Latest news with #GrandCreta
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Used diesel seven-seater SUVs that won't break the bank
It's no secret that new cars are becoming increasingly costly. Take, for example, the MINI Cooper C 3-Door, which starts at just more than R600,000 — a substantial price for a compact car. Buyers with comparable budgets but different priorities will be encouraged to find that the used car market offers several larger and more practical alternatives. For those seeking a diesel seven-seater SUV, the pre-owned segment presents a wide range of choices. Leveraging the latest AutoTrader data, we have identified several practical, diesel-powered family haulers available for less than R600,000, combining space and capability without compromising value. 'In today's market, affordability doesn't mean settling for less. It means making smarter choices,' said AutoTrader CEO George Mienie. 'The used car segment unlocks access to spacious, reliable seven-seaters at prices that challenge the cost of smaller new models, proving that practicality and quality can go hand-in-hand without breaking the bank.' Seven-seaters don't have to be oversized With an average price of R431,240, the Hyundai Grand Creta is well-priced and powered by an efficient yet capable 1.5 l turbodiesel engine. Paired with an automatic transmission, its 80kW and 250Nm of torque provide enough muscle to move it along at a respectable pace, though not with blistering performance. Available in Executive and Elite trims, every Grand Creta is generously equipped with LED headlights, artificial leather upholstery, ISOFIX child seat anchors and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. Averaging 37,619km and a registration age of three years, it represents excellent value as a used buy for large families. Luggage space measures 180 l with seven seats in place, expanding to 1,670 l when the rear rows are folded. The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace caters to those who need more interior space. Introduced with the second-generation Tiguan, its extra row of seats adds versatility without compromising styling or appeal. Despite a lower average price of R412,534, its average mileage (111,513km) and registration age (seven years) are notably higher than the Grand Creta, reflecting its more premium positioning. Most examples feature a 2.0 l turbodiesel engine producing up to 130kW and 380Nm of torque, depending on the configuration. The 110mm longer wheelbase enhances passenger comfort and cargo capacity, with up to 1,775 l of space available. With seven seats upright the capacity is 230 l; with five seats in place it is 700 l. The turbodiesel also delivers impressive efficiency, with a claimed average fuel consumption of 6.6 l /100km. Also consider: Land Rover Discovery Sport Versatile bakkie-based seven-seaters The Toyota Fortuner, one of the country's best-selling passenger vehicles, owes its enduring appeal to a desirable blend of reliability, off-road ability, premium image and practicality. Two diesel options are offered: the 2.4 GD-6 and the more popular 2.8 GD-6, the latter delivering 150kW and 500Nm from its four-cylinder turbodiesel. A mild-hybrid version is also available, though power outputs remain unchanged. With an average price of R428,750, the Fortuner is competitively priced. However, it has one of the highest average mileage at 123,588km and an average registration age of seven years. Its arch-rival, the Ford Everest, shares its underpinnings with the Ranger bakkie. A choice of diesel engines — including a powerful biturbo 2.0 l four-cylinder — caters to a wide range of needs, from practical lower- and mid-spec variants to the luxurious Limited trim, which features additions such as power-adjustable front seats and leather upholstery. The Everest's average price of R395,987 is lower than the Fortuner's, despite matching its seven-year registration age and posting a slightly lower average mileage of 115,983km. With the second- and third-row seats folded flat, the Everest offers 2,010 l of cargo space, making it exceptionally practical when maximum loading capacity is required. Also consider: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Isuzu mu-X Road-biased seven-seaters While many think all SUVs are capable of off-roading, that's not the case. Many are considered to be soft-roaders and can tackle nothing more than a gravel road or a muddy car park. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as these models tend to offer supreme on-road refinement and comfort. Take the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe, for example. While the new versions of these models will set you back at least R999,900 and R1,249,900, respectively, the used car market has much bigger bargains. The Santa Fe can be purchased for an average price of R354,810, but with an average age of eight years consumers are looking at the 2017 model. Offered with a 2.2 l turbodiesel engine, the third-generation Santa Fe develops 145kW and 436Nm of torque, meshed to a six-speed automatic. With an average claimed fuel economy of 8 l /100km, the Santa Fe is frugal and practical, offering 2,025 l of cargo space with the second and third rows down. Its corporate cousin, the Sorento, has an average used car price of R367,255 with an average mileage of 110,756km and a registration age of eight years. The Sorento uses the same 2.2 l turbodiesel engine as the Santa Fe, and, like its Hyundai-badged counterpart, offers exceptional build quality and a comprehensive list of standard features.
The Citizen
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Hyundai Alcazar takes ‘new name' and product offering a step up
Described as a premium step-up from the Grand Creta, the Alcazar improves significantly in a number areas, while keeping the favoured turbodiesel engine. Alcazar's redesign has been so extensive so that it will be seen as a brand-new model compared to the pre-facelift model known locally as the Grand Creta. Images: Charl Bosch Although an unfamiliar name to South Africa with seemingly no connotations bar, somewhat humorously, the character of the same name in the Tintin comics, the Hyundai Alcazar is anything but new as it has been sold locally since 2022, albeit under a different name. What's in a name? Unveiled four years ago in India as a three-row version of the Creta, Hyundai South Africa's decision to align it with its sibling, produced at the same plant in Chennai, resulted in it being badged Grand Creta rather than sticking with a name local buyers might have taken a giggle to. With souring of the Creta having moved to the Cikarang facility in Indonesia three years ago though, the aligning strategy no longer applied as the pending first lifecycle update made it seem fit to drop the Grand Creta moniker and revert to Alcazar for the local market. NOW READ: Hyundai Alcazar officially priced as 'facelift' Grand Creta A move defined further by Hyundai as representing a step-up on the Grand Creta, despite it being a facelift, the arrival of what is still Hyundai's most affordable seven-seater in South Africa for the weeklong test promised much on the back of its predecessor's popularity, and main selling point, it's turbodiesel engine. Decked-out in the same Titan Grey Matte hue as the now discontinued limited run Creta Matte Edition, the test unit not only sported the 1.5-litre oil-burner underneath its bonnet, but also happened to be the flagship Elite priced at R669 900. Will be seen as new Sitting atop a range reduced to three models from the Grand Creta's five, the Elite's main exterior difference from the step-down Executive – which also continues to the offered with the normally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine as the base model – involves the new 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels compared to the former pair's 17-inches. Besides this, and viewed on first glance, the facelift touches can, in fact, be disputed as being representative of a completely new generational model as, beside the side profile, the Alcazar shares very little else with the Grand Creta. Central to this is a new bonnet, a new sealed upper grille, the same H-shaped LED headlight clusters from the Exter connected by a central light bar, wider wheel arches and a new front bumper that houses a now lower-mounted rectangular main grille plus a satin silver imitation skidplate. Not stopping there, the Alcazar's restyled rear facia involves a new bumper and integrated skidplate, H-shaped light clusters also connected by a horizontal LED light bar complete with a block letter name logo, a new tailgate and stacked light reflectors on the flanks of the bumper. Rounded off with satin silver roof rails, the Alcazar, arguably, appears better looking, more distinctive and stylish, and more premium compared to the somewhat bulbous and even divisive Grand Creta. Just as extensive, Hyundai has completely renewed the Alcazar's interior, albeit with the omittance of the new pair of 10.25-inch displays for the infotainment system as well as the digital instrument cluster. Instead, all models receive a reworked version of the Grand Creta's instrument cluster and the older eight-inch infotainment display, now equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the first time. Housed within the same 'one-piece' binnacle though, the overall design feels and looks decidedly more modern than in the Grand Creta, bolstered by the latter's ease of use and physical shortcut buttons on either side. Besides the new air vents and a storage shelf above glovebox, the centre console has been reworked to include an Audi-style LCD panel for the dual-zone climate control replete with physical toggle switches and touch-sensitive icons in place of the traditional dials. Although finished in anything but practical piano-key black, the initial concern of the setup being more form than function proved unfounded as it works easy while also being intuitive not to frustrate as the case often is. Largely neat looking and ergonomically sound, interior quality felt on the cheap side in some places and exactly the step-up from the Grand Creta Hyundai claims. What's more, the driver's seat doesn't drop low enough to accommodate taller folk, while the quality of the sound system undelivered when taking the Elite's price into consideration. More accomplished are soft and supportive imitation leather seats, the functionality of the multi-function steering wheel and straight-forward chunky buttons for the electronic handbrake, Hill Descent Control, Auto Hold and ventilated front seats. Practically-wise, the Alcazar also impresses as, apart from head-and-legroom leaving little to be desired – the former even with the standard panoramic glass roof – the second row sports a pair of nifty fold-out tables integrated into the backs of the front seats. Despite its seven seats, the third row is exclusive to children, however, entry is made