Friday, April 14, 2023

The Hyundai Creta B-Segment compact SUV will be launched soon! Now open for booking



Hyndai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has announced that  they have officially opened the order books for the Hyundai Creta compact B-segment SUV at all its authorised sales outlets throughout Malaysia as well as on its online booking platform Cl!cktoBuy (https://www.hyundai.com.my/clicktobuy/). 

From the HSDM provided link, you can see that the Malaysian specified 2023 onwards Hyundai Creta will be front wheel drive and powered by the Smartstream 1.5liter petrol engine that makes 115ps and 143.8Nm torque. Decent enough for an urban compact SUV. It will also be specced with 17inch 215/60 series tyres and able to hit 0-100kmh in 12seconds and hit 170kmh. About right for something that makes that much power.

Anyway, this is an interesting little SUV. Having seen the Creta first hand over in Indonesia when I went for a holiday there in January I would say that it is an interestingly styled little SUV. The waffle cut pattern front grille which are paired to now familiar lighting set up up front makes it look quite modern and there are many character lines on the sides and also the rear which try to make this entry level SUV a little more interesting to look at. from all angles. I think in terms of styling, Hyundai has designed the Creta quite well based on its humble design requirements - which is a subcompact Crossover SUV for emerging markets. 

Hyundai calls the Creta's front end the Parametric Jewel front end, where its LED daytime running lights are ‘hidden’ within the prominent grille. At night, the daytime running lights combine with the bumper-mounted LED projector headlamps to create a visual signature that’s stunning and unmistakably current and contemporary in terms of its styling.


On the interior Malaysia is getting pretty high specs as usual (seriously, no entry level spec sells here and car makers know it)., Notable features include a 10.25-inch TFT LCD cluster, an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and no less than four selectable drive modes that emphasise the versatility of the Creta’s character. So there are some thingamabobs that the driver can select and keep himself occupied while driving.

In terms of safety features, the Creta comes standard with six airbags and a comprehensive Hyundai SmartSense suite of active safety features, including Forward and Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning and High Beam Assist – all of which contribute to its full five-star New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) safety rating.

“With so much practicality and space contained within a compact footprint, it’s not difficult to see why SUVs continue to rise in popularity, both globally and in Malaysia. The Hyundai Creta illustrates this perfectly, and we look forward to giving Malaysians more choices in the realm of SUVs upon its introduction, which is just around the corner.” said Sime Darby Motors Managing Director of Retail and Distribution for Malaysia Mr Jeffrey Gan.

“The Hyundai Creta targets the young as well as the young-at-heart with its distinctive combination ofcontemporary design, connected technology and comprehensive active safety features. Optimised for the Asia-Pacific market, this B-segment SUV also offers the practicality, space and convenience to suit active lifestyles,” said HSDM Managing Director Mr Low Yuan Lung.

From what I can tell you, the launch will be sometime within the next few weeks. According to HSDM, more details on the new Hyundai Creta will be revealed closer to launch but you can head over to any HSDM dealership and place your bookings if you are interested. From their online web booking page, it will be in the six figure RM range. Some where in the RM120K region as a guesstimate .

No comments: