheel and all seats, a more capacious battery and a plastic fuel tank instead of a steel one. The settings and installation methods of the shock absorbers were also changed, and the power steering received a new algorithm with a more clearly defined zero position.

Motor units

Based on the results of sea trials, the engines were adapted for 92-octane gasoline and are capable of starting at temperatures down to -30°C. With motors, everything is extremely simple and clear. There are 1.6 and 2.0 liter engines. Power, respectively, is 123 hp. or 149.6 hp There was a second motor on test. No messing around with transmissions. No CVTs or 4-speed automatics. One must assume that Hyundai marketers and engineers would put a 4-speed automatic under the hood so that the price of the Creta would be even lower, but they simply don’t have it. Therefore, either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission is offered. The Hyundai Greta received for a test drive, the review of which is described here, was the second option.

Mono or all-wheel drive? The test drive was a car with all-wheel drive, which the Crete has is similar to that found in older models of the Korean line, such as Tussan. Therefore, all-wheel drive is quite decent here. True, instead of the all-wheel drive system, the new product also got their problems. In particular, such as a lack of dynamics with seemingly sufficient power.

On the one hand, Creta has one and a half hundred horsepower and a new 6-speed automatic transmission. On the other hand, when the driver tries to accelerate to “hundreds,” the car noisily and diligently picks up speed, but does it within 11.3 seconds. For a car that weighs just over a ton, this isn't the greatest driving dynamics. This figure will improve if you choose a manual transmission, but only slightly.

Advantages and off-road test drive

As often happens, the disadvantage is balanced by the advantage. In this case, the sluggish dynamics are partly compensated by good steering. Engineers from Hyundai took from the Elantra not only the suspension and multimedia, but also the steering wheel, which is really cool. It looks expensive, with tides, leather and stitching. Control is assigned to it on-board computer, media and phone control. Speakerphone Cret has it too. It cannot be said that “zero” is expressed very clearly here, but the fact that the load increases with increasing speed is very pleasant. And all because there is an electric amplifier. In entry-level or single-wheel drive versions, the buyer receives a hydraulic booster, and in more expensive all-wheel drive versions with a 2-liter engine, an electric power steering wheel.

As a result, the crossover behaves understandably on the road. When turning, it allows you to maintain the planned trajectory without steering and even feel some feedback from the front axle. Therefore, driving a car is easy and comfortable.

However, if you are looking not for comfort, but for the limits of the little Creta’s capabilities, then you should leave the asphalt and move closer to the wild, which can be countered by 190 mm of ground clearance, not the worst geometry and the ability to forcefully lock the clutch. During the test drive, which took place on rocky terrain, the Creta performed well.

Conclusions for those who intend to buy a Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta crossover turned out to be quite nice, well equipped, with a decent interior and clear steering. At the same time, it definitely lacks dynamics, energy-intensive suspension on bad roads and cruise control. The most important thing to remember when trying to evaluate the Hyundai Creta is that it is a budget car. Its price is 749,900 rubles for the basic configuration. And 1,159,900 rubles for the top one. This is cheaper than the mid-spec Ford Focus and significantly cheaper than the entry-level Skoda Yeti. There is something to think about. Undoubtedly, based on the totality of its characteristics, Creta is capable of being liked. It seems that Hyundai managed to make a car that in Russia can repeat the success of Solaris.

Hyundai Greta dimensions

• Length: 4270 mm;
• Width: 1780 mm;
• Height: 1630 cm;
• Wheelbase: 2590 mm;
• Ground clearance: 190 mm.

Crash test Hyundai Creta

Which is better: Renault Captur or Hyundai Greta?

Crossovers and mini-crossovers are becoming extremely popular in the CIS countries: it’s convenient to park, curbs and holes are not so scary. One of the benchmark representatives in this class is the Hyundai Creta. This car received high marks among motorists. Since 2016, this model has been increasingly sold on domestic market. Is this car worth buying? Detailed review Hyundai Greta 2018 will help answer this question.