easy by the second row 'tumbling forward' than simply sliding. In terms of space, the boot accommodates 180-litres with all seven seats in use, which increases to 579-litres in five-seat guise. With the middle row also down, total utility space measures 1 670-litres. Besides the features already mentioned, along with the peculiarity of only ventilated seats, the Alcazar Elite comes standard with rear window blinds, keyless entry plus push-button start, USB ports in each row, a wireless smartphone charger, folding electric mirrors and ambient lighting. Safety and driver assistance come in the form of a tyre pressure monitor, rear parking sensors, a somewhat underwhelming reverse camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist and Lane Follow Assist. As much as it had been the selling point of the Grand Creta in a largely petrol-powered and ever growing hybrid end of the market, the much vaunted 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine isn't most refined nor quietest available. Tasked with moving 1 445 kg unladen, the engine's 84kW/250Nm makes for a slightly underpowered feel similar to the still Indian made Creta tested four years ago. Slightly overcoming its initial breathlessness as the revs climb, a fair amount of engine noise still creeps into the cabin at speed, while the six-speed automatic gearbox goes about its business in a relatively slick manner. As with the Grand Creta, the Alcazar's amount of twist goes to the front wheels only, though it does offer a Terrain mode selector with three settings; Snow, Mud and Sand. On top of this, the conventional drive mode system comes with three modes of its own; Eco, Normal, Sport, the former never being engaged, and the latter seldom as the admittedly sharper throttle response sees the revs climbing too with the result of a terribly sounding strained diesel soundtrack. Equally prone to simply spinning all of the power away without going faster, Normal was selected throughout the Alcazar's seven days and eventual 409 km covered. On the move, and despite the intrusive engine noise, the slightly firm ride still feels acceptable as the suspension dampens imperfections well without sending shudders or other aftereffects throughout the cabin. Unsurprisingly, the Alcazar's main selling point delivered with an indicated best consumption figure of 5.9 L/100 km at the completion of its stay. Conclusion While not without its detractions, some disappointing considering its supposed step-up from the Grand Creta, the Hyundai Alcazar still warrants being a worthwhile improvement both aesthetically and to some extent, internally. Practical and an overall solid product that does what it says on the tin without doing anything spectacularly good or bad, it still comes across as a bit pricey against not only its immediate legacy brand rivals, but also the ever growing number of comparative Chinese products. That being said, it is still worth a second look and given South Africa's still burning love for diesel and top-spec model variants, yet another likely success story in pending for the Korean brand. NOW READ: Hyundai Alcazar has an ace up its sleeve against Chinese SUVs
The Citizen
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
PODCAST: Hyundai Alcazar counts on diesel to make an impact
The frugal Grand Creta replacement is ready to take the fight to its Chinese rivals. The Hyundai Alcazar has officially replaced the Grand Creta in the Korean carmaker's local portfolio. The seven-seater SUV slots in above the Creta and underneath the Tucson in Hyundai's SUV family. The three-model range starts at R499 900 and offers a choice of two engines. A naturally aspirated petrol mill that makes 117kW of power and 190Nm of torque and an 85kW/250Nm 1.5-litre diesel engine. Both are hooked up to six-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai Alcazar makes a Pitstop In this week's episode of The Citizen Motoring's Pitstop podcast, we take a closer look at two of the Hyundai Alcazar's main virtues. We believe the diesel engine and its seven-seat configuration give it a definite edge in a tough segment. While there are plenty of Chinese SUVs on offer at the same price point and even lower, they do not offer diesel powertrains. Oil-burners are getting few and far apart, with the recent discontinuation of the diesel Renault Duster a prime example. On paper, the Hyundai Alcazar's 85kW does not seem like a lot. But with 250Nm of torque to boot, there is no shortage of pulling power. ALSO READ: Hyundai Alcazar has an ace up its sleeve against Chinese SUVs Frugal sipper But by far the oil-burner's best attribute is its miserly fuel consumption. Hyundai claims that it will only sip 5.9 litres per 100km and it proved even more frugal during our launch drive. This is much lower compared to petrol-powered Chinese SUVs, which will make a big difference in the long run. In flagship Elite guise, the Alcazar boasts a jam-packed specification list. It features 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, rear window blinds, ventilated front seats, push-button start and LED lighting. A comprehensive set of safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, driver attention alert, forward collision avoidance assist, lane follow assist and rear cross traffic alert. The Hyundai Alcazar is sold with a seven-year/150 000km warranty and three-year/45 000km service plan.
