Fresh off its Thai launch last week, the new 2022 Hyundai Creta makes its public debut at the ongoing 2022 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS). The B-segment SUV is imported from Indonesia (CBU) but unlike the archipelago’s 4 variants, the Kingdom only gets 2 variants, SE and SEL.

Both variants are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol unit making 115 PS/144 Nm that is paired to a CVT automatic which Hyundai dubs IVT. Power is sent to the front wheels.

The Creta is positioned below the Kona in Hyundai’s ever-expanding SUV line-up and though both models share the same segment, the Creta is targeted towards emerging markets like Southeast Asia.

Also read: Hyundai has 10 SUVs on sale globally and 3 of them are in the same segment, here’s a guide

However, this facelift marks a debut for the Creta in most parts of the region and with Hyundai turning Indonesia into its hub for ASEAN, there’s no doubt that the Korean carmaker is eyeing the established Japanese brands’ popularity.

Also read: Hyundai launches new EV manufacturing plant in Indonesia; First CKD Ioniq 5 to roll out soon

The Creta aims squarely at the Honda HR-V in terms of pricing and features. The base SE variant starts from THB 949,000 (~RM 120k) which is only slightly cheaper than the Thai-assembled HR-V’s starting price (from THB 979,000, ~RM 123k).

Also read: All-new 2022 Honda HR-V launched in Thailand, hybrid only, from RM 123k

Both the HR-V and Creta come with ADAS and 6 airbags as standard in Thailand, though the Honda is still better equipped in terms of ADAS suite features. The Creta’s SmartSense is only a partial suite with no adaptive cruise control (ACC) while this feature is available on the HR-V’s Honda Sensing.

Aside from the safety features, the Thai-spec Creta comes standard with:

• 10.25-inch full LCD instrument cluster
• Leather seats
• Automatic A/C
• Wireless charger
• Rear A/C vents
• 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• 6 speakers

Meanwhile, the higher SEL variant starts at THB 999,000 (~RM 126k) and adds a panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting for the cabin. This is still less than the other two variants of the HR-V, the EL variant (THB 1,100,000 or about RM 137k) and the RS (THB 1,200,000 or about RM 149k).

Also read: Hyundai Creta launched in Thailand – RM 119k, 7 seats rumour quashed, not any cheaper than 2022 Honda HR-V

Whether the Creta can bring out a good fight against the HR-V will depend on the Thai’s perception of Hyundais. Japanese and more recently, Chinese brands have remained a favourite among Thais when it comes to purchasing cars.

Also read: Honda CR-V outsold by not 1, but 2 Chinese SUVs in Thailand in Oct 2021!

Back home, the Creta’s Malaysian debut is still up in the air and Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors (HSDM) is likely to make the all-new Tucson as its upcoming model launch. Still, we can’t quite shun off the Creta’s local chances just yet as the model is Hyundai’s regional product that caters to developing markets, which includes Malaysia.

Also read: It appears as if the Hyundai Creta is coming to Malaysia to stir some trouble in the B-segment

Live photos from BIMS 2022 courtesy of AutoFun TH