Main competitors

Among cars of this class, Greta has quite a lot of competitors, most of which are also popular in the CIS. Among them it is worth noting:

• Renault Captur. The car is ideal in terms of price-quality ratio. A mini-crossover with a specific design has been conquering Russian roads for more than 5 years;
• Nissan Terrano. One of the most available cars in its class, which has a decent interior and comfort. It is noteworthy that the Terrano is based on the Renault Duster;
• Kia Soul. South Korean car, which can very often be found on our roads, especially in small towns. The original design is combined with high reliability;
• Ford Kuga. Roomy car, adapted for Russian roads and with good handling.
• Suzuki Vitara. A more expensive Japanese analogue that is highly reliable.

Direct competitors of the Hyundai Creta include Renault Kaptur, Suzuki Vitara and Renault Duster

Options and prices

The 2018 Creta has a huge variety of trim levels, and there are some nice additions, which allow cars to compete with other equally well-known companies.

Start package

The initial cost is 800,000 thousand rubles. For this price the owner receives:

• A six-speed manual transmission, as well as a 1.6-liter engine with a power of 123 hp, front-wheel drive;
• Power windows front and rear;
• Audio system with support for MP3 format;
• Adjustable power steering wheel and the ability to adjust the seat height to suit you;
• Stabilization system and assistance when starting uphill and on descent;
• Two front airbags;
• Sensor showing tire pressure;
• Ability to talk on the phone using Hands-Free.

Such equipment cannot be called meager, because the very minimum that is required for comfortable driving, present. For drivers who are more demanding of their car in terms of safety and comfort, the Active and Comfort Plus trim levels are suitable.

Active package

Starts from 900,000 thousand rubles. Unlike Start, this includes options such as:

• Heated mirrors, seats, air conditioning;
• Central locking controlled remotely;
• By paying another 50,000, you can order a six-speed automatic transmission, but the powerful engine for Greta is not provided in this configuration.

Comfort Plus package

The starting price starts from 1,019,000 rubles. The required options are:

• Aluminum wheels;
• Parktronic;
• Climate control function;
• Adaptive headlights with fog lights;
• Six airbags.

To get four wheel drive vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will have to add another 130,000 rubles, or only 50,000 if you want a front-wheel drive automatic.

Even in the most budget crossover configuration there is assistance when climbing uphill

Thus, a Creta with a two-liter engine and a capacity of 149 horsepower will cost 1,129,000 rubles, and for all-wheel drive you will have to pay another 80,000.

Technical characteristics and dimensions of Hyndai Creta

Greta has the following weight, dimensions and capacity:

• Length - 4270 mm;
• Width - 1780 mm;
• Height - 1630 mm;
• Wheelbase - 2590 mm;
• Ground clearance - 190 mm;
• Curb weight - 1377 kg;
• Front track width - 1557 mm;
• Rear track width - 1570 mm;
• Wheel size - 205 / 65 / R16;
• Trunk volume 402 l;
• Fuel tank volume - 55 l;

From March 2017, the Creta became available with all-wheel drive and a 1.6 liter engine. Before this, 4x4 could only be purchased with a two-liter engine.

The official Hyundai website offers a choice of 8 colors, including metallic silver and brown

This car has two gasoline engines:

• 1.6 liters and 123 horsepower. It is available in both manual and automatic transmissions;
• 2.0 liter with 149 horsepower. Equipped exclusively with an automatic transmission.

Dynamics and fuel consumption

The owners of this model note that for its dimensions and Creta engine has quite acceptable fuel consumption per 100 km. Speaking in numbers, the data is as follows:

• 1.6 liter engine - approximately 8-8.5 liters in the city, 6-6.5 liters on the highway;
• 2.0 liter engine – about 10-12 liters, on the highway it rarely exceeds 8 liters.

For urban conditions, especially in heavy traffic, the simplest engine is ideal - it will be more economical.

10.7 seconds - this is exactly how long it takes for a Hyundai Creta with a 2.0 AT engine to reach a speed of 100 km/h

Safety

IN basic configuration Hyndai Creta equipped with two airbags versus six in more top-end configurations. It is this factor that often influences the choice of configuration. After all, this car is mainly bought as a family car, and the safety of passengers in this case is an important indicator.

Even in the starting configuration there is a system directional stability and ABS. This is already a standard for foreign cars, especially in this price range. More expensive versions will have parking sensors available.

Rich trim levels include six airbags

Speaking in hard numbers, the results of a car crash test have the following meanings:

• Head – 5 (out of 5);
• Chest – 4 (out of 5);
• Neck – 2 (out of 2);
• Shin – 3.23 (out of 4);
• Hips – 2 (out of 2).

These are indicators of a frontal impact with 100% overlap. The condition of the mannequins sitting in front was assessed.

For passengers sitting in the rear, the indicators are as follows:

• Chest – 0.39 (out of 1);
• Neck – 0.05 (out of 0.2);
• Head – 0.8 (out of 0.8);

Interior and exterior

External and internal mode of transport is an integral criterion that almost all car owners pay attention to. Creta is quite balanced in this regard.

Salon overview

Regarding interior decoration and execution, then for the price it’s difficult to find fault with anything. Sitting in a car for the first time, you have the feeling that you are in a Hyndai Solaris. But there are two fundamental differences - Greta is more massive, and this can be felt even inside, and the driver also feels much more confident.

Hyundai Creta, even for a crossover of its size, is a very roomy car

The front panel is a bit harsh, but all its elements are located in intuitive places, and it’s convenient to switch and turn all the levers. The creators did not cheat and hide the necessary options in the most unusual places.

The seats are comfortable, although a little narrow, so three plump, tall people in the back will feel cramped. If we take into account regular trips with the family, then these seats are more than enough.

The front panel of the car has a simple design, and all auxiliary switches are located in intuitive places

The initial trunk volume is 402 liters, but the rear seats can be folded down and you get a confident 1,396 liters.

If folded rear seats, then the volume of the trunk will more than triple

Appearance overview

In appearance, Greta resembles a slightly stripped-down Santa Fe - indeed, there are many similarities between these cars in terms of appearance.

Car wheels are painted in silver Platinum color

Excellent assembly, no gaps, and all parts fit perfectly. Owners love that the headlights and grille blend with the curves of the body, complementing each other.

It’s hard to find fault with the car’s appearance: it has both an aggressive appearance and features of a family car.

If you look from the side, then rear windows are beveled, which gives the car a sportier and more aggressive appearance.

Video review of Hyundai Greta

Test drive Hyundai Creta

Conclusion: advantages and disadvantages

U of this car It has both its advantages and minor disadvantages. The first include:

• Excellent suspension, which is ideal for Russian roads;
• Spacious interior, making the car ideal for a small family;
• The braking system works great and has excellent pedal response;
• Even in the starting configuration, the car will be well equipped;
• Acceptable fuel consumption in the city and on the highway.

The disadvantages include the following:

• In places where there are paint chips, owners complain of rust;
• Sometimes the plastic panel creaks, especially in the heat, when the interior is very hot;
• Small glove compartment capacity;

Many compare Greta with Duster, and it is logical - the cars are really similar in many ways, if you do not take into account the appearance. It’s worth saying right away that Renault is more suitable for those who often travel off-road and arrange out-of-town trips. For the city and comfortable ride with several passengers, the Creta would be preferable - it is more spacious.

Summing up, we can conclude that the Hyndai Creta received the title “Car of the Year” quite deservedly, and indeed, the price tag justifies the expectations of the owners. It's nice that in this price segment cars are becoming more reliable and pleasant to look at. More and more Russian motorists are giving preference to South Korean cars, because they are often head and shoulders above their direct competitors, and at the same time are affordable for the middle class. Hero this review I confirmed this with my own example.