The Citizen
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Hyundai Alcazar has an ace up its sleeve against Chinese SUVs
The Grand Creta replacement's diesel engine delivers exceptional fuel economy. One thing Hyundai just keep doing right is filling little gaps in the market with budget-friendly family cars. The Hyundai Alcazar is another of these. Replacing the Grand Creta nameplate, the Alcazar takes over as a midsize seven-seater SUV that slots in above the Creta and below the Tucson in the ever-growing range of SUVs on offer by Hyundai. Hyundai Alcazar ups the ante 'The new Hyundai Alcazar personifies our business model. To offer real value at an affordable price to buyers. We showed our intent with the recent launch of the Hyundai Exter and the recently upgraded Hyundai Tucson, where we managed to offer an even lower entry-point to the model range, while significantly upgrading our features,' says Gideon Janse van Rensburg, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa. 'The Hyundai Alcazar is not just stepping in for the Grand Creta – it is a major upgrade. For one, it comes with a lower starting price than the model it replaces, making premium family travel more accessible to South Africans,' adds Stanley Anderson, Sales and Operations Director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa. ALSO READ: Hyundai Alcazar officially priced as 'facelift' Grand Creta With the business talk out the way, what does the Hyundai Alcazar offer and drive like? You have the choice of 2.0 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that delivers 117kW of power and 191Nm of torque to go with a claimed top speed of 190km/h and a fuel consumption number said to be 7.5 litres per 100km. This engine choice is only available on the entry-level Executive spec derivative that retails for R499 900. This is cheaper than the model it replaces. A horizontal lightbar is a highlight at the rear. Picture: Hyundai Power outputs misleading The Citizen Motoring did not drive this derivative at the launch, but we did get to sample the 1.5 litre turbodiesel in top of the range Elite spec. This engine is also available in Executive spec and these two derivatives retail for R599 900 and R669 900 respectively. In a reduced and rationalised range, all three derivatives are paired with an easy shifting six-speed automatic transmission which is perfectly suited to the Hyundai Alcazar's urban, people carrying nature. Talking of which, the turbodiesel plays its part here with a power output of only 85kW that you might think is not enough. But when you add to this the 250Nm on tap, you have sufficient drive and urge for everyday type commuting. What is even better is that even though the claimed fuel consumption number is already set at a low 5.9 litres per 100km, we easily achieved less than this on the media launch drive. And this is what Hyundai is trying to hammer home. You can buy a product from another manufacturer, especially the Chinese, and the upfront price might be better, but when your new vehicle is using close on five litres more per 100km at over R20 a litre of fuel, the long-term impact of this will be felt in your pocket. ALSO READ: Facelift Hyundai Alcazar coming to South Africa not as Grand Creta Lots of creature comforts As expected at this level, you get the convenience of the second row of seats having fold-out tables (Elite only) and all three rows get USB charging. For some added practicality both rear rows fold completely flat, transforming the Hyundai Alcazar from a family SUV into a cargo hauler in seconds. The Hyundai Alcazar has a fully digital instrument cluster. Picture: Hyundai The cockpit features a high-resolution dual-screen display that keeps you connected through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It features convenient touches like wireless charging and easy-to-use climate and audio controls with physical buttons so you don't have to spend forever trying to change the aircon or audio. For safety, the Hyundai Alcazar comes equipped with six airbags, ISOFIX anchors for child seats (top and bottom), and a comprehensive suite of electronic safety systems including stability control and hill-assist features. The Elite model takes safety even further with advanced driver assistance features like blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control, all of which reduce driver fatigue on long trips and can help in preventing accidents before they happen. Hyundai Alcazar pricing Alcazar 2.0 MPI Executive AT – R499 900 Alcazar 1.5 CRDI Executive AT – R599 900 Alcazar 1.5 CRDI Elite AT – R669 900 *Pricing includes seven-year/200 000km warranty and three-year/45 000km service plan.
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
First drive of the new Hyundai Alcazar: an affordable seven-seater family SUV
The new seven-seater Hyundai Alcazar replaces the Grand Creta. Affordable seven-seater SUVs are quite a popular choice for families looking for a spacious vehicle to travel around in. If you're looking for one of these in the Hyundai stable, the Alcazar, which replaces what we knew as the Grand Creta, may be a great option worth considering. The Alcazar shares many similarities with the Grand Creta, which has now been discontinued. Interior and exterior The Alcazar measures 4560mm in length, 60mm more than the Grand Creta, and 1800mm in width, 10mm more than the Grand Creta. The height and ground clearance remain unchanged, at 1670mm and 200mm, respectively. This translates to a spacious cabin with impressive head and leg room, especially in the second row of seats. From an exterior perspective, the Alcazar is quite good-looking. Our test unit at the media launch was finished in a dark matte grey colour, which was first seen on the recently launched Creta. Hyundai noted that customers appreciated the array of matte colour options so much that they decided to include them in the Alcazar's offerings. Up front, you get the same design language as the Exter, with LED treatment given to the headlights with a signature 'H' daytime running light design. The Alcazar also includes a solid LED light bar that runs across the front. A contrasting silver lower bumper is found below the headlights. Sporty-looking two-tone diamond cut alloy wheels are also on duty, with the rear featuring LED technology for the taillamps along with an LED lightbar too. Hyundai has also incorporated 'Alcazar' badging within the light bar unit for a sophisticated look and feel. Inside, the Alcazar boasts a leather-wrapped multi-functional steering wheel. Behind it is a digital instrument cluster, which is the same as other Hyundai models we're familiar with.
