Test drive the new Hyundai Creta 2.0 AWD on Altai mountain roads. Below, he talks about his impressions after the all-wheel drive crossover test.

I press the start button of the 2.0-liter engine - and in response, silence. Only the tachometer needle jumps to the idle speed mark, indicating an excellent level of vibration protection, the same as with the 1.6 engine. True, during dynamic acceleration, the older engine sounds louder than the base engine at high revs, while it does not like others.

The first reaction to gas is lively, but then the fuse dries up: you increase the fuel supply while driving at speed, and the result is modest. Are there exactly 150 forces here? The six-speed "automatic" is good for the budget segment: in the modern spirit, it actively blocks the torque converter. The switches are soft, and one can only complain about a second delay in the transitions down, sometimes too active, two steps at a time.

Isn't that why the consumption of gasoline (thanks at least that the "ninety-second") turns out to be rather big? For 350 "route" kilometers along the Chuysky tract, the onboard computer counted 9.5 l / 100 km, because with each overtaking, motor weakness provokes to squeeze all the juice out of the engine. And this is when the air conditioner is off (the weather in Altai allows it) and even more energy-consuming heating of the seats, steering wheel, windshield ...

Hyundai Creta 2.0 on a test drive just as pleases with a lightweight steering wheel in a parking lot, like its low-volume sister, but at high speeds the electric booster provides greater transparency. A heart-to-heart conversation with this chassis is only slightly insincere, but the vast majority of buyers-interlocutors will be satisfied.

One thing is embarrassing: after returning to Moscow, it turned out that the test cars were shod with non-standard Hankook tires instead of Chinese-made Nexen tires. So, I will not rush to the conclusion that on 17-inch tires Greta holds on to the asphalt better and reacts a little more accurately to the steering wheel.

But the ride is worse. A car with a 1.6 engine (and I was once again convinced of this in Altai) is only a little harsh, but in general it drives very collected and thoroughbred. The suspension of the two-liter version is squeezed in the midrange, most likely due to the fact that with all the options the car is heavier than a centner by one and a half. It turns out that the warped, "humped" asphalt on a long journey begins to tire.

Swallowing shock absorbers provoke not to dump the speed on the country road, but the AWD all-wheel drive from the Tucson crossover, as we remember, is prone to overheating of the rear wheel clutch. The Creta is 130 kg lighter, and in any case, on the rocky shores of the Katun, the clutch did not express any displeasure. The button for its forced locking is fixed in the pressed position, the Lock light is on at any speed - just look at the instructions, and you feel deceived: in fact, the clutches are compressed only to 30 km / h. Well, at least, there is a blockage in general, as well as a downhill assistance system.

Vadim Gagarin from auto.mail.ru conducted a comparative test between Hyundai Greta and Renault Kaptur to find out which of these SUVs is preferable. The main thoughts of the author of the test drive are given below.

A two-liter Creta can also be bought in a front-wheel drive version, saving 80 thousand rubles on this. The top-engined Kaptur, on the other hand, is offered with four-wheel drive only. Therefore, the Frenchman starts quite slowly from a place (although the characteristics assure that it accelerates to a hundred faster than Crete), and the box sometimes jerks when switching.

Before overtaking, it is better to go down a step in manual mode, and on the track such a Kaptur frustrates with increased crankshaft revolutions. Which, however, does not affect the acoustic comfort in any way - a very quiet car! Greta's strong point is the six-speed automatic, available for either of the two engines (1.6 and 2.0). But not only because of this, it rushes forward, like a stung - typical for Hyundai, the first response to the gas pedal is too harsh.

And it gets in the way in traffic jams or when trying to fit into a tight parking space - as if not to be in a neighbor's bumper! Otherwise, there are no complaints about the power unit, although the box is trying with all its might to stay at the higher stages and when overtaking or accelerating, you have to press the pedal until the kickdown. The most surprising thing is that the fuel consumption in urban conditions for crossovers was the same: 11.5-11.7 l / 100 km. But if it is necessary to fill Kaptur with "95" gasoline, then Creta is certified for the use of the 92nd.

In general, Hyundai Creta is good on city streets - it has much better visibility, especially forward, a light steering wheel that women will definitely like, and it is not afraid of turns. With Renault everything is the other way around - shocks from irregularities in the arc are transmitted to the "tight" steering wheel, and "KamAZ" can hide behind the thick front struts.

