It is not often that you get invited to a launch that is introducing not one but two vehicles at once but Hyundai have just shown that it can be done with the local launch of the Creta and STARIA bus.
Let us begin with the Creta
The Creta SUV model is one of the popular picks from the Hyundai portfolio, which holds a significant share/impact in terms of being present in the list of best-selling SUVs in the market. The Creta is more or less responsible for ensuring a brilliant position as the fourth-best vehicle manufacturer in terms of passenger market share in the month of August 2026 year-to-date.
When asked about the undeniable friction caused by the vast Chinese entrants and how Hyundai is going to keep pace in the market, Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, said they are very comfortable and confident knowing that there is already an established dealer network ready to assist, an available parts supply should something go wrong, and a history of robust, reliable vehicles that are backed by a market-leading service plan and warranty setup.
Looks of the Hyundai Creta
So then, with the specifics on the table, it is quite clear that the vehicle has a reputation to uphold. So, first impressions should be good. The first set of big news is that, for the first time, the new Hyundai Creta now wears the N-Line badge, which replaces the outgoing top-of-the-range Matte Edition to gain a more sporty aesthetic.
Starting up front, the vehicle is more modern as it gains a redesigned front fascia that highlights the inclusion of a full front light bar that connects the two new LED daytime running lights, which feature a new Hyundai lighting signature with cascading indicator light signals. Below the light bar are the new main beams, which sit separately from the above-placed light bar and DRL combination. The lights flank a new, more boxy bumper redesign and a cleaner grille, as opposed to the bigger grille found on the previous model.
The vehicle measures 4330 mm in length, 1790 mm in width, 1620 mm in height and has a 190mm of ground clearance making it slightly bigger than the outgoing model. Side profile attributes consist of a new set of wheel designs to choose from, like the 18-inch alloy wheels with a multi-spoke design found in the N Line . Cladding for the wheel arches and side skirting ensures a sense of practicality and peace of mind for paint protection should you travel on semi-gravel terrain.
The rear also gains a complete overhaul in terms of appearance, featuring a similar light bar setup that encases not only the lights but also the actual badge. This effectively addresses the previous model's cluttered rear light placement, which wasn't our favorite to look at. More changes extend lower down to the redesigned bumper that integrates a contrasting black accent and, of course, the appearance of real exhaust outlets that occasionally let out a pop on a rev.
The interior is updated where it needed to be
The biggest change in the cabin would have to be located on the car's dashboard. Here, you have a new integrated curvilinear panel that houses dual 10.25-inch HD displays for the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment. The top-of-the-range N Line gains some more unique features, like red piping, as well as an exclusive N Line-specific 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel featuring paddle shifters, red accents, and an N-branded gear knob.
What's under the bonnet of the Creta
Under the hood sits a 1.5L petrol engine that produces 117 kW and 253 Nm, which will be pushed to the front wheels via an IVT or a DCT on the N Line models. It was announced at the launch that the first incoming units will only be available with an automatic transmission, as the brand is likely to introduce manual transmissions next year.
Questions of whether Hyundai would be introducing another engine option with NEV adoption were quickly dismissed as Stanley stated that there is a fully electric Creta in some markets, but it would be too expensive to introduce in our market. He further emphasized that the ICE adoption rate is very strong and still unlikely to decline anytime soon.
What is the price of the Creta?
It is important to note that from launch the Hyundai Creta will launch with just two variants to choose from in the form of the entry level Premium and the top of the range N Line.
Premium IVT Creta : R434,900
N Line DCT Creta : R569,900
It is worth noting that the top of the range offering is R44,000 cheaper than the outgoing 2024 model. Both models come with a 7-year/200,000 km manufacturer’s warranty, 4-year/60 000 km service plan as well as 7-year/150 000km roadside assistance, giving buyers greater peace of mind and improved predictability when budgeting for their vehicle.
The Hyundai STARIA also made a debut with a slight refresh
Buses do not usually receive a nip and tuck, and when it does come about, it is usually a minor update or change to things like the powertrain, interior equipment, and body style variations.
Changes are minimal and require someone in the know to spot, starting at the front where there has been a revision of the light bar fixture, a redesign for the lower grill segment, and just a touch on the lights now available on the top of the range Luxury models. The rear has gained nothing but translucent lighting signatures, which are red in the pre-facelift models.
The STARIA retains its torquey 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder R2.2 VGT turbodiesel engine. This unit produces a 130 kW and 430 Nm and gears are handled by a 8-speed automatic that dishes out power to just the front wheels of the MPV.
The interior of the STARIA upgrades on infotainment and ergonomics
Hyundai is intentional about their upgrades, and the only really noticeable change experienced in the interior space is the update of the infotainment screen as well as the driver's display. STARIA owners will now have a 12.3-inch screen for both the driver and center display ; however, ergonomics have improved because on higher-spec models, one is opened up to the availability of Shift-by-Wire, which moves the location of the gear knob from the center console to behind the new multifunctional steering wheel that does away with Hyundai badging in exchange for three dots.
There are five derivatives in the Hyundai STARIA line-up and the pricing is as follows:
- Hyundai STARIA 2.2 3-seater Panelvan priced at R719 900
- Hyundai STARIA 2.2 9-seater Executive Bus AT priced at R959 900
- Hyundai STARIA 2.2 11-seater Executive Bus AT priced at R969 900
- Hyundai STARIA 2.2 9-seater Elite Bus AT priced at R1099 900
- Hyundai STARIA 2.2 9-seater Luxury Bus AT priced at R1324 900
A 7-year/200 000km manufacturer’s warranty, 7-year/105 000km service plan for the Luxury, a 6-year/90 000km service plan for Executive and Elite, 7-year/150 000km roadside assistance are included.
Is this all that is happening with the Hyundai brand in Mzansi?
Not at all, Mr. Anderson did acknowledge that it had been about 15 months since Hyundai had a launch , but he promised that there had been troops on the ground working to ensure that there is progress and advancement in terms of models on offer to appeal to a wider audience and increase market share. Hyundai announced the pending local introduction of the Stargazer ; this is a 7-seater MPV vehicle that will look to put up a fight with already prominent choices in the segment, like the Toyota Rumion, Renault Triber, or even the Mitsubishi Xpander.