Next-gen Hyundai ix25: We reminisce

Hyundai has begun road-testing its new ix25 SUV with the first pictures coming from Korea. This new SUV will be a replacement for the Hyundai Creta (sold as ix25 in some markets like China) and was first shown at the recent Shanghai Auto show 2018.



The model spotted in Korea seems to be a variant or two below the top-spec trim, thanks to the missing sunroof and contrast paint like the one seen on the show floor display.


The new Hyundai ix25 gets a more rounded look as opposed to an angular design on the previous gen SUV. Upfront, the new Hyundai ix25 gets a massive cascade grille, similar to the one seen on the Hyundai Venue compact SUV (launched May 21) and on the full-size Hyundai Palisade SUV that is sold abroad. It gets a split headlight design with slim LED lamps placed on the top of the main headlamps (with projector units and LED daytime running lamps) that are placed in a separate unit a bit lower on the front bumper. The front bumper gets a separate set of fog lamps on each corner that is divided by a faux skid plate that adds to its SUV look


On the side, the new Hyundai ix25 (Creta replacement for some markets) gets a rather plain look with almost no character lines except the one running from the rear fender across to the rear door. The wheel arches on the new ix25 are squared off and the model continues to come with subtle cladding running across its side along with some faux aluminum trim below the doors. The new ix25 gets similar diamond cut alloys like the Venue however the size could be a tad larger.


Just like the front styling, the new ix25 gets a split-setup for the taillamps as well. There is a strip of LED lights running across the width of the car with separate units for brake and turn signals placed below. The shape of the main taillamps do resemble the ones on the latest-gen Mahindra XUV500 that is sold in India.

On the inside, the ix25 shown in China was loaded with a much more premium interior than the outgoing SUV. A large touchscreen infotainment system, seamlessly flowing to the centre console making the dashboard almost devoid of buttons. This also confirms that most of the functions like HVAC will be managed via the touch screen. The model also gets a flat-bottom steering wheel with subtle does of faux brushed aluminum to give a sporty feel. Higher variants are also expected to come with paddle shifters and even cooled seats along with an electronic parking brake.

While the styling of the ix25 SUV which will replace the Creta in some markets does look a bit radical, the actual Creta replacement for India is expected to get slightly different (read toned down) styling when the model comes to India in future. Expect the India-spec Creta to be powered by BS-VI compliant 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines that will make debut first on the refreshed Hyundai Verna.


As reported by us last year, the next-gen Creta will come in not one but two seating configurations. The five-seat model will come first, sometime around next year and the seven-seat iteration will join a little later.

If you’re looking for an affordable SUV, like the used Hyundnai ix35, simply check out the range at Group 1 Hyundai.



Article source: https://carcraziness.postach.io/post/hyundai-accent-offers-high-content-low-price

Refreshed Hyundai Creta is not just for squares

Refreshed Hyundai Creta is not just for squares


With buckets of torque, it will cruise at 130km/h all day.

Calling really, really old people, who still know what hippies were.

Remember anything that happened during 1986? Neither does this writer, but Google assures me that year saw a hit song from Huey Lewis and the News called Hip to Be Square.



The rock song, written by Bill Gibson, Sean Hopper and Huey Lewis, appeared on seven-inch vinyl, courtesy of Chrysalis Records and reached No 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

According to Huey Lewis, the song was hugely misconstrued by conservative people who flocked to buy it. “It was meant to be ironic and never intended as an anthem for square people.

They were unable to see the irony of them buying it, because they were square to begin with,” he said.

Apparently Lewis considered the widely misunderstood messages of the song one of the biggest regrets of his career.

We can offer Huey some solace. Certainly his masterpiece was misunderstood, but it did predict the launch of a car, many years later, in 2018.

We speak of the new Hyundai Creta SUV, which we drove two weeks ago. On seeing the vehicle, we immediately noticed “its hips do be square”.



Hyundai’s press release says the new Creta’s exterior makeover includes “a new cascade grille with a chrome bezel, a front bumper with dual-tone finish and skid plates, tweaked tail lamps with LED inserts, repositioned reflectors and redesigned rear skid plate”.

We know nothing about such sophisticated stuff, but we could tell “its hips do be square”.

Look at the photographs – surely, you come to the same conclusion? Which should not detract from the Hyundai Creta’s worth.

It is a solidly built, well appointed small Sports Utility Vehicle, ready to wage sales war in a tough South African market segment.

The test vehicle was the Creta 1.6 Executive Turbodiesel Automatic, powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine, married to a six-speed automatic gearbox.




It delivers 94kW of power at 4 000rpm, and 260Nm of torque at 2 750pm, all relayed to the front wheels. This does not make it a motorsport proposition in any way – acceleration is subdued, accompanied by a distinctive diesel clatter.

In traffic it felt as if the body was too heavy for the engine’s capabilities.

But the Creta does have buckets of torque and it will cruise at 130km/h all day, with just more than 2 300rpm on the clock.

The front suspension boasts a McPherson strut with gas dampers, with the rear depending on a torsion beam axle, all sitting on 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Creta is also equipped with ABS brakes and Electronic Braking Distribution.

We did not attempt to corner violently, but found it had slight understeer during sudden directional changes.

Inside, apart from plenty of room for five adults, standard features include leather seats, leather-cladded steering wheel, multi-function remote controls for Bluetooth connections, sound and radio system, plus an eight inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system.



Convenience features include rear air vents, a rear armrest with cup holders and cruise control, rear park assist sensors and a reverse camera.

Safety features include front and side airbags for driver and passenger plus curtain airbags for rear passengers. We were slightly disappointed when the test vehicle returned an overall fuel consumption figure of 8.6 l/100km.

On the other hand, we did not drive it in a fuel-efficient manner so a lighter right foot would probably return better figures.


Verdict.

A well appointed SUV ready for tough market segment.

To test drive the Hyundai Creta and come to your own verdict - simply book online at Group 1 Hyundai.



Article source: https://citizen.co.za/motoring/motoring-car-road-tests/2023984/refreshed-hyundai-creta-is-not-just-for-squares/