But the more difficult the conditions, the better for Capture! During the test days, the roads were covered with snow, but even on standard all-season Pirelli Scorpion Verde tires, the car is easily felt (thanks to the power steering!) And clings well to the surface. And as soon as that - ESP will delicately enter the case. Very transparent behavior! But the main thing is the fantastic smoothness of the ride on bad roads. Pits, potholes, primer - nothing at all!

Hyundai feels more shaky and fidgety, and those who thought of changing the shoes of the Cretu into a Sava Eskimo Ice spike should be deprived of the premium - and the point is not only that the spikes in it, it seems, are only for decoration, but they also hum unpleasantly , which only emphasizes the poor sound insulation of the wheel arches.

Together with a 1.6 liter engine.

Scene: Kolomna, Russia.

Impressions: in the eight months since the start of sales, owners have acquired more than 35,000 Hyundai Creta crossovers. This made the car one of the leaders in the crossover segment in Russia. Hyundai is not resting on its laurels and is making available all-wheel drive to further interest customers. From now on, all drive wheels are offered not only with a 2.0-liter engine (149.6 hp), but also with a 1.6-liter engine (121 hp). The version can be chosen with both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic.

A car with mechanics in the Active configuration costs 969,900 rubles. The automatic version is offered in the richest Comfort Plus equipment, from 1,139,900 rubles.

Fuel consumption has increased. According to the passport, in the combined cycle the car “eats” by 0.4 / 0.5 liters more - 9.6 / 9.9 liters (data for mechanics and automatic machine). Acceleration to the first hundred is now, as expected, worse, by 0.6 / 1.0 s (12.9 / 13.1 s), and the maximum speed has dropped by two kilometers per hour. Now it is 167 km / h, however, where are you going to accelerate to them? The reason for this is the increased curb weight due to the drives. She grew by 66 kg with Crete with a mechanic and 70 kg with a gun.

The design has not changed. It is the same as on the two-liter version, as well as on the older models of the brand - Tucson and Santa Fe.

On the test, we managed to drive a car with an automatic transmission.

There was no serious off-road on the route, but it is understandable. The Creta is, first of all, an urban crossover, not a serious SUV. She cheerfully climbs a steep climb, but it is better not to meddle in the woods on it. In a track-tracked primer, the suspension felt a little too stiff. But on the steering wheel he did not feel the blows and he did not knock out of his hands. The machine was switched to manual mode - it is still more pleasant to control the thrust of the motor when overcoming steep hills.

But on the asphalt there are no complaints about the car. The smoothness of the car is excellent. I also liked the soundproofing. Even if the engine is turned up to 4000 rpm, the sound of the engine and tire noise is almost inaudible. At the same time, the automatic machine is a little thoughtful, therefore, when overtaking, I again transfer the selector to manual mode.

Perspectives: The car that successfully started on the market received a more affordable all-wheel drive version - what other questions can there be about the prospects? To buy a monoprivodnik, when for almost the same money you can buy a variant with all the presenters, you still have to contrive! And in comparison with the 2.0-liter all-wheel drive - 170 thousand odds. And this is in the affordable segment of the crossover market.

Grade: the company's goal is that every second customer chooses Cretu with four-wheel drive. With the advent of the 1.6 AWD modification, I think it is quite achievable.

Details:ЗР, 2017, No. 5.

4.02.2018

Four-wheel drive cars are especially popular with motorists. Hyundai crossovers, due to their running and operational characteristics, have proven themselves exclusively on the good side, which is why they are widespread in our country. The Hyundai Kreta drive has a complex design that ensures uniform transmission of torque from the power unit to each wheel, significantly increasing the cross-country ability and controllability of the machine in difficult road conditions (off-road, icy, etc.). This is exactly what the manufacturer claims, and Crete's numerous test drives are direct confirmation of this. Let's try to describe in detail its characteristics, operating modes, features of maintenance and elimination of possible malfunctions.

Crete Wheel Drive Systems

The technology for transmitting torque to all wheels of the crossover, called AWD Dynamax, has the following modes of operation:

1. Automatic - when turned on, the Creta 1.6 4WD four-wheel drive remains deactivated. The engine torque is distributed to the front wheels. The car's ECU constantly analyzes the load on the power unit, the degree of wheel slip, the behavior of the car in motion, and, if necessary, turns on the second axle, making the crossover all-wheel drive. The use of this mode is recommended on city roads.
2. Lock mode (4WD Lock) - remains activated at a speed not exceeding 30 km / h. After increasing the speed, the vehicle's ECU turns on automatic mode. The 4WD Lock is ideal for off-road and rough terrain as it transfers maximum traction to the wheels during operation.

