Hyundai Creta 2023 launched in Malaysia – B-SUV with 1.5L NA CVT, SmartSense, wireless AACP; RM149,888
The B-SUV market, one of the most competitive in Malaysia, today welcomed a new competitor. Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has officially launched the Hyundai Creta 2023. CBU imports from Indonesia, Cretaceous upgrade powered by a 1.5 liter naturally aspirated engine and priced at RM149,888 on-road excluding insurance.
What do you get for the money? Please check. At 4,315 mm long and 1,790 mm wide, Creta has similarly sized legroom Honda HR-WORLD (70 mm longer) and a 2,610 mm wheelbase in line with popular Honda standards. Having the ‘regular B-SUV’ size means Creta is bigger than the stable friend Konalike a European-flavored crossover.
Creta’s trunk has a fairly large volume of 416 liters, slightly larger than Beads X50‘s 330L and Perodua Ativais 380L. When folding the rear seats in the ratio of 60:40, the capacity increases to 1,384 liters. Wheels are 17-inch (rare one-tone wheels these days) with Kumho Solus 215/60 rubber and there’s a large steel spare wheel under the trunk floor.
Creta’s design is no longer generic, offering something for those who want to be different. The Korean company now has two alternate company faces – one is ‘Staria style’ with full-width LED signature and square mouth (also used on sedans) and the other is the Parametric Gem look as seen above SUV Tucson And Santa’s truck. Creta features the latter, with LED daytime running lights hidden in the grille. The separate taillights and silver rear pillars are very unique.
“The Hyundai Creta is aimed at people who crave individuality, want to stand out and break away from the norm. The Sensuous Sportiness design language gives it unmistakable presence and style. At the same time, it is packed with all the technological and convenience features to perfectly complement an active daily lifestyle,” said Jeffrey Gan, Sime Darby Motors Malaysia Retail and Distribution Manager.
Under the hood is a 1.5-liter Smartstream G naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that produces 115 hp and 144 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. Torque is sent to the front wheels via an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT, Hyundai’s term for CVT) with paddle shifters. There are four selectable driving modes at the driver’s discretion – Eco, Normal, Sport and Smart. 0-100 km/h is done in 12 seconds and the top speed is 170 km/h.
There’s only a single spec called the Plus and it comes with extras like a 10.25-inch digital control panel; 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and voice recognition; single-zone automatic air conditioning with rear air vents; keyless entry and push-button start; and electronic handbrake with automatic hold function.
Safety wise, the Creta comes with six airbags and Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of active safety features. This package includes Forward Collision Avoidance Assist and Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Vehicle Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Warning. Safe exit and Headlight Assist. This SUV has five stars in ASEAN NCAP crash test. There are also two Isofix child seat mounts.
Again, the Hyundai Creta 2023 is priced at RM149,888 and the HSDM includes a free extended warranty for 5 years or 300,000 km, as well as a free 3-year/50,000 km service for the first 150 buyers. Color options include the Galaxy Blue Pearl, Titan Gray Metallic, Midnight Black Pearl, Creamy White Pearl, and the signature Dragon Red Pearl you see here. What do you think of Creta’s looks and package?