Depending on the road conditions and the characteristics of driving, the ECU in the described modes automatically connects the all-wheel drive Hyundai Creta, if the situation requires it. For example, when driving in the cruise control mode, torque is transmitted only to the front wheels, and when entering a turn (depending on the speed and angle of maneuver), the control system evenly distributes the force to all wheels, engaging all-wheel drive. As a result, the movement is completely stabilized when entering a sharp corner at high speed. If one or both front wheels slip, the system instantly activates the rear axle. When driving in areas with poor roads, it is recommended to turn on the LOCK mode, due to which the crossover, handling and driving characteristics of the crossover are significantly increased.

Features of using all-wheel drive

For the correct functioning of the system and ensuring traffic safety, it is necessary to follow some recommendations for control. Often, the driver turns on both axles while driving on icy highways. In this case, do not press down on the accelerator and pick up speed. It is better to move at a constant, low speed. This will ensure maximum contact of the tires with the road surface. Naturally, while driving, you must constantly maintain a distance. If you need to stop, it is better to do it in a low gear without pressing the brake pedal sharply. The drive on two axles can not always provide ideal stability and controllability on slippery roads, therefore, you must always adhere to the speed limit, avoid sudden accelerations and braking, shift to a lower gear and slowly brake before entering a turn.

All-wheel drive version of Hyundai Creta

In the case when the indicator of the four-wheel drive operation is constantly on on the dashboard, while it is deactivated, you must contact the service station. It is possible that the cause of the malfunction lies in the incorrect operation of the ECU, and after flashing it, everything will work as before.

It should be emphasized that when driving in the city, it is necessary to deactivate the LOCK mode, since it is intended exclusively for areas with difficult terrain. Its use on urban highways is unacceptable, since there is a risk of damage to the transmission elements, power unit and suspension.

Despite the fact that Creta 1.6 all-wheel drive is characterized by stability in operation, automatic mode switching and high reliability, it is very susceptible to high loads. Naturally, the power transmission system to all wheels will help to overcome off-road, snow-covered plain, icy highway, but still it should not be constantly tested for strength, operating the car in conditions close to extreme. You need to understand that Creta is just a crossover, not an SUV. To a greater extent, it is intended for urban use, areas with difficult terrain and poor roads.

Cross-country ability and driving performance of Hyundai Creta 4 WD and 2WD cars

If we consider the scheme providing a four-wheel drive car, it can be noted that the design of its main units is almost identical with older versions of the crossover. In addition, most of the technical solutions were borrowed from other models of the brand - Tucson and Santa Fe. Basically, the 4WD all-wheel drive version and the 2WD front-wheel drive version perform well under any road conditions.

Numerous test drives of the crossover on areas with different terrain and lack of road surface revealed all the possibilities of this car. Creta easily gets under way, even with all its wheels in the water or on a slippery slope. The even distribution of power from the engine to the wheels, wide tires, the correct division of the body weight provides the car with excellent cross-country ability. But still, the Hyundai Creta is not a full-fledged SUV with increased cross-country ability, which is why it is not recommended to constantly operate it with an increased load directly on the all-wheel drive system. The car on tests easily overcame shallow streams ford, climbed steep climbs. Note that the model showed these indicators with both automatic and manual transmissions.

The main feature of the Creta all-wheel drive is the presence in its design of a special controlled electro-hydraulic lock-up clutch, which, simultaneously with other systems and mechanisms, can significantly increase the driving characteristics of the car in complete off-road conditions. But, in practice, things are a little different. For example, blocking the clutch does not always allow you to overcome deep, loose snow, mud, or icy road surface. And if the car gets into a rut, blocking the clutch can only exacerbate the situation.

Oddly enough, it climbs perfectly on snowy or slippery long climbs. In many ways, in addition to intelligent control of the distribution of power to all wheels, this is facilitated by the presence of other useful systems:

• electronic differential lock mechanism;
• traction control system.

If necessary, all of the listed systems can be disabled if this action is really justified.

Hyundai Creta in the maximum configuration

Previously, it was possible to buy an all-wheel drive Creta only with a top-end 2-liter engine with a capacity of 150 hp. Now the Koreans have brought to the market an all-wheel drive version of the crossover with a junior 1.6-liter engine. True, its power is reduced to 121 hp. compared to the front-powered version (123 hp) - see technical data.

1.6 liter Cretu 1.6 liter 6MT 4WD Comfort with all-wheel drive can be purchased with both manual and automatic transmissions. However, with a manual transmission, Kreta is available only in the middle Active trim, costing 964.9 thousand rubles... It includes, among other things, air conditioning, heated front seats, electric and heated rear mirrors, and remote-controlled central locking.

With automatic transmission, the Hyundai Creta can be bought only in the top-end Comfort Plus configuration ( 1 million 54.9 thousand rubles), which, by the way, replaced Comfort. Among the innovations of Comfort Plus, compared to Comfort, it is worth noting lenticular headlights with static cornering illumination, "fog lights" and LED running lights. Previously, they were available for separate money as an option. However, "thanks" to the new equipment, all Comfort Plus equipment have risen in price by 20 thousand rubles.

It is expected that the share of all-wheel drive vehicles in the sales of Crete will be more than 50%, because, for example, the same Renault Captur with all-wheel drive can be purchased only with a 2-liter engine for 1 million 60 thousand rubles (manual transmission).

I will not talk about Crete's appearance for a long time, everything has already been told and shown. I'd better tell you about the changes. All-wheel drive in new versions was not enough, a new set of "Comfort Plus" was added, in comparison with the well-known "Comfort", in the new configuration there were: projection-type headlights with illumination of turns when turning the steering wheel, front fog lights and LED daytime running lights ...

Having started a test drive in the city, you cannot immediately say that you are driving a new version, only automatic 1.6 4x4 cars were provided for the test. During normal driving on a hard road, the car is driven only by the front wheels, and in heavy traffic, the difference with front-wheel drive is very difficult to feel. Having got out on the track, it became much easier to notice the changes; the very first overtaking hints at the deteriorating dynamics, the loss in acceleration to 100 km / h is 1 second, for a total of 13.1 s, so when overtaking, be more careful and calculate the maneuver in advance. Otherwise, there are no complaints about the car on the track.

But is all-wheel drive necessary for highway driving? The organizers have laid a rather difficult track, taking into account the fact that we are testing a crossover, and not a full-fledged SUV. The off-road section, by the way, is located not far from Kolomna, which made it possible to preserve the mud in a liquid form, in Moscow that day everything froze, and in the north of the region it snowed altogether. On the off-road, the lack of power was not felt at all, Kreta easily climbed steep inclines and descended them with no less ease, here already thanks to the descent assistance system. Kreta “crawls” well through puddles and ruts, very confident, even if he forgot to turn on the clutch lock. Hanging one of the 4 wheels, also unable to stop the Korean crossover, rides as long as there is a "hook" on the road tires.

Having got out of a serious off-road, I managed to ride a lot on primers, of varying degrees of death, and Kreta again struck with her suspension: it is very difficult to catch a breakdown and there is no swing, the engineers found a very successful compromise.

If we compare in absentia with the French competitors Duster or Ka tur, then they are still in the lead on the dirt road, but on good roads Hyundai Creta easily wins back and goes far ahead.

The main advantage of the new versions is, of course, the price, the version with mechanics costs from 969,900 rubles for the Active build, others are not yet offered, so 25,000 rubles will have to be paid for heating the steering wheel and rear seats, another 20,000 for improved headlights and foglights rubles. All-wheel drive Creta with a 1.6 liter engine. (121 hp) and an automatic machine in the Comfort Plus configuration is available at a price of 1 139 900 rubles, which is only 60 thousand rubles. cheaper than a similar version with a two-liter engine, which is noticeably more dynamic on the highway, and in the city with it Creta can "joke". As for the surcharge in comparison with the front-wheel drive and automatic, then the amount is already 80t.r. for a similar package.

Conclusion. The more versions, the better, undoubtedly, I personally see new Hyundai clients like this: 1.6 engine, automatic and four-wheel drive - this is a car for my beloved wife when her husband chooses this car. In winter it will not get stuck, in summer it will not accelerate much =). But the mechanics and four-wheel drive should be liked by husbands, especially in small towns, traffic jams in which, not a round-the-clock state.

The Hendevtsy themselves predict an increase in the share of all-wheel drive versions in the Kreta sales structure from the current 30% to 50%, and I believe in it. By the way, there is still a queue for Krety, 3 months of production of the St. Petersburg plant have been bought out, maybe it's time for you to get